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thenextgenlib's review against another edition
4.0
Mexican Whiteboy is a coming-of-age sports novel that deals with not knowing your place in the world, family relationships and learning more about oneself. Danny’s mother is a white woman and his father is a Mexican man who is absent from his life. Danny grew up not speaking Spanish and without financial hardships. It’s not until he visits his father’s family near San Diego that he realizes how much he doesn’t fit in anywhere and really wants to. This was a great read to build suspense, discuss race, privilege, the bonds of family, new love and, of course, baseball. I really enjoyed this book even though at times it felt like it dragged, but that could also be because I was listening to it on audiobook, which I hate, but it was free so
larkin21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
carnisht's review against another edition
4.0
I did not know this would be a sports book. I do not like sports books. I do not connect with sports books. I do not find sports books interesting. Well… that’s what I thought, anyways. I did like this book. I did connect with it. I did find it interesting. I was (happily) proven wrong. I really enjoyed this story centered around baseball! Baseball really was the common denominator throughout all of the subplots. It tied Danny to his friends, it tied him to his family, and it tied him to his future. It was a central part of the story, but it wasn’t the only part of the story. Danny and Uno went around their county, finding opponents to hustle. Surprisingly (to me), I found myself getting VERY into their games. I was on the edge of my seat, anxious and filled with anticipation about what would happen… and trust me when I say I never would’ve expected that from myself and a sports book! I think the reason I was able to get so invested in their games was because the games were about more than just their games. There was more at stake for the boys, and they were playing these random pick-up games for a greater purpose (helping Danny improve for school). This kept me rooting for Danny and feeling invested in the outcomes of their games more than I (theoretically) would have been if it were just for some tournament.
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/2020/07/01/mexican-whiteboy-by-matt-de-la-pena/
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/2020/07/01/mexican-whiteboy-by-matt-de-la-pena/
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
3.0
A solid coming of age YA. Danny and Uno has a rough start, but their friendship and hustling made for the strongest part of the story, especially with both of them dealing with not so great fathers. I also loved Danny’s relationship with his cousin, Sofia. Lots of baseball to entice a sports fan to read it, and hopefully stay for the introspective look at friendship, family, culture, and finding yourself.
crystal_reading's review
5.0
I loved getting to know Danny and watching him begin to believe in himself. He doesn't figure everything out, but he definitely grows. I enjoyed the baseball aspect and loved his friendship with Uno and his cousin Sofia.
Excellent storytelling.
Excellent storytelling.
eraynayreads's review against another edition
5.0
Aaaamazing. Five stars amazing. I connected with the the story, the beautiful language and the beautiful connection of family. The trueness of being part of a loud and loving mexican family and being on the outside. Thank you, Mr. De la Pena for an incredible read.
_elenarose's review against another edition
5.0
(Full review: https://elenareads.com/2021/01/07/review-mexican-whiteboy/)
Danny is a crayon in a pencil box. Everywhere he goes, he never seems to fit in.
In San Diego, he feels like everyone assumes they know who he is because Danny is half-Mexican, and most kids at his private school are white. Where his dad’s family lives in National City (also in California), Danny’s the one who looks white. He’s at least a shade lighter than his cousin Sofia and other relatives.
Skin color aside, Danny doesn’t seem to fit in inside his own home, either. He’s the only one who seems to care that his dad is no longer around. His mom, who is white, told him his father moved back to Mexico. Danny misses him desperately. Only soon, he will find out the truth.
That’s the rundown in Mexican WhiteBoy by Matt de la Peña, a book that explores a biracial teen trying to find himself and his voice – through baseball, friendships, and everything in between.
What I liked about this book was that it was formatted in an interesting way. Scenes were broken up into sections that had chapters inside of them. I also enjoyed the way Matt de la Peña brought me into Danny and his friend Uno’s world.
I’m 12, and although the book was pretty easy for me to comprehend, some of the content (swearing, drinking, etc…) is geared to more mature readers. Mexican WhiteBoy is probably best enjoyed by readers 13+. If you like I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez, you would love this compelling novel.
I rate this book four out of four roses! I thought it was a little slow-moving, but loved the strong descriptions of everything!
Danny is a crayon in a pencil box. Everywhere he goes, he never seems to fit in.
In San Diego, he feels like everyone assumes they know who he is because Danny is half-Mexican, and most kids at his private school are white. Where his dad’s family lives in National City (also in California), Danny’s the one who looks white. He’s at least a shade lighter than his cousin Sofia and other relatives.
Skin color aside, Danny doesn’t seem to fit in inside his own home, either. He’s the only one who seems to care that his dad is no longer around. His mom, who is white, told him his father moved back to Mexico. Danny misses him desperately. Only soon, he will find out the truth.
That’s the rundown in Mexican WhiteBoy by Matt de la Peña, a book that explores a biracial teen trying to find himself and his voice – through baseball, friendships, and everything in between.
What I liked about this book was that it was formatted in an interesting way. Scenes were broken up into sections that had chapters inside of them. I also enjoyed the way Matt de la Peña brought me into Danny and his friend Uno’s world.
I’m 12, and although the book was pretty easy for me to comprehend, some of the content (swearing, drinking, etc…) is geared to more mature readers. Mexican WhiteBoy is probably best enjoyed by readers 13+. If you like I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez, you would love this compelling novel.
I rate this book four out of four roses! I thought it was a little slow-moving, but loved the strong descriptions of everything!
insomniacsquare's review against another edition
4.0
I love this book!! I had to read this book for college and it became my favorite book. After rereading it, it is still a great book.
The book follows Danny, who is half-white and half-Mexican. Due to be mixed, he feels he does not belong anywhere and tries his best to find himself. The story follows him as he tries to discover himself with help from his cousin, and his friend Uno who sets up baseball hustles to win money.
I feel everyone needs to reads this book and I can't recommend it enough. I know it's a short review but I do not want to spoil anything.
The book follows Danny, who is half-white and half-Mexican. Due to be mixed, he feels he does not belong anywhere and tries his best to find himself. The story follows him as he tries to discover himself with help from his cousin, and his friend Uno who sets up baseball hustles to win money.
I feel everyone needs to reads this book and I can't recommend it enough. I know it's a short review but I do not want to spoil anything.
eileencastroo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book was such an emotional and inspiring read. as a mexican myself, i found the topics to be relatable - at times, i felt that i was living through these characters vicariously! matt de la peña surpassed my initial expectations of mexican whiteboy.
resslesa's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent -baseball and hustling and feeing like an outsider