The Mexican American author Gary Soto draws on his own experience of growing up in Californias Central Valley in this finely crafted collection of eleven short stories that reveal big themes in the small events of daily life. Crooked teeth, ponytailed girls, embarrassing grandfathers, imposter Barbies, annoying brothers, Little League tryouts, and karate lessons weave the colorful fabric of Sotos world. The smart, tough, vulnerable kids in these stories are Latino, but their dreams and desires belong to all of us. Glossary of Spanish terms included. Awards: ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Booklist Editors Choice, Horn Book Fanfare Selection, Judy Lopez Memorial Honor Book, Parenting Magazines Reading Magic Award, John and Patricia Beatty Award