About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting at a new school, feeling pressure to change who they are to fit in, or asking questions about why some neighborhoods look different than others. Tony Johnston captures the vibrant life of East Los Angeles through the eyes of Arturo, a young boy navigating the complexities of being Mexican American. The story moves beyond stereotypes to focus on 'small goodnesses,' the tiny acts of kindness and courage that define a community. It is a powerful tool for building self-confidence and cultural pride, while also teaching children how to stand up for others in their community. Best for middle-grade readers, it offers a realistic yet deeply hopeful look at family, heritage, and the power of a name.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with systemic prejudice (the teacher renaming students) and the challenges of poverty, such as limited access to resources. These are handled with a secular, realistic tone. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on community agency rather than a magical fix for poverty or racism.
