A review by williamsdebbied
Baseball in April and Other Stories by Gary Soto

4.0

This collection of 11 short stories is a realistic, often humorous look at the everyday problems of growing up. Though the main characters are all Latinos growing up in the barrios of Los Angeles, middle school students from everywhere will be able to relate. My favorite is “La Bamba,” about a boy who lip-synchs and dances to the song “La Bamba” in the 7th grade talent show. The performance doesn’t turn out the way he plans, but everyone loves it. Sometimes, our greatest humiliations can turn out to be our greatest triumphs. A glossary of Spanish terms is helpful.