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Mexican WhiteBoy

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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Matt de la Peña

Mexican WhiteBoy

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

249

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Diego, California • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

680L

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Super Short Summary

In Mexican WhiteBoy by Matt de la Peña, sixteen-year-old Danny Lopez, who is half Mexican and half white, spends the summer with his father's family in National City, grappling with cultural and personal identity issues while enhancing his baseball skills. His journey is marked by a struggle to fit in and a desire to connect with his absent father.

Contemplative

Emotional

Challenging

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

6,255 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mexican WhiteBoy by Matt de la Peña has been well-received for its compelling exploration of identity and cultural conflict. Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of a mixed-race teenager finding his place in two worlds. However, some feel the narrative can be slow-paced at times. Overall, the book is praised for its relatable characters and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mexican WhiteBoy?

Readers who would enjoy Mexican WhiteBoy by Matt de la Peña are typically young adults drawn to coming-of-age stories about identity, family, and culture. Comparable to fans of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, they often seek narratives exploring race, self-discovery, and belonging.

4.2

6,255 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Danny Lopez

A sixteen-year-old struggling with his mixed heritage identity, he is a talented pitcher who feels disconnected from his Mexican roots and burdened by his father's absence.

Initially Danny's rival, Uno is a biracial boy from National City who develops a friendship with Danny, sharing common struggles and aspirations.

Uno's biological father who has reformed his life and encourages Uno to make positive choices, offering guidance and support.

Danny's older cousin who provides him with care and guidance during his summer stay, helping him navigate family dynamics and his cultural identity.

Danny's mother who is focused on providing opportunities for her son despite facing personal challenges and the aftermath of her ex-husband's actions.

A girl Danny meets who shares a mixed heritage and forms a connection with him, despite their language barrier.

Danny’s absent father who is incarcerated and has arranged for someone to watch over Danny from a distance.

Danny's uncle who takes a protective but harsh approach, ultimately influencing Danny’s perspective on family.

A man whom Danny initially mistakes for a baseball scout, later revealed to be watching over him per his father’s request.

The star of Leucadia Prep’s baseball team, he represents the life Danny envies but ultimately shows respect for Danny's talent.

Danny's level-headed uncle who provides a stable environment during Danny’s stay in National City.

Book Details
Pages

249

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Diego, California • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

680L

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