Barrio Kings

Rosario Gomez gave up gang life after his brother was killed in a street fight. Now all he wants to do is finish night school, be a good father and work hard enough at his job at the supermarket to get promoted. But when an old friend shows up to ask him why he left the gang, Rosario realizes he was fooling himself if he thought his violent past would just go away.

When his pregnant girlfriend is hit in a drive-by shooting, Rosario has to make some hard choices. Revenge means a return to his old ways, something he swore he would never do. But unless he takes action, his enemies will not rest until they've settled the score against him.

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Barrio Kings

Rosario Gomez gave up gang life after his brother was killed in a street fight. Now all he wants to do is finish night school, be a good father and work hard enough at his job at the supermarket to get promoted. But when an old friend shows up to ask him why he left the gang, Rosario realizes he was fooling himself if he thought his violent past would just go away.

When his pregnant girlfriend is hit in a drive-by shooting, Rosario has to make some hard choices. Revenge means a return to his old ways, something he swore he would never do. But unless he takes action, his enemies will not rest until they've settled the score against him.

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Barrio Kings

Barrio Kings

by William Kowalski

Narrated by Chris Cromwell

Unabridged — 2 hours, 5 minutes

Barrio Kings

Barrio Kings

by William Kowalski

Narrated by Chris Cromwell

Unabridged — 2 hours, 5 minutes

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Overview

Rosario Gomez gave up gang life after his brother was killed in a street fight. Now all he wants to do is finish night school, be a good father and work hard enough at his job at the supermarket to get promoted. But when an old friend shows up to ask him why he left the gang, Rosario realizes he was fooling himself if he thought his violent past would just go away.

When his pregnant girlfriend is hit in a drive-by shooting, Rosario has to make some hard choices. Revenge means a return to his old ways, something he swore he would never do. But unless he takes action, his enemies will not rest until they've settled the score against him.


Editorial Reviews

Readingjunky's Reading Roost

"I have long been a fan of Orca Publishers and their high interest/low level offerings...The Barrio Kings is slightly over 100 pages, reads quickly, and contains just the right combination of action and drama to interest reluctant readers. With characters living in the adult world, there is definitely more appeal for alternative ed/adult ed readers attempting to improve reading skills. I look forward to reading another Rapid Read selection."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"We like Rosario and cheer his good decisions all the while secretly afraid for him. Your struggling older readers will love this book."

CM Magazine

"There is plenty of emotion to keep female readers engaged and plenty of action to hold the attention of male readers. And while the story can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gang life, it’s never preachy...Recommended."

Children's Literature - Lois Rubin Gross

Rosario Gomez is trying to go straight. He has a job, a pregnant girlfriend, an almost-completed GED, and ambitions to claim a place for his family in a different America than the one he knows in the barrio. He has promised his girlfriend, Connie, that he will not go back to the Barrio Kinds and will live an exemplary life for her and their unborn son. Then an old friend from the gang shows up, newly released from prison, and tries to pull Rosario back in. The tipping point comes when Connie is shot in a drive-by intended for Rosario, forcing him to choose between revenge and keeping his promise. The book, designed for young adult readers with literacy challenges, is streamlined but never dumbed-down. The pace is swift, the tension builds, and although the series advertises that these books are to be finished in one sitting, part of the reason to read straight through is that you really want to know what happens next to Rosario. The ethical challenges that Rosario confronts are believable, and Kowalski lets the reader see the struggle in each of Rosario's decisions. Despite its intent to be an easy-read, there is a compelling story told here that will certainly appeal to its intended audience and may have appeal for a wider range of readers, as well. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross

Product Details

BN ID: 2940171986636
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Publication date: 11/15/2019
Series: Rapid Reads
Edition description: Unabridged
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