TAKING SIDES

Soto, Gary. Taking Sides. Reissue ed. New York City: Harcourt Paperbacks, 2003. ISBN 0152046941

PLOT SUMMARY:
Lincoln, an 8th grade Latino American from the barrio, moves with his single mom to nearby Sycamore, where he moves from being the majority to the minority. They have moved there to escape the crime and run down neighborhood they lived in, but Lincoln has difficulty fitting into his new white, richer, neighborhood and school. Lincoln loves basketball and joins the team at his new school. However, his coach, Coach Yesutis, is tough on Lincoln and racist against Latinos. Lincoln is torn when his new team plays his old team as he doesn't quite fit in to either place now. Lincoln's old friends and teammates feel he has gone soft, and he is having difficulty fitting into the new team. Other relationships are introduced such as Lincoln's with his mom's white boyfriend, Roy, and his budding romance with fellow Latino, Monica.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
A glimpse into Latino heritage and the struggles faced in inner city barrios, Soto presents an accurate and insightful story that adolescents of all races will enjoy. Latinos will recognize themselves, whether they are from the barrio or not, and non Latinos will enjoy learning about a different heritage. The text is peppered with Spanish phrases, which unfortunately for non-Spanish speakers, is sometimes choppy. I didn't realize until I reached the ending of the story that a glossary showing the Spanish words and phrases is included. I would have found this helpful while reading the story. Throughout the story, sometimes the phrases are defined within the sentence which helps the understanding, while other times readers must turn to the glossary. When the words or phrase is translated within the text, the Spanish words come first and are italicized, and then followed by the English translation. For instance, "Mucho gusto en conocerte. Nice to meet you, Lincoln." In the cases where the words are translated within the text, they don't appear in the glossary. The words that aren't translated within the text are also italicized and then the reader can turn to the glossary for a translation.

The story and the characters are realistic, and it is easy to imagine the difficulties Lincoln is facing. His emotions are believable as he exhibits anger, embarrassment and frustration while trying to start a relationship with Monica, continue his friendship with his friend from the old area, Tony, not butt heads with the Coach, and fit into his new surroundings. Lincoln's mom is obviously trying to provide a safer and better upbringing for her son, but their trust is shattered when their new apartment is broken into. Lincoln is also trying to figure out his relationship with his mom's white boyfriend, while understanding why his own dad is no longer in the picture.

Soto presents an accurate depiction of Latino life, particularly in bigger cities (such as San Francisco where the story takes place). After the story, a chapter showing the sequel to the story, Pacific Crossing, is presented. In this initial chapter it is explained that Franklin and his mother move back to the old neighborhood after the school year (to a better section of the neighborhood). Readers will want to read the sequel to see how the characters further develop and learn more about why Lincoln and his mom decided Sycamore wasn't for them.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

Horn Book Guide:
Background complications with his mother's new male friend add texture to a story of growing maturity set inside a sport. Awkward use of Spanish with English translations gets in the way of an otherwise good book.

Booklist:
Linc's cool appraisal of the differences and similarities between his two communities makes for interesting reading, but the book's universality springs from the essential realism of the boy's hopes, fears, and disquieting moments. While the use of Spanish words within the text (some translated in context, others requiring a flip back to the glossary) is a mixed blessing, the novel itself is well constructed, well written, and believable.

School Library Journal:
Readers will easily understand the boy's dilemma. The conflicts of old vs. new and Hispanic vs. white culture are clearly delineated. So is the fact that the differences are not as great as they first appear. Because of its subject matter and its clear, straightforward prose, the book will be especially good for reluctant readers.

Kirkus Review:
Soto creates a believable, compelling picture of the stress that racial prejudice places on minority children. He respects the intelligence of his readers, sparing dramatics and allowing them to read between the lines of his quiet yet powerful scenes and bringing the racial issue closer to home for a mainstream readership: the Mendozas are now suburban and middle class and could be anyone's neighbors.

Publisher's Weekly:
Once again, Soto ( Baseball in April ) masterfully conveys the Hispanic-American experience, and readers will respect Lincoln's values and good sportsmanship. Ultimately, the boy learns to adjust to a new situation and accept new challenges without compromising his individuality.

CONNECTIONS:

* Read other books by Gary Soto. Soto has written picture books, books for young adults, books for adults, and poetry. Find as many books by Soto as possible. Does he always include his Latino heritage in his writing? Have students visit Gary Soto's website, www.garysoto.com.

* Many Spanish phrases are included in the story, such as Es medio tonto (He's sort of foolish), and con safos (a taunt, as in "What are you going to do about it?"). Have students look up other phrases and translate into Spanish. Use babelfish (www.babelfish.yahoo.com) or a similar site.

* Question students of Latino descent and ask them if they have experienced racism or similar issues to Linoln and his family. Ask students of other backgrounds if they have experienced similar issues. Compare stories.