Reviewed by:Norlan
De Groot Key words: Short story,
Modern Work, Fiction, American Literature, Latino
Recommended Reading Level:
Grades 6, 7, 8
Theme: The stories deal
with growing up in Fresno, California and learning about youth, age, love,
friendship, success, failure, wealth, poverty and family.
Summary: This is a collection
of short stories set in Fresno. The stories all deal with Latino children
growing up in Fresno; going to the mall, to school, to the park, trying
out for Little League. The stories deal with events from everyday life,
but they reveal universal themes.
Strengths: The characters
are quite believable. They are common people dealing with common problems.
It is easy to identify with them.
Weaknesses: The stories
are a bit flat. They don’t hold much suspense.
Other Notes: Don’t assume
that you have to come from Latino heritage to enjoy these stories. These
stories will strike a cord in everyone’s heart.
Soto,
Gary. Baseball in April and Other Stories. San Diego: Harcourt Brace,
1990.