From: AAngel at aol.com <AAngel>
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2000 11:24:39 EST

I've seen a few people mention HOMELESS BIRD, the NBA winner, and MANY STONES, an NBA nominee, as their favorites. But, my favorites are two additional novels just beginning to receive attention, GOLD DUST and ESPERANZA RISING.
   I was completely taken in by what at first appeared to be a simple story of friendship and baseball but proved to be a powerful story about facing racism. The adolescent voice, the subtle language and the powerful moments make GOLD DUST by Chris Lynch a definite favorite. I also loved the rhythmic and lyrical language of ESPERANZA RISING by Pam Munoz Ryan. This novel traces a Esperanza's experiences in a Mexican Labor Camp at the time of the great Depression. Both novels are told through the voices of passionate adolescents, making choices that will change their worlds forever.

Ann Angel English Department Writing for Adolescents Instructor Mount Mary College, Milwaukee
Received on Sun 10 Dec 2000 10:24:39 AM CST