Gary Soto offers 25 original poems in a collection that is rich with the sounds and images of Mexican American culture, and brims with experiences of childhood. Little brothers, sarapes, lost eyeglasses, tortillas, dish washing, math tests and other familiar events and objects are depicted in poems that weave Spanish words, like touchstones, into their fabric. Colorful full-page prints by Annika Nelson accompany some poems. (Ages 9-12)

Touching, vibrant, and humorous, this lively collection of poems accompanied by beautiful illustrations celebrates childhood and the Mexican American experience.
"Invoking ordinary domestic and community incidents, it's a fine introduction not only to poetry but to Chicano culture. Nelson debuts with scenes--homey, comfortable, bright--that make the book even more accessible."--Kirkus Reviews
This is a collection to read aloud and get kids writing about themselves."--BooklistThis title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 2-3, Poetry)