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Piri Thomas, who reached millions of readers with his bestselling autobiography, "Down These Mean Streets," now gives readers of all ages a vivid slice of the life in El Barrioa place where people face their problems with energy, ingenuity and love. He draws vivid stories from his past experiences and makes us feel what it means to be poor and proud and generous; to be streetwise and full of bravado but frightened, too; to struggle to go straight; to be ashamed of being ashamed; to dream. Speaking in the voice of the streets and from his heart, Piri captures the spirit, the laughter and the hope of his people.