Review #5

Citation: Pena, Matt de la. Mexican White Boy. Delacorte Press; New York 2008

Genre: Coming of age, Multicultural, Realistic/Edgy

Annotation: "And Danny's brown. Half-Mexican brown"(2) This is the thought that goes through Danny's mind in a book about a biracial teens emotional journey of self discovery to find out who he is inside. 

Justification for nomination: Full of authentic dialogue with Spanish mixed in, Mexican White Boy tells the story of Danny a 16 year old biracial teen from a wealthy area of San Diego.  He doesn't feel like he fits in at his mainly white school, "a shade darker than all the white kids at his private school."(2) When Danny's Mexican father leaves the family, Danny shuts down; he won't speak unless he has to and he starts to dig his fingers into his arm until he cuts himself. Even though he is a great pitcher, he can't pitch unless he is alone.  Danny decides to spend his summer in National City with his fathers family so he can learn more about his father. Danny still doesn't feel like he fits in, "he feels pale. A full shade lighter. Albino almost. Less than."(2) He can't speak Spanish which further isolates him. Danny meets Uno another biracial teen, who is half Black and half Mexican.Their first encounter is not good, it is filled with blood and stitches. When Uno chances upon Danny pitching on his own, he joins him as catcher and their friendship begin. With the support of his cousin Sofia and Uno, Danny begins to deal with all the issues in his life. After a violent scene involving his fathers younger brother, Danny learns the truth about his father and has to rethink everything he has believed until then.

This is a moving book that will resonate with many teens. In particular, readers who come from mixed backgrounds, have identity issues, and use cutting to make themselves feel real will all gain further insight.