7th Grade

Summary: “7th Grade” is a short story by Gary Soto about a boy named Victor who is entering 7th grade and is desperate to impress his long time love Teresa whom he met in catechism classes. All summer long, he has worked in the fields under the scorching California sun to gather enough money to buy clothes and be presentable. In an attempt to impress he goes too far and bites off more than he can chew.

CLD Students: This short story is perfect for CLD students because it brings humor to the scary realities of middle school, particularly growing up poor. Students are able to connect to this story because more than just a love story, it is a story about the struggles of poor Chicano students working hard to make it out. From this short story, students can engage in reader’s theatre, analyze the author’s use of language, tone and mood, text to self and text to world connections and it’s age appropriate.

Related Materials/Resources:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0aZIwCDT1HvdU9fbFVoVFo1blk

Google Doc with resources

Gary Soto Author Information:

http://www.garysoto.com/bio.html

http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Sh-Z/Soto-Gary.html

http://www.umich.edu/~ac213/student_projects08/latlit/soto.html

Available Formats and Languages: Spanish, English, hardcover, paperback, available in various textbooks

Age Range: 6-8th grade

Book: "Baseball in April" and Other Stories by Gary Soto

ISBN:13: 978-0152025670