Downtown Boy

by Juan Felipe-Herrera

A novel in verse, this is the tale of a boy who grows up in California in the 1950s brings an exciting new talent to Scholastic Press.

Juanito Paloma, his mother Lucha, and his elderly father Felipe, are a tiny family who, after years of working in the fields of California's Central Valley, move to San Francisco's Latin Mission District to live with relatives. Juanito longs to be in one place, rather than "going, going, going," and pines for the love of his often-absent father. This family story of growing up Latino will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Poetry, Novel In Verse

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the 3 novels in verse I've read by Herrera, I like this one the best. I suspect it's autobiographical, as the details of life in 1958-59 San Diego are so specific-- takes you back in time. I loved the characters in this one. Herrera does a good job of showing how involved in school and neighborhood life Juanito becomes just before his family moves away again-- the abruptness of change, the feeling of being uprooted. Great Mexican American fiction.

[Marika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy Downtown Boy. It seemed quite promising. But, I just couldn't get into the writing. I've previously enjoyed novels written in verse, but Downtown Boy felt choppy and inconsistent. I couldn't find any flow to the story, and had to force myself to continue reading it. I was disappointed, since at first I'd thought that I would like this one.

[JordanD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Downtown Boy is a story that would appeal to readers from various backgrounds and is meant for readers who are leveled 3-4. It depicts a young Latino boy who is tired of constantly moving and misses his often absent father dearly. Juanito's father is a migrant worker and struggles to support his family in the 1950's. This story really struck a chord with me, as I am sure it did with many others, because many of my students are constantly moving and don't feel that they have stability, which is so important in a young child's life. The result of this book leaves such an impression and feel for what Juanito was going through, it is no surprise that this book was awarded the Tomas Rivera Book Award in 2007. In light of the chapter that was just read for my master's class, there need to be more diverse books out there that can reach a multitude of cultures and different people.

[Sandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in 1950's CA, Juanito (whinneytoes) moves all over b/c his parents seek work (and seem restless). It is told from a eleven year old point of view and thus limited. Juanito is young and doesn't get the subtlty of life. Told from his innocent voice, I found it hard to have compassion for his parents that he, as our protgonist, felt.

They were always moving, always on welfare, never getting what they needed to break the cycle for this boy (he had very fragmented schooling for example and could not always have honest relationships with kids). It's a sad story-even if the narrator didn't see it that way.

I gave it 2 stars only because I'm not sure what students will walk away with. I think, as a child I would have disliked the characters and have not felt empathy.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age of Readership:

12-14 years

Genre:

novels in verse

Diversity:

Mexican-American/Chicano

Personal Response:

I liked the book a lot. It was slow moving, but definitely with a purpose in mind, which made it enjoyable. I think the story of the main character, Juanito, trying to figure out where home is, what makes a home, was a wonderful journey to make with him.

Curricular or Programming connections:

Again, as most of Juan Felipe Herrera's books, it would be a good addition to programs having to do with family bonding. Also, in programs bringing light to the issues of the border, Mexican Americans not fitting in as either, and migrant worker lifestyles would get a lot from this book.

[Amber Viesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins with Juanito telling us the story through his point of view, see he is always moving due to the fact that his parents can't seem to find work or sometimes it seems that his father just likes to see change and can't seem to just stay at one place long enough. It constantly shows how the family is constantly trying to make ends meet and always on welfare. I really enjoyed reading this story because I think a lot of people can relate to the story of Juanito going through a tough life, how his parents are constantly short on money. I can relate because it made me remember how my grandparents would say that they kept odd jobs in order to make ends meet, and I think a lot of people can relate with being in a family who constantly has to work in order to put food on the table.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the reader gets in Downtown Boy is a darker look at Herrera's childhood. His mami, Lucha, wants to settle down so that Juanito can go to school but his father, Felipe, can't seem to stop wandering. Lucha and Juanito live first in San Francisco, then move to San Diego when Juanito's father comes home for a while. Lucha can't work because of her dizzy spells, so she and her son depend on the Well-fair. And Juanito can't stay in one school long enough to perform in assembly or see his artwork hung on the walls of his classroom.

Downtown Boy is a story told in verse and the author captures Juanito's longings and imagination with vivid imagery.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award. One Hispanic boy's journey in the 1950s-60s. Juanito lives with his mother. They move around California often because of Juanito's father's frequent wanderings. Juanito talks about his life and experiences.

Great imagery and thematic literary elements; interesting format (prose poem/free verse); realistic child's point-of-view; non-linear timeline can be confusing; not for the very young due to possible sexual predator scene.

[Dr. McNippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok.. i guess. it was a little boring for me.. but don't take MY word for it. (i know some people who worship this book...)