Mexican WhiteBoy
Mexican WhiteBoy by Matt de la Peña, published by Random House Children’s Books on January 12, 2010, is a young adult fiction novel that explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and identity. The story follows Danny, a tall and skinny boy with a powerful fastball who struggles to find his place in a world that often defines him by his mixed heritage. Growing up in San Diego, Danny faces challenges related to his identity, particularly as he navigates the expectations of his private school and his family’s background.
In this 272-page narrative, readers will find an intimate portrayal of Danny’s journey as he spends the summer with his father’s family, confronting personal demons and forging unexpected friendships. The book delves into the complexities of life for inner-city teens, touching on topics such as sports, family dynamics, and the search for self-acceptance. Through Danny’s experiences, the novel offers insights into the struggles of those who feel caught between different cultures and the importance of believing in oneself.
Official synopsis Publisher
Newbery Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Matt de la Peña’s Mexican WhiteBoy is a story of friendship, acceptance, and the struggle to find your identity in a world of definitions.
Danny is tall and skinny. Even though he’s not built, his arms are long enough to give his pitch a power so fierce any college scout would sign him on the spot. Ninety-five mile an hour fastball, but the boy’s not even on a team. Every time he gets up on the mound, he loses it.
But at his private school, they don’t expect much else from him. Danny is brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego that close to the border means everyone else knows exactly who he is before he even opens his mouth. Before they find out he can’t speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they’ve got him pegged. But it works the other way too. And Danny’s convinced it’s his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico.
That’s why he’s spending the summer with his dad’s family. But to find himself, he may just have to face the demons he refuses to see–the demons that are right in front of his face. And open up to a friendship he never saw coming.
Matt de la Peña’s critically acclaimed novel is an intimate and moving story that offers hope to those who least expect it.
“[A] first-rate exploration of self-identity.” —SLJ
“Unique in its gritty realism and honest portrayal of the complexities of life for inner-city teens…de la Peña poignantly conveys the message that, despite obstacles, you must believe in yourself and shape your own future.” —The Horn Book Magazine
“The baseball scenes…sizzle like Danny’s fastball. Danny’s struggle to find his place will speak strongly to all teens, but especially to those of mixed race.” —Booklist
“De la Peña blends sports and street together in a satisfying search for personal identity.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Mexican WhiteBoy…shows that no matter what obstacles you face, you can still reach your dreams with a positive attitude. This is more than a book about a baseball player–this is a book about life.” –Curtis Granderson, New York Mets outfielder
An ALA-YALSA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Mexican WhiteBoy” about?
Who is the author of “Mexican WhiteBoy”?
When was “Mexican WhiteBoy” published?
What is the ISBN for “Mexican WhiteBoy”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
