Mexican WhiteBoy

By: Matt de la Pena

Narrated by: Henry Leyva

"[A] first-rate exploration of self-identity."
—School Library Journal

Danny's tall and skinny. Even though he's not "built", his arms are long enough to give his pitch a power so fierce that any college scout would sign him on the spot. Ninety-five-mile-an-hour fastball, but the boy's not even on a team. Every time he gets up on the mound, he loses it. Ball ends up so far out of the strike zone it's laughable.

But at his private school, they don't expect much else from him. Danny's brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego, that close to the border, means everyone knows exactly who he is before he even opens his mouth. Before they find out he can't speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they've got him pegged. But it works the other way too. And Danny's convinced it's his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico.

That's why he's spending the summer with his dad's family. Only, to find himself, he may just have to face the demons he refuses to see - the demons that are right in front of his face. And open up to a friendship he never saw coming.

Set in the alleys and on the ball fields of San Diego County, Mexican WhiteBoy is a story of friendship, acceptance, and the struggle to find your identity in a world of definitions.

©2008 Matt de la Pena (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Anti-climactic

The build up great, but the last chapter a let down and diffused the characters

Identity & Family

This coming of age story is one that will stay with you days after you finish. You'll reminisce and long for childhood summers and friendships. Danny is silent, harboring hurts, confusion, and trying to figure out who he is. He is so bottled up that it negatively impacts baseball - a sport his particularly good at. He doesn't discuss his lack of consistency with the internal dialogue he keeps up with his missing father. So, when the opportunity to spend the summer with his dad's family comes up, he takes it. This one summer is defined by friendship, family, truth, and forgiveness. You can't help but root him and Uno (his new best friend - a best friend everyone should have) on. Definitely recommend.

Captivating and Inspiring

Terrific story about the lives of underprivileged youth of color, their struggles, and their passion to overcome in a society bent on stereotyping them and keeping them in containers. A story of courage, determination, friendship, love, and the hidden treasures of athletic talent among these youth. Loved it!

Favorite Book

I first read this in middle school, I come back to this book often. It was the first book I read willingly and what got me into reading more. Matt De La Peña does a good job in giving his characters personality and the book a great story. 10/10.

the atory

loved the story and authenticity, brought back memories of myself growing up in Mexico