Perspective

Barrio Boy is an autobiography, written in the first person. The author, Ernesto Galarza, explains in the introduction why he chose to write his story. As an immigrant from a rural Mexican village, Ernie is brought to America by circumstance. He subsequently adapts to American culture and becomes a rising star within the American education system. This adaptation however, does not come at the expense of Ernie's Mexican heritage. While the story points to some conflicts between the two cultures, Ernie clearly states that he feels it is possible to be a Mexican living in America. His descriptions of the ceremonies and habits of other families within the Sacramento barrio indicate that others were able to do the same. These Mexican families learn what they have to about America in order to get by with the daily tasks of living, buying food, paying rent, and finding work. By...