Summary
Danny Lopez has a hard time fitting in. He is half-Mexican and lives with his mother in San Diego, where he goes to a private high school. When his mother and decides to go to Northern California for the summer with her fiance, Danny decides to go stay with his Dad's side of the family in National City, which is close to the Mexican border. Danny doesn't speak Spanish and has a difficult time fitting in with his Mexican side of the family. At first he is withdrawn and wonders about how he could have kept his father from leaving their family. Danny is a good student and a talented baseball player who ends up eventually forming a friendship with Uno, the tough kid who initially hates Danny.
Heritage by Heather Evans Smith.
Game Over by Margaret Lillian.
Noted Themes and Questions
The novel explores racial and cultural identity and looks at some of the difficulties biracial people may face. The author also looks at how language figures into the construction of one's identity, since Danny is part Mexican but doesn't speak Spanish. On a more basic level, it is very much about fitting in. It is a coming-of-age novel and also has some romance. Finally, the novel explores the importance of the father figure.
Reflection
As noted below, I think this novel would especially appeal to make students. I really enjoyed the narrative voice, which felt quite authentic to me. I struggled with all of the baseball references because I am not a sports person, but I am fascinated by literature that explores identity questions, and have wondered about finding Young Adult texts that examine biracial identity in specific.
Student Reaction
Most students would like this novel. I think that the book would especially appeal to male students. It's not a difficult read, so it would be a good one for reluctant readers.
Grade
9th and up
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