Mexican WhiteBoy

Danny might be tall and skinny, but he’s got a mean pitch when he’s playing baseball. He’s got so much power, it’s not unusual for him to get a ball up to 96 mph, but he’s not even on a team. He chokes every time he steps up to the pitcher’s mound. It doesn’t help that he doesn’t fit in at his private school. He’s half-Mexican, which means that he doesn’t fit in with the white kids. But he doesn’t speak Spanish, which means he doesn’t fit in with the Mexican kids, either. Spending the summer with his dad’s family means he might have to confront some of the demons that have been haunting him since his dad went back to Mexico.

I was surprised by how much I liked de la Peña’s Mexican WhiteBoy, especially considering how much of it deals with baseball. This is an extremely well-written book, and the characters that populate it are fully-formed, flawed, and fascinating (how’s that for some alliteration?). One of the books that has been banned in Arizona (for promoting critical race theory), this is a book that will work well for reluctant readers and fans of gritty contemporary YA alike. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to explore issues of race, identity, and family. ( )

So, normally, I just can't get into sports stories, but this one was fantastic. I loved the protagonist and the way the themes of identity, race, and fitting in were handled. ( )

Danny has the potential to be a great pitcher, he just has no control. Choosing to spend the summer with his absent father's family in a Latino neighborhood in National City, Danny grapples with baseball, his life, identity, and family. He feels like he never fits - too Mexican at his prep school, too white with his father's family. Uno acts as a foil, best friend, and adds voice to the often confused, quiet Danny. A gritty coming of age story. ( )

This book is amazing. The best book i have ever read. it keeps you hooked all the way threw. its a gripping book about races. YOU WILL LOVE IT ( )

l really enjoyed this book, it reminded me so much of a lot of Mexicans from my generation. Most Hispanics don't even know their own language, and society is partially to blame. Here in America people complain when they hear other languages, if it's not English it's most likely not welcomed. “This is AMERICA, speak ENGLISH!”

This book helps you realize no matter where you are you should be proud of your true language and everything it comes with. Even if you grew up not knowing more than a simple sentence you should still be proud of it and proud of your heritage.

Pena tells of how hard it can be to be proud of something that is disliked. The main character knows little of his culture but he knows who he is and his classmates do too. He soon learns to embrace it after a visit to his hometown. ( )