The Skirt

Summary: Ever noticed how much Latina girls are absent from the literature we often read in our classrooms? "The Skirt” is great story by Gary Soto gives us an inside look into the daily challenges and dramas of a Latina teenage girl's life. It tells the story of young Miata Ramirez an adolescent Hispanic girl who has made a huge mistake. Through hard work and sacrifice her participating in a Folklorico dance group. Trusting her judgment, her mother allows Miata to use her beloved her beloved skirt that she once wore to perform with. Being the typical Latina teenage girl that she is, Miata decides to show her skirt off to her friends at school; a decision that could get her more than just an earful. The troubles and tribulations she has to go through in order to right her wrong will keep the readers engaged. The themes of this short story include humility, obeying your parents, friendship, and mutual understanding.

CLD Students: This story is engaging for CLD students, especially girls. It brings in culture with the folkloric dancing and many themes related to adolescence and the pressures of family and friends. Every student will be on the edge of their seat with the risks the characters take and the choices they make for the sake of staying out of trouble.

Related Materials/Resources:

http://www.bpe.org/files/EF7TheSkirt.pdf

Study Guide

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

Age Range: 4-7th grade

ISBN:13: 978-0440409243