Muchacho

Eddie Corazon is a character who you won't soon forget. He lives in a world where being a bad boy is the cool thing to do. He hangs out with his cousins in a bad neighborhood, and the boys are just on the edge of being juvenile delinquents. He skips school and gets poor grades as a matter of choice, but he is a secret reader, and poet. He has promised his Mami that he won't drop out of school, but he's pretty sure he will fail. Then he meets Lupe, and his world changes. She brings out the best in Eddie, and sees things in him that he doesn't. Her father is none too happy about their relationship; he wants more for his smart, energetic daughter. Eddie doesn't seem to have a very bright future the way he is going, but then he begins to think like Lupe. Maybe he could make the future work for him, too. It's hard to make changes in his behavior with his cousins and friends encouraging him to follow their lead...but Eddie really wants to be able to hang out with the beautiful, smart Lupe. Eddie's transition is a very moving story with complex characters in a tough world. It shows that positive changes can be made through hard work and perseverance, and that the bad choices are tempting, but conquerable. The story is narrated by Eddie with straight-forward language and a viewpoint all his own, by turns funny and serious. Eddie is a boy who girls will fall in love with, and a guy boys will be able to relate to. Highly recommended for even reluctant readers. Reviewed by: Grandma Bev

I was so captivated by Muchacho that I read it straight through. Eddie is not just a well develoved character in a book. He is a living, breathing guy who tells us what's on his mind with honesty and humor. I was cheering him on throughout all of his hopes and temptations. Eddie charmed me completely! Muchacho is a must read. For that reason I bought two extra copies to donate to the local high school and public libraries in T or C. Thank goodness for the Miss Beechers and Miss Johnsons of the world!

Muchacho is a wonderful book that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. Eddie is likable and young people will find him quite believable. He lives in a tough world but he's learning to fight back with words rather than his fists. I found myself rooting for Eddie as I became involved in the ups and downs of his life. His relationship with Lupe, his girlfriend, is such a breath of fresh air. They bring out the best in each other without being sappy. The poetry is a lovely addition to the story and I especially enjoyed the poem entitled "Lupe Full of Grace" . Another delightful addition to Muchacho is the way the author leads the reader to other books. The Four Agreements is a book that I had not read and very much enjoyed discovering. I would like to thank Ms. Johnson for leading me to it. I feel that this title would be a great addition to high school and public libraries. It is a book that doesn't sugarcoat the tough life that many kids lead, but it does offer alternatives and hope. Hopefully, we haven't heard the last from Eddie Corazon.

Here's the best bang for your buck book-wise! Johnson has outdone herself with Muchacho... and it has earned a place on my top 10 favorite books of all time. Young and old alike will be charmed by Eddie, a character so vivid, his voice will intrude on your thoughts often. Compassion, humor, hope... Muchacho offers it all. Let's hope we haven't heard the last of Eddie Corazon!

Eddie Corazon, the narrator of this book, is one of the most likable and memorable characters I have encountered in a long time and I read a lot of YA books as a school librarian. I see "secret readers" like Eddie skulking around the library, trying to hike their books and their intelligence from their peers. His voice is authentic, his humor is funny, and his attempts to figure out where he fits in the universe really touch the heart. Eddie is surprised to discover that he is a poet. I'm not. From the first word, I knew this kid had the heart and soul of a poet. I have met the author at various educational conferences and it's clear that her top priority is improving our public schools and helping teachers connect with kids like Eddie. I think teachers will love this book and their students will, too. Aside from being a compelling story, this book makes literary writing appealing to the everyday reader. The references to other books that young readers might enjoy, as well as the thought-provoking comments on topics such as immigration, English-language acquisition, Just Say No to Drugs, love and sex and marriage, and developing self-esteem and confidence will provide ample material for class discussions and related projects. This book earns an A+ and front row display in my library!