That's One Bad Hombre!

CHATO AND THE PARTY ANIMALS, by Gary Soto
AR Level: 3.0 Points: .5

"Cool Cat" Chato’s best friend Novio Boy has never had a birthday party because he is from the pound, and never really had a family. Chato decides to get all of his party-loving friends together to throw a party for Novio Boy. After all the preparations—pinata, flea combs, shiny collars, half-price yarn and catnip—are done, they realize that they forgot to tell Novio Boy—but no one can find him. Everyone is worried—the party turns into a wake for their lost friend—until he shows up, having been "dumpster hopping" with two alley cats. The party continues until long after the sun goes down and the neighbors start throwing shoes at them to get the racket to stop. This book combines barrio slang, Spanish, and English, and is a delight to read. I would have loved having this book when I taught in Inner City San Antonio fifteen years ago!