Jesse

From the author of "Local News" comes a touching and honest novel about a young Mexican-American boy's coming of age in the shadow of the Vietnam War. Jesse and his brother, Abel, have plans for their lives--to rise above poverty and desolation by furthering their eductions.
In this new edition of his first young adult novel, Gary Soto paints a moving portrait of seventeen-year-old Jesse, who has left his parents' home to live with his older brother. These Mexican American brothers hope junior college will help them escape their heritage of tedious physical labor. Their struggles are humorous, true to life, and deeply affecting. Young adults will sympathize with the brothers as they come to terms with what is possible for each of them in an imperfect world.

Includes a reader's guide.