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ISBN: 0440239389

ISBN13: 9780440239383

Mexican Whiteboy

Name: Excellent Identity Book
Item: Mexican WhiteBoy
Rating: 5
Author: AKCrane

By Matt de la Peña

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Book Overview

Newbery Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Matt de la Pe a's Mexican WhiteBoy is a story of friendship, acceptance, and the struggle to find your identity in a world of definitions.

Danny is tall and skinny. Even though he's not built, his arms are long enough to give his pitch a power so fierce any college scout would sign him on the spot. Ninety-five mile an hour fastball, but the boy's not even on a team. Every time he gets up on the mound, he loses it.

But at his private school, they don't expect much else from him. Danny is brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego that close to the border means everyone else knows exactly who he is before he even opens his mouth. Before they find out he can't speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they've got him pegged. But it works the other way too. And Danny's convinced it's his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico.

That's why he's spending the summer with his dad's family. But to find himself, he may just have to face the demons he refuses to see--the demons that are right in front of his face. And open up to a friendship he never saw coming.

Matt de la Pe a's critically acclaimed novel is an intimate and moving story that offers hope to those who least expect it.
" A] first-rate exploration of self-identity." --SLJ

"Unique in its gritty realism and honest portrayal of the complexities of life for inner-city teens...de la Pe a poignantly conveys the message that, despite obstacles, you must believe in yourself and shape your own future." --The Horn Book Magazine

"The baseball scenes...sizzle like Danny's fastball. Danny's struggle to find his place will speak strongly to all teens, but especially to those of mixed race." --Booklist

"De la Pe a blends sports and street together in a satisfying search for personal identity." --Kirkus Reviews
"Mexican WhiteBoy...shows that no matter what obstacles you face, you can still reach your dreams with a positive attitude. This is more than a book about a baseball player--this is a book about life." --Curtis Granderson, New York Mets outfielder

An ALA-YALSA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
A Junior Library Guild Selection

Format:Paperback

Language:English

ISBN:0440239389

ISBN13:9780440239383

Release Date:January 2010

Publisher:Ember

Length:272 Pages

Weight:0.50 lbs.

Dimensions:0.7" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Age Range:14 to 17 years

Grade Range:Grades 9 to 12

Related Subjects

Coming Of Age Family And Relationships Friendship Prejudice And Discrimination Self-Discovery Teenage Angst Young Adult 13 - 17 Years Children's Children's Books

Customer Reviews

5 ratings

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Excellent Identity Book

Published by AKCrane , 5 years ago

This is a great book about 2 boys on the road to friendship traveling the "Who am I? Where do I belong?" road. This book would be great for reluctant male readers who understand what it's like out on the streets, trying to go anywhere but where poverty is.

A great read

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago

The great strength of the story is the relationship between Danny and Uno, two kids who start out as rivals and end up the best of friends. The author does an excellent job of telling each of their stories, of presenting them in a way that lets me understand the issues they face, even though I come from an entirely different background. The story is extremely entertaining and well-paced, often combining moments of laugh-out-loud comedy with traces of melancholy and even sadness. Whether you're a baseball fan or not, you'll enjoy the story of these two kids as they navigate the pitfalls of teenage life, cope with family issues, and listen to the preaching of Uno's hilarious (and at times insightful) father, Senior.

Edgy, Timely, and Perfect for all Ages

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago

MEXICAN WHITEBOY is a gripping read that feeds off the depth and magnetism of its characters, the grit and strength of its writing, and its bold and risky themes. De la Pena has drawn a two-perspective portrait of what it means to encompass racial duality and the desire to define ones identity. As the follow-up to his break-out debut hit, BALL DON'T LIE, de la Pena does not disappoint. His ability to write with confidence in urban prose proves he's no poser and his obvious natural ability to draw unique and fascinating characters makes this book relatable to any reader of any age. MEXICAN WHITEBOY dares readers to take a look at the harder, more complex and literary side of "YA" and its edge is certain to cut deep and stay with you long after you're done.

Truly Absorbing

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago

I am not a boy, I am not Mexican and I am no longer a teenager but I could relate to Danny. More than that I cared what happened to him. As I turned the pages I was angry with him, disconnected, in pain or feeling his triumphs. And that is just on Danny, what about Senior. I couldn't be farther from Senior when you compare our stats but when his words were on the page I would read and reread them feeling the need to absorb. I can't say enough about this book. Mexican White Boy is a brilliant piece of writing.

A Great Read About Biracial Teens

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago

This is a great, sweet, funny story about friendship and love set in gritty National City, San Diego. Danny is half Mexican and half white, as the title implies, and he doesn't know where that leaves him in terms of fitting in. Eventual friend Uno is in a similar boat. This is a top-notch exploration of bi-racial space by the author of Ball Don't Lie. Highly recommend it!