OK novel about Mexican American teen. ( )

1996 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. A Mexican-American adolescence.

Manuel vive en Estados Unidos, pero su origen está más allá de las fronteras. Es mexicano y vive en un universo marginal, rodeado de pobreza y violencia. Los ojos de Manuel sirven para explorar la realidad que lo rodea y para participar, como puede, en ella. Gracias a su mirada conoceremos a su familia y las diferencias que la caracterizan, así como un barrio donde la supervivencia nunca está garantizada. ( )

Authentic first-hand account of growing up Mexican American in California. His father drinks too much, his mother works too hard, and his brother is handsome in a way that Manual ("Manny") never will be. Still, there are glimpses of salvation... a teacher gives Manny money to buy shoes (which his father immediately confiscates and puts toward liquor), his mother tries (and fails) to get him into the better "white" school across town and the drug store owner who sees Manny's potential --even when he can't. In the course of the novel, Manny flirts with joining a gang, attends a socially-disastrous house party, picks crops under the sun, and helps his mother around the house. The writing is uneven and the pacing is slow; poor readers may find it hard to stay engaged... still, a refreshing sensation-free look at coming of age. Nothing objectionable. ( )