37 pages • 1 hour read
Barrio Boy
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Book Brief
336
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Mexico • Early 1900s
1971
Adult
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza is a memoir recounting the author's experiences from his birth in the small Mexican village of Jalcocotán, through the political and social upheaval of the Mexican Revolution, to his family's immigration to the United States, and their struggles and adaptation in Sacramento, California, culminating in his work as a farmworker and his dedication to education. The book addresses themes of political turmoil, immigration, poverty, and adaptation to new cultures.
Informative
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
412 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza receives praise for its vivid and heartwarming portrayal of immigrant life and the American dream. Critics value Galarza's engaging storytelling and rich cultural insights. However, some find its pace slow and narrative uneven at times. Overall, it's appreciated for its educational and emotional impact.
Who Should Read Barrio Boy?
Readers who enjoy Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza are often interested in immigrant narratives, Mexican-American history, and personal memoirs. They likely appreciate books such as Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Esmeralda Santiago's When I Was Puerto Rican, which also explore themes of cultural identity and adaptation.
412 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Doña Henriqueta
Doña Henriqueta
Ernesto's mother who raises him alone for a time, supporting the family with sewing and mending before remarrying and having more children in Sacramento.
José
José
Ernesto’s uncle who takes on the responsibility of raising Ernesto after the deaths of his brother and sister-in-law, continuously working various short-term jobs to support the family.
Gustavo
Gustavo
Ernesto’s oldest uncle who leads the family and works precarious jobs as they move from place to place, providing for them until his death.
336
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Mexico • Early 1900s
1971
Adult
12-18 years
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