Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio

by Tony Johnston, Raúl Colón (Illustrator)

Award-winning picture-book author Tony Johnston presents the poignant story of a loving Mexican-American family in East L.A. in her first novel for young readers. Los Angeles is a place of movie stars and fast cars and people who are too rich and people who are too poor. An area of freeway chases and drive-bys and death. But there's another L.A., one where warmth and humor and humanity pervade. Where a tacqueria sign "One cause, one people, one taco." This L.A. is a place where random acts of generosity and goodwill improve the lives of the community. Any Small Goodness is a novel filled with hope, love, and warmth.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Hispanic, Juvenile

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Tony Johnston has written many acclaimed books for young people. She and her husband lived in Mexico for fifteen years, where they raised their children. She now lives in San Marino, California.

Reviews

[Chris Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purpose: Multicultural Literature (Wide Reading Project)

Genre: Realistic fiction

Format: Novel

Age Level: Intermediate (I): grades 3-5/6 (ages 8-10/11)

Themes: identity; adolescence; family; community; inner-city life; poverty; gangs; love vs. hate; good vs. bad; languages; stereotypes

Cultures: Mexican American culture

Read Aloud: No

Literary Elements: Powerful, multicultural insights into the cultural traditions and close bonds that comprise a poor yet incredibly rich Mexican-American family; Very relevant and relatable setting for urban students, specifically the barrios of Los Angeles; Strong characters, including the adolescent protagonist Arturo, an intelligent and introspective boy who struggles with the different contradictions in the world, including but not limited to poverty and wealth; Excellent themes about the power of family, love and goodness despite all the bad that may happen or be represented in the barrio or ghetto; Surprise ending that reveals the hope and goodness of the barrio/inner city that is rarely, if ever, recognized.

Awards: Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2006)

Uses: While providing a multicultural perspective on Mexican American life in the Los Angeles barrio, ASG is much more than that, providing urban students of all colors, creeds and races with incredible opportunities to explore themes relevant to their lives, including the trappings of poverty, gangs, etc. This book would especially be worthwhile for middle school students in literature circles/book clubs in which such themes could be discussed. Arturo also provides some incredible quotes about the power of a loving family, the corrosiveness of gangs and the influence of money that would be great for students to explore in more detail and make text-to-self connections via journal writing.

My Review: What separates great from merely good multicultural literature is the ability not only to reveal something new about a culture that the reader may not be familiar with but to make meaningful/universal connections to the reader’s own life, despite how much he or she may think there is in common with the new culture. With that said, Any Small Goodness is not only great multicultural literature but a vastly underrated example of all that this type of literature can offer. While providing incredible insight into what it means to be Mexican American in Los Angeles, including the conflicts of fitting into a new culture without losing the sense of whom you are, and the close bonds that define a loving family, including their customs and shared, Spanish language, ASG especially stood out to me because of the power of its themes, as represented in the perceptive, adolescent protagonist Arturo. Despite growing up in poverty, Arturo seems to be mature beyond his years, recognizing not only the beauty of his family, whose actions are defined by their love for each other, but the sacrifices of a rich basketball coach, wealthy librarian and talented piano teacher, all of whom choose to volunteer their time with the disadvantaged rather than resting on their comforts. Hoping that he can grow up and “do something for love” (p. 52), Arturo is faced with daily conflicts in the poor, crime-ridden barrio that make him question why “the poor seek better but always end up with worse” (p. 54). After a gang shoots up his home while his family is eating dinner in the kitchen, Arturo realizes that “despite the good, no one’s real safe” (p. 103), at least in the barrio. Left with a decision to remain good or become a part of the bad, what Arturo ends up choosing will surprise you, at least how author Tony Johnston creatively paints the novel’s final developments.

Much more than multicultural literature, ASG serves as Johnston’s social commentary on the many problems that take place in the barrio, most notably including how its people are misrepresented as falling into a certain stereotype. Noting how “people in the barrio are victims” (p. 99), Johnston, through the amazing Arturo, shows how there are truly “good people out there in the barrio” (p. 125) despite the incredible challenges that are faced on a daily basis. It’s about time that people recognize not only this point but ASG as a novel worth reading inside or outside the classroom, whether a kid or an adult, as it is much more than an example of small goodness but a far more powerful read than I certainly expected.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio, by Tony Johnston, is the story of Arturo Rodriquez and his family, recent immigrants to Los Angeles from Mexico. Arturo describes what life is like for his Latino family and the issues they face in a gang infested and very troubled area. Throughout the story, Arturo goes back and forth between speaking in English and speaking in Spanish. In the back of the book, there is a small Spanish glossary to help the reader. Arturo describes the people he meets, the interactions he has, and the day to day events that affect his life. The reader gets a strong sense of the culture and heritage that unite Arturo’s family and makes them strong.
This book is very appropriate for a 4th-6th grade audience. There is mention of gang activity and the Rodriguez family fall victim to a drive by shooting, but there are no casualties. This book gives the reader a brief window into the Latino culture and life in Los Angeles.
I found the need to flip back and forth to the glossary very annoying. I would have preferred to see the translation at the bottom of the page. I am not sure how many non-Spanish speaking children would take the time to flip back and forth, although a lot of the meaning could be picked up in context. Still, I did feel that having parts of the story in Spanish did add to the experience. As a future librarian, I was especially drawn into the chapter about the school librarian that is dropped off a distance from the school, so no one knows her true story. I wished there had been more to that story. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others..
IRA and NCTE notable Children’s book
Judy Lopez Memorial Honor book

[pa'tí m · Rating 1 out of 5]

No gracias, este libro no es para mi.

I appreciate the author's attempt to show the reader "the good" in the typical LA Mexican family, but I wasn't able to appreciate the pseudo-cultural pride and assimilation of Arturo's family. Also, when I read this in the chapter about the L.A. River I accidentally dropped the book:

"What I most love about this place is the graffiti blooming in the river channel. Letters like colorful balloon animals shriek all the stale sayings: 'Viva la raza! Antonio! #1 Número Uno! Gringo go home!' I hate to reveal this to the artist otherwise known as Idiot, but the gringos are home." p. 65

EN SERIO?

Well, the following paragraphs about Ms. Cloud, the school librarian, were slightly moving. But really...

No thanks, this book is not for me.

[Kayla Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this novel with my class and loved it!

[Mohammad Alsuradi · Rating 3 out of 5]

when I read this story it makes me feel sad for the boy,So the boy was mad when he moved to new school I felt like I'm part of the story.Because that happened to me too.on the first day of the school he don't have friends also it was 2 students making fun of him so I'm sure nobody like that, So then there's a 3 students tried to talk to him and Invite him to the launch everyday,Also he joined the basketball team with his new friends they helped him.And after 2 months he made a new basketball program affects all the students for all the grades.. everybody liked it actually it was fun and everybody was happy.

[Theresa Reifon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format/Length: Chapter book; 128 pages

Award(s)/Distinction(s):
NCTE Notable Children's Book
NCSS- CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
SCBA Children's Book Award Winner

Theme(s): Friendship, Family, Right vs. Wrong, Compassion/Kindness, Sense of Home

Review:

This chapter book focuses on the life of a young boy, Arturo Rodriguez,after his family moves to a barrio in L.A. from Mexico. It is narrated by Arturo. The words flow beautifully and lyrically making the story easy to read. Arturo also uses words in Spanish throughout the story, which I enjoyed because you get a sense of the way he communicates with different people around him, his friends and his family. My favorite part of this book is that not only does the reader get to know Arturo, but the reader also gets to know his family, which are the closest people to him- his Abuelita, the family cat Huitlacoche, Mami, Papi, his brother older brother Luis, and his little sister Rosa. The author does a great job of providing the reader with details that make each of these character distinct. Luis is the musical family member, and Rosa is the little princess dressed in pink, frilly outfits. The grandmother is the one that keeps the family's Mexican culture alive in America, through her prayer and cooking. In my eye's she represent pride of one's culture in the story, which is why she is an important part of Arturo's life in America and him reclaiming his name Arturo when his teacher calls him Arthur. The mother also provides the family with the same cultural support. The father is the hard-worker of the family and the one who gives Arturo great insight into the world around him and great morals. Arturo carries his father's words with him: "In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must create it." I love how Arturo remembers these words and allows them to guide himself away from revenge after his house is shot up during a drive by shooting. Instead of creating more violence and negativity in his neighborhood, Arturo and his friends create their own gang to create good and spread positivity. This book shows very powerful messages to its readers- that everyone can make a difference in the world around them and that responding to negative things and a positive way is creates more good for others.

Another aspect of love of this book is its focus on family. While the family lives in a city filled with gangs, poverty, and violence, this family shines positivity and highlights the goodness in people. You also witness the same goodness in several other characters in the story- Ms. Cloud the librarian who is rich and donates many new books to their library; Coach Tree, who a famous, former NBA star, that coaches Arturo's school basketball team for only a dollar; Mr. Leo Love who rescues Arturo's family cat despite his fears and allergies.

[Gin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Character driven, slower pace, lack of plot to compel reader forward. Conveys a positive message:
Each chapter offers an example of the advice that Arturo’s father gives him:
“In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it… Remember this thing – any small goodness is of value.”
Spanish language embedded with a glossary at provided. 2006 Caudill nominee

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in the barrio can mean gangs and shootings, but in Tony Johnston's Any Small Goodness, we see Arturo's small, loving, Mexican-American family showing us the good in people. Johnston has made each chapter in the book focus on someone that has done a "small goodness" for the community. For example, Ms. Cloud, the librarian is a hard working teacher who is trying to make the school library a wonderful place filled with new books. Arturo describes her as being tough in "a warrior way" even though her name is soft sounding. (p.68) Ms. Cloud brings in new books for the library without revealing where the money comes from. There is Coach Tree, a former NBA player who earns exactly $1.00 to coach the school basketball team. Mr. Leo Love rescues Arturo's family cat even though he is allergic to cats. And there is Papi who teaches his children that "in life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it." (p.103) Papi's words are words to live by.

Any Small Goodness shows us Mexican-American culture in a wonderful, positive way. Arturo uses Spanish and English to communicate with his friends and family. In the first chapter, "American Names", we learn that Arturo is a name that has been passed down for many generations. But when Arturo goes to school in the US, his teacher Americanizes his name to Arthur. When he realizes the importance of being Arturo, he gathers his friends and they decide to take back their names with pride.

Throughout the book Johnston describes the delicious sounding Mexican food that his Abuelita and Mami prepare. Mouth watering chiles rellenos, tacos de chilorio, and Mexican dulces, sugary candies that "can riddle your teeth with holes on sight." (p.56)

It was such a pleasure to read an uplifting novel about life in the barrio. I loved the positive messages that Johnston incorporates into the story. Both serious and humorous, Any Small Goodness is a great novel for 4th grades and up.

[Felisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

MULTICULTURAL CHILDRENS
Johnson, Tony. Any Small Goodness. New York: Scholastic, 2001.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Grade 4 to Grade 6
Setting: Urban Los Angeles area around the late 1980s early 1990s
Characters: Middle-schooler Arturo and his friends Alicia, Jaime, Lloyd and Raul. Arturo's Abuelta, his mother and father, his litte sister Rosa dn his oldr brother Luis.

Although this is one continuous story of Arturo’s life in Los Angeles, it is written in a way that each chapter can be its own separate short story vignette of life in LA. The first chapter talks about the group of kids standing up to the gringo teacher and not letting their names become Anglicized, but rather stay Spanish. Another chapter is a funny story of Arturo's mother facing a possum and dialing 911 because she is afraid.

There are some other silly and sweet stories about volunteer coaches, and his dad painting hearts for his mom on the sidewalk, but then there are the more serious and sad chapters of the piano lady who could have been a star, but chose to teach in the barrio and how a police officer helped Rosa smile after a gang shooting at their house. Just like life in Los Angeles, the stories are mixed with very different moods and feelings, really giving an idea of the culture of Mexican immigrant families in Los Angeles.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I can see how many of my students could connect to some of the funny and sad stories of Arturo. Many students who don't live in the best neighborhoods of Los Angeles can identify with Arturo wanting to be a good kid, but seeing the pull of belonging to a gang many of his friends could fall in to. I only give this book 4 instead of 5 stars because it is set in a time when the Lakers use to be a star basketball team and Chick Hearn, the sports announcer, was still alive. The coach in this story is based on the former basketball player Kareem Abdul Jabbar that many of today's students might not know. It might be slightly dated but I feel the concepts of hope, love, and family are still explained well even today.

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

City, traffic, riots, movie stars, masses of people, “Spanglish,” illegals, internationals, wealth, poverty, drive-by shootings, death and drama—a stream of consciousness list of words that apply to Los Angeles. Johnston sets this 128-page gem inside the world of LA, stripping away the generalizations and allowing readers to experience life with the Rodriquez family in a barrio. Through the eyes of Arturo, Johnston captures the uncertainty and anxieties of a first day at school, the excitement and joy of discovering the sacredness of the library and books, the loyalty and love found in Arturo’s extended family, the fears and anguish of facing gangs, the significance of food and festival; the joy of creating “any small kindness.”

With vivid description, rich imagery, and incorporation of Spanish words and phrases (with a glossary to explain what may not be understood in context), we see the routines and hearts of the Rodriquez family—whether in the kitchen with Abuelita (Grandmother) grinding poblano peppers or making tacos; in the pink room with Rosie-Posie-Dominosie; at the café with Papi playing dominoes; in the garage jamming with Luis and his Mega Mango band.

The love, comfort and security of the family are dramatically interrupted by a bully gang—and in Arturo’s anguish and anger, his father reminds him, “In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it. . . .Remember this thing—any small goodness is of value” (103).

A delightful read—which won the 2002 Southern California Booksellers Association award.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any small goodness is a very interesting book that I recommend to you guys to read! A lot of things happened throughout the book. Some of the things that happened are happy, sad, and interesting. Throughout this book review I'm going to tell you guys each of the categories that happen throughout the novel that are happy, sad, and interesting.

One of the good things that happened in the novel is that there were that Arturo was a very trouble kid in school. Somethings that he would do in the classroom would be that one time they did this project and it really didn't turn out good. Also Arturo lived in a barrio because he belonged to a poor family that could't afford a lot of things. Some hobbies that Arturo had was that he loved basketball because it was his favorite sport and he would always play basketball.

Arturo was a very troubled kid and he would be part of a gang. He would always want to be the first one on everything that he did. Also some of his friends in the gang would like to bully him. One time he was very tired that people would bully him and he just wanted to get revenge. So I do recommend this book because it's a very interesting book to read and a lot of things happen throughout the novel.

[Aljandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

when it comes to family and traditions, Arturo can never be more serious than ever. it's all good as long as your with your family, but there are still some problems in places like where Arturo is. And there are a lot of new that are important to this tradition like chorizos, chicharrones and lots of chiles. This is in a lot of hispanic traditions.
It's all good as long as your with your family, some homes in the neighborhood have columns of stone. That's why his dad's plan was to paint rows of stones on the front of his house, because it would be carisisisimo to put real ones. And then everybody was painting with their dad while playing a songs, but then Arturo stop painting, he listened to the song and looked up into the wide blue sky.
Arturo always thinks about mama dulce who died so young, and he wish he knew. Because in L.A. there's bad, druggies, gangs, thieves lifting army ants from one house to another. And the L.A. river of swindle, where most years it's nonexistent, but when it does fill up, insane swimmers toss themselves in tire tubes into the furious froth of drowning.
So I think Arturo was a great kid with a great big heart.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arturo and his family move to LA and run head on into both the terrible problems of the city and the amazing love of the town. Arturo’s Papi is very wise, showing the children how to find good in the world and revealing to them how to make good from bad.

p. 16 On the way home Papi says, “This Leo Love is a brave man. In spite of fear he saved Huitla. When no eyes are upon him, that is a person’s true test.”

p. 103 “Mijo.” With carino, Papi touches my shoulders and looks into my face. The world seems to wait while he arranges his thoughts. Then slowly he says, “In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it.” A big speech for him. And I can tell he’s not done. After a moment he says, “Remember this thing --- any small goodness is of value.”

[Janet Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small very sweet book. Which seems hard to figure with the setting being the Barrio in L.A. I read this book at the same time as Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt. They created a poignant juxstaposition. In Okay for Now the main character has an abusive and narcisistic father who brings only pain and shame to his family. In Any Small Goodness the main character has a simple and gentle family in spite of the angry, ugly environment around them. In each book the young boys are searching for manhood and the value of character.
In Any Small Goodness each chapter gives us insight into the Hispanic culture and the unrest of L.A.'s gangland. Each chapter also gives us a look at an example of selfless kindness from an unexpected source. I loved the voice of this character as he seeks away to be a man of character and purpose. How refreshing.

[Phu · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read through page 45 in this book.
11. If i wish to learn when i read again tomorrow. I hope that i can also continue to learn more about the small good living stories. Because i want to get knowledge to apply for my own life, it's really a really precious experiences when i went to live in a new country.
12. Absolutely that are Mexican- American words and dialects. It really makes me difficulty to understand what's that mean in that situation or in society at that time. Because you only go through a novel or s story truly if you put yourself in its settings and understand exactly the meanings of all dialects.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a life of Barrio, coming from a Mexican family, who recently moved to L.A. The book talk mostly about the small event that Barrio and his family go through in L.A. In the book, Barrio switches from English to Spanish often, and incorporates Spanish words in to English sentences, which makes it rather confusing for non-Spanish speakers. There is a glossary that has translations of the Spanish words in the back of the book, but I find it really annoying to have to keep flipping back. It prevents me from reading the book smoothly. Overall, the book is fun, short, and simple, and I rated it three stars.

[Eric Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Johnston gives us a possible alternative to the way the barrio and hood are so often portrayed.

I enjoyed each chapter for its own sake and the book as a whole for what could be. Utopian? Perhaps. But not impossible. Just as Papi says, "If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it...any small goodness is of value." The impossibility is in thinking all must be good and that any small goodness is of no account against the crushing weight of evil in the world.

Fantastically written. I just bought two copies--one to give away and one for me, since the copy I read belongs to the library.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids' elementary school (grades 4-6) is reading this book and sharing it with the community. It shows that despite challenges of rough neighborhoods or poverty, there are wonderful people who give of themselves to make life a little bit better for those they come in contact with. The main character is able to see past thoughts of revenge or hate and notice the "small goodness" around him, and he realizes that he, too, can make a big difference.

[Treva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great middle-grades book. Each chapter is about an act of kindness done by someone in the neighborhood, including the Green Needle Gang, of which the main character Arturo is a member. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the book. Many are understandable through context, but there is a glossary at the end of the book for reference. Each chapter could be used as a stand-alone text for reading or writing instruction.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book ! Arturo is the main charecter in this story.His family moves from Mexico to L.A. It is a collection of short stories about Arturo and his family.This book is hard to read and under stand and might take some rereading but over all an amazing book.The charecters int this story all seem realiztic like Alica and Abuela. This book was really amazing Tony Johnstone did a really goood job in telling this story.

[Sammi Cuevas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to see into a culture that is very prominent in the USA. I could see it as a good tool for teaching students to be culturally responsive, learn some Spanish, and to understand different lifestyles than that of dominant culture. Along with that, for the good size percentage of students who relate with this book, it is a good switch up for their culture to be highlighted in the classroom.

["Stars" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I'll ever tire of reading this book with my middle school students. Spanish and English language are as closely woven together through the story of one Mexican-American boy. The story is both humorous and humbling and my students appreciate the cultural relevance to their own experience.

[Michelle Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this little book. It reminded me of Patricia MacLachlan's style...it's almost like poetry it flows so well and is so lyrical. An immigrant family deals with the struggles and joys of living in LA. The love this family has for each other is almost palpable. It's a beautiful book that would make an excellent read aloud.

[Candi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little scenarios told from the point of view of a boy who's family has recently immigrated to America, living in modern Los Angeles. All the chapters are tied together by philanthropy, making a choice for the greater good, and celebrating your identity. Really would love to share this book with my students. Short, quick read.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very sweet. The exploits of the Green Needle Gang went in a very different direction than expected--I was surprised there was no further confrontation with the hoodlums--and the ending really made me smile.

A good book to use for our culture & identity unit...if we weren't already reading SeedFolks! :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and fun book. It would be hard to read if you don't know any Spanish, because the author mixes it into the story. The story shows a loving family living in a tough part of L.A. There are both bad things and good things that happen. I love the humor in this book. Written for young people but lots in it for adults too.

[Mrs. Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Small Goodness by Tony Johnston was a great reminder of the importance of family and acts of kindness, both large and small. The young characters in this book were very realistic and I enjoyed reading how they viewed and navigated the world around them. The book has realistic dialogue and a sweet message. I recommend this book to young adults who like books about life and family.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arturo moves from Mexico with his family to the streets of LA. Each chapter tells a short story of a good person in his life. This book is a fictitious account that provides insight into the Latino culture and inspires young children to search for and be the good. I'd say it is perfect for late elementary school kids.

[Wilson]

A fun read, laced with Mexican-American Spanish and character.

This book resembles The Watsons Go to Birmingham in it's format (anecdotes strung together with a more grave event towards the end).

For 5th grade readers (or older) with a bit of an old soul and an appreciation for cultural identity and high value of family.

[Mrs. Galway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about what it is like growing up in LA being a Mexican-American. There is a lot of Spanish language in this book, but the author provides a glossary at the back. Still a little difficult for a non speaker like myself! Includes issues around growing up, be proud of self and heritage, and navigating through life's obstacles such as street gangs. Good for all middle schoolers and up.