It Doesn't Have to Be This Way/No Tiene Que Ser Asi: A Barrio Story/Una Historia del Barrio

It was the first time I heard the echo of my voice all semester. Why did my own words seem so loud to me? It was because it was the first time I had them all quiet at once. Something had been momentarily stirred in my room of under-supported kids; the kids we typically leave behind. It was their story. Or it was their uncle's story. Maybe the story of a friend. But, many knew these characters. Many knew these issues. And they had finally let me in. With a book, no less. The best way for a teacher to sneak inside. And I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Though it's a picture book, never does it talk down to the reader. It treats all who enter its pages with dignity and respect. And my middle school students returned to it over and over again. That's the true sign of a great book. Chris Bowen Author of "Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom"

This book is the best book I have read dealing with the pressures and dangers of joining a gang. The author gives you a realistic view of what it means to be a part of a gang. The story follows a young boys quest to belong. You get to watch this young boy slowly drift away from his family and friends into the gang lifestyle, until something tragic makes him realize that it doesn't have to be this way. This book does an incredible job of making you realize all that kids go through when faced with pressure to join gangs. This is a book that I am going to use in my classroom to open the eyes of my students. I believe this book is informing and empowering kids to not join gangs.