Soto has written about the MexicanAmerican experience in poetry, short stories, autobiographical stories, and novels.

His early autobiographical works detail his experiences living in poverty in the Fresno barrio. From Baseball in April to Petty Crimes, his short stories have given voices to a wide array of characters from the Mexican-American community. Young Adult novels like Jessie and Buried Onions connect a heritage of struggling as migrant workers to the hopes of present-day adolescents.

Throughout his poetry, short stories, and novels, Soto refuses to relinquish ties to those in the barrio. Although he is now successful, his writing and his volunteer efforts reveal his dedication to improve the lives of those who face poverty and despair.

Refusing to relinquish his ties to the barrio, Soto, through his writing, shows his eagerness to reach out to struggling children and adolescents. In Buried Onions and other novels, Soto...