Windows into My World: Latino Youth Write Their Lives

by Sarah Cortez, Virgil Suarez (Introduction)

Overview

This collection of essays written by young men & women from various Latino backgrounds reflects the diversity of growing up Latino in the USA. Illuminating memoirs shine a light into the lives of young Hispanic adults for ages 16 and up.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781558854826
Publisher:	Arte Publico Press
Publication date:	03/28/2007
Edition description:	Bilingual
Pages:	210
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

Editorial Reviews

Sarah Cortez's class "Memoir and Mexican American Identity" proved to Cortez that college undergraduates, while young, still could write compelling memoirs. Now she has collected some of the most compelling memoirs written by Latino Americans into this book. The essays are written by many different backgrounds (Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican to name just a few), but the common thread running through the book is the honest look at the writers' lives as well as their undeniable talent. The memoirs touch upon everything from death to going away to college (sometimes against parent's wishes) to events as simple as recalling a swimming lesson. Occasionally, the authors switch to Spanish or Spanglish, but the meaning is clear even to those who can only read English. An excellent collection of memoirs written by those who have not necessarily lived many years, but still have important things to say. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck

Children's Literature - Amie Rose Rotruck

Adult/High School - These 36 brief essays document issues that can affect all young people-friendship, death, anorexia, divorce, sexuality-but also comment on the writers' adjustments to a new society or expectations that might limit their hopes and dreams. In one piece, a young woman shares the story of her family's frustrating Thanksgiving Day excursion to find an open restaurant, not understanding this holiday in their new country. Another writer expresses her dismay when her father refuses to let her go to another city to attend college, unless her mother moves in with her. A third recalls a harrowing trip over the border to a féria, the Mexican version of a carnival, when a ride stops in midair and she sees the look of fear on the face of the macho cousin she admires so much. The essayists, many still in college, represent diverse backgrounds-Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Salvadoran. For young adults of all backgrounds, this collection illuminates both the familiar coming-of-age experiences that transcend cultural differences and the moments that are unique to young Latinos in the States.-Pat Bangs, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

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