René Saldaña, Jr.Besprekingen

I just put down the book for the second time in my life and I'm happy to say that my thoughts on it have changed for the better. Being YA lit, something I hardly touch, this book shows that there are two versions of the Valley: The one in which we live in and the one we remember living in. René Saldaña, Jr. ventures into both. Leaving us nostalgic for our lost innocence, but appreciating the course of events that brought us here.

It's a joy to read for both adults and teens alike. Each powerful story reminds us that if we should trip and fall in our journey into adulthood, the world does allow second chances. All we have to is pick ourselves up, dust off our clothes and never lose our way.

Read this one to Justin. He loved it. So good for children and young adults.

He was a mentor of mine

tapa dura

Rey, a young Hispanic boy lives just across the US border in Mexico. His family is happy living in Mexico near one set of grandparents until one night an earthquake destroys their house; his family barely escapes with their lives. His mother and father decide to move the family over the border into the US and they settle in Nuevo Penitas, Texas near Rey’s other grandparents. This story follows Rey’s family and school life as he grows into manhood. He comes to value hard work, honesty and family above all else.

What's appealing about this book is the depiction of true friendship and love between two best friends who are boys. These are "guy guys" who would never say aloud "I love you" but they genuinely have each other's backs and appreciate that about each other. Barry is rightfully angry that Alby has used him in a boxing/gambling scheme but both find a way to redeem the friendship they need so much. A great book for guys that expresses the emotions they feel for a close friend but don't have the words or ability to say it.

I enjoyed reading this coming-of-age story about a young boy named Rey. Half of his family lives in Texas and the other half lives in Mexico. As Rey grows up, he is expected to follow in his father's footsteps, but he is more interested in becoming his own person. Rey learns to appreciate his family and the life they have given him. The message behind this story is that you should always appreciate your culture and heritage because it is a part of who you are. Many middle school students, especially ones who have family in other countries, can relate to this story because it shows that figuring out your identity when you're young is not always easy. Additionally, I liked how this book was split into two different parts and it can be read as a whole or separately.

RGG: The teenagers' issues has a similar feel to the characters in The Outsiders although both caring and uncaring parents are significantly present. But although the novel is short, it is a difficult read due to the multiple points of view and the use of first and the unusual second person narration. Interest: YA.

This is my second Saldana book. I think that I prefer this MUCH more to The Jumping Tree...but I think that Saldana is best in isolation: I only want to read one story...then stop. I don't really like reading a whole book of his.

This is my second Saldana book. I think that I prefer this MUCH more to The Jumping Tree...but I think that Saldana is best in isolation: I only want to read one story...then stop. I don't really like reading a whole book of his.

The Whole Sky Full of Stars is a fictional novel written by Rene Saldana, Jr. This book is about two young boys, Barry and Alby. These two boys have been best friends since kindergarten. They are all fun in jokes until one day Alby mentions to Barry about what some kids have been saying about his mother. Barry takes it the wrong way and punches Alby right in the face. After being punched, Alby knew what he had to do: get Barry into fighting. Since Alby has gotten into some trouble with the school thug, Ciro, he thought the best way to help himself and Barry was to let Barry fight for money. Alby makes a deal with Barry, telling him he’ll cut the pay sixty-forty and to have him participate in risky fighting matches. Alby also mentions to Barry that he could be his manager. Barry’s dad had died and his father was the only one who saw that Barry had potential to become a boxer and succeed in life. Barry’s mother was also poor, tired and worn out. Thinking about her, Barry takes Alby’s deal to help his mother, even if it puts all he has left at risk. Throughout the story, it’s all about friendship, and betrayals. It’s also a story about growing up and trusting others as well as themselves. My opinion of this book is that it wasn’t pretty bad. This novel includes realistic problems most teenagers would face so readers of the younger age could connect with the characters of this novel. I liked the way that she set the characters up to be. If the characters were to be realistic, they wouldn’t seem perfect; they’d seem like average teenagers with average problems. For instance, Alby has somewhat a gambling problem since he’s already mixed up in trouble with the school’s thug. So now it’s resulted in getting money, but having your friend get hit for money. As well for Barry, he’s not so much different. His dad died, and his family is somewhat poor. Average problems and average people who have them. Tis book also ties in with the American Dream. People don’t have to be rich, have a nice job, and be stubborn to try to strive for the American Dream. In Barry’s case, it’s the exact opposite. From the place Barry lives, to the school he attends, much opposite than being rich. His dream is to make is father proud and to become what his father saw in him. Much of what the American Dream is about. Coming from a poor family, to try and strive for success in the fighting world. If you set your mind to it, you can do it. -J.B.

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

THE WHOLE SKY FULL OF STARS is a story about the strong bonds of friendship. Through the experience of the main characters readers will learn that true friendship can survive.

Barry and Alby have been friends against all odds. Barry's father's recent death from cancer has put a huge financial strain on life for him and his mother. They never had much before and now that is stretched even thinner. Alby, on the other hand, doesn't need to worry about cash. His dad is a successful car dealer and his mom is a lawyer. Yet, the two boys have been friends since the first grade.

Alby finds himself in some trouble involving his gambling debts. With the help of his friend Barry's boxing skills, he hopes to concoct a scheme to take care of both the boys' needs. The Man o' Might fighting contest offers a chance for Alby to win what he owes in gambling debts, and, hopefully, provide some financial relief for Barry and his mom.

At first reluctant to get involved, Barry finds that preparing for the fight helps him remember the good times with his dad. They used to spend hours together working out on the bag and down at the gym. When they weren't boxing, they were working on an old 1964 Ford Galaxie that Barry might someday drive to the prom.

Will Alby's crazy scheme placing side bets on Barry's boxing abilities have what it takes to ruin their friendship? Rene Saldana, Jr. provides the answer in this fast-paced read that is sure to please even reluctant middle grade boys.

Barry and Alby are best friends until Alby convinces Barry to box for money in a somewhat sleazy "tournament". Will Barry get hurt? Will Alby be able to pay off his gambling debts? Get caught up in the suspense as these two "fight to the finish".½

Barry and Alby have been friends since first grade. Now Barry is 18 and has always been interested in boxing because as he was growing up his dad had taught him all about it.

Alby owes Ciro $500 gambling debt and only had $300 of it to pay back. Ably hears about the Man 'o Might competition and persuades Barry to compete. Barry's dad always told him that betting was wrong and Barry followed his dad's words. However, Alby had always gotten by any way he could and he told Barry that he could win the five to seven hundred dollard prize for this compeition.

Barry's father had died and his mom worked two jobs. Their mortgage was going up so Barry wanted to win the fight to help his mom. Barry's dad had bought an old Galaxie and since his dad was a mechanic, they were fixing it up together. Barry always knoew he could sell the car if they were really hard up for money.

The day of the fight Barry did not know that the prize was really a trophy, $100, and a t-shirt. Barry won five fights and was in the final round which was fought with a ex-professional boxer who had not fought all day. Just before the fight started, Barry found out that Alby was taking bets on the fights. The final fight was in a chain fince. Throught the fight, Barry could hear his father's words of advice about how to win--he did what he remembered his father saying and won the match. But, it was the end of his friendship with Ably. Alby had decieved him and was placing bets as the fighting progressed. Alby won enough to pay back the gambling debt and won an additional $1,000 on the final fight. Barry would not alke any of the money.

The next day Alby was very sad because he knew he had lost his life long firend. He talked with his father about it and his father (for the first time in Alby's life) helped him work out a way to get things right with Barry.

For the whole summer Alby mowed grass for people in Barry's neighborhood who were older and could not afford to pay for it. He did enough yards to equal the amount of money he won betting. After this he went to Barry and apologized and told him he wanted to earn back his friendship if there were any way possible.

This is a wonderful story of friendhip and the consequences of taking advantage of someone's trust.