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The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez

The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez

Sonia Rodriguez was born in the United States, but her parents are Mexican immigrants who came to California before she was born. Her father has three Social Security numbers, her mother is pregnant (again), and neither of them speak English. Sonia’s mother spends most of her time in bed, watching soap operas, and letting Sonia clean up after her brothers. Sonia’s father works dutifully to support his family, but he knows that his daughter’s dreams are bigger than making tamales for family get-togethers.

When Sonia attempts to put school work before her familia, her mother decides that it’s time for Sonia to visit her grandmother in Mexico to learn “the ways of the old world.” While in Mexico, Sonia spends time with her wise grandmother and her cousin Maria who teach her that while familia is important, the most important thing is to follow your heart. Sonia returns to the States determined to succeed in school, but the birth of her new twin siblings, inappropriate advances from her drunk uncle (Drunkle), and a forbidden relationship with an El Salvadorian boy push school to the back burner. If only Sonia can find the time to cook dinner, secretly meet with her boyfriend, avoid her Drunkle, AND finish her homework, she just might be able to graduate from high school…

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  • Anita

    i Only had to read the first page and i got hooked in a snap ! i love this book all time favorite through out my life(:

  • Bizzydreamer

    he really has a way of attracting teenagers’ attention. alot of my guy friends are not big readers, but they can’t put his books down once they start! i love this book, and can definitley relate to it!!! i just kept nodding my head and laughing throughout the whole book, because it sounded so much like me and my friends and family! Alan just visited my school in the Rio Grande Valley, and he really wowed me, because he wasn’t just another adult telling kids right from wrong, he was relating to the students through experiences he has heard. it’s hard to find someone honest like that :)

  • Bizzydreamer

    i definitley disagree with ur comment, not only has he captured what so many mexican american teenagers go thru, he has left all of us first generation high school graduates in our family with some hope! just because he didn’t capture ur point of view, doesn’t mean he didn’t capture others’ point of view!

  • Kraziegurl74

    Heii alan i totally fell in Love widd ur book its badass:D && i totally agree widd RUBY. u should make a movie of this book(:

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2WQZVCOAOFAUNDWMNU25QTH5MU Francisco

    Why did they let the uncle live there. whats wrong with them
    Im mexican and even I wouldn’t let this happen 

  • Mahasinizquierdo

    i have to read this book for my school and this book is very good.

  • Ernesto_kareli@hotmail.com

    i like this book because i also struggle through the same thing being the oldest

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_27ZWNZ6QXFUBKCN5UKAT5IZA7U Joselin

    while reading this book i realized how i could relate to what Sonia goes through.family issues..most latinas have alot of duties at home like cleaning, cooking, looking after little kids, nd most of all HOMEWORK…just like sonia has a prohibited relationship..i have one too…but its way WORSE than Sonia’s…anyways yeah AWESOME BOOK.! :]

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    Thanks for the nice note!

    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer
    California Teacher of the Year, 2007
    & author of two new YA comedies
    Disney Book Group’s
    NERD GIRLS
    & Penguin Putnam’s
    THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING UP
    Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com

  • Jenny

    I just finished reading this book and all i can say is tht i really loved it and learned!

  • Swaggg23

    Oh my god! My name is sonia rodriguez but im from Houston, tx & i DO have a cousin named maria :O I want to read this book! :D

  • Marlenehernandez74

    yes it is good im starting to read this book in my class

  • Bryce Riley16

    before this school year i didnt apply my self as much as i should have, now in my junior year of highschool i understand everything sonia does in this book, and however it may be fiction i imagine there is atleast one otherperson out there like this. this is no doubt the best i have ever read. all 309 pages of in during a weekend. i must say i have a hectic schedule aswell but nothing compared to this and i still found time to enjoy every word of this book. also makes me want to find all the other good books out there and start reading everyday. i finally understand what everyone else feels so emotional about books.

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    That is a fantastic message! I really appreciate the time you took to write – and glad you have discovered the JOY of reading.
    Keep it up… the treasure will last a lifetime.

    Happy holidays.

    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer
    California Teacher of the Year, 2007
    & author of two new YA comedies
    Disney Book Group’s
    NERD GIRLS
    & Penguin Putnam’s
    THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING UP
    Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com

  • Naphtai Trevino

    This book is so true to the mark. Many do not even realize thank you Mr.Alan Sitomer for showing how hard it is to be a mexican female. Go LATINAS!!!!

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    You are AWESOME for taking the time to write and give me such wonderful feedback. Thanks a ton for the kind words… now go reach for your dreams! *

    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer *
    *California Teacher of the Year, 2007 *
    *& author of two new YA comedies*
    *Disney Book Group’s *
    * N**E**R**D** **G**I**R**L**S*
    *& **Penguin Putnam’s *
    * THE** DOWNSI**D**E O**F BE**ING UP*
    *Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com * *
    *

  • Naphtai Trevino

    Everyone who has yet to read this book should it has inspired myself to go out and reach my dreams with everything I have thank you Mr. Alan Sitomer for being so inspired us and everyone I now who is Latina and has read this book feels the same!!! :D

  • Bubblegms

    OMG BEST BOOK EVER WHAT A PERFECT COMBO OF ROMANCE, TRAGEDY, DRAMA, AND HORROR 
    MY KUDOS TO THE AUTHOPr

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    Thrilled you enjoyed it!

    Check out HIP-HOP HIGH SCHOOL. (Sonia appears in that book, too.)

    And then HOMEBOYZ… that one is HUGELY popluar.

    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer
    California Teacher of the Year, 2007
    & author of two new YA comedies
    Disney Book Group’s
    NERD GIRLS
    & Penguin Putnam’s
    THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING UP
    Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com

  • R Leslie2286

    this book is cool.

  • Rebeca

    This Author Used To Be a Teacher At My High School :3

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    Totally glad you like the book!

    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer
    California Teacher of the Year, 2007
    & author of two new YA comedies
    Disney Book Group’s
    NERD GIRLS
    & Penguin Putnam’s
    THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING UP
    Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com

  • Elpalomino1

    what is the name of the tio 

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    Re-read the book… it’s in there. (Hint:it comes out during the pepper eating contest.)
    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer
    California Teacher of the Year, 2007
    & author of two new YA comedies
    Disney Book Group’s
    NERD GIRLS
    & Penguin Putnam’s
    THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING UP
    Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com

  • symon

    want to read iit
     

  • Rebeca

    Wonderful, simply incredible! Truly encompasses the spirit, the passion of what it’s like to be Hispanic. All the struggles, too, not just the positives. I read this a while back and practically forced my mother & friend to read it. I haven’t met ANYONE who doesn’t love it. Thanks, Mr. Sitomer, just thanks.

  • http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer

    Thanks a ton for the nice words about my book. I am so glad it really touched a good nerve for you. Keep fighting the good fight!
    All my best,

    Alan

    Alan Lawrence Sitomer
    California Teacher of the Year, 2007
    & author of two new YA comedies
    Disney Book Group’s
    NERD GIRLS
    & Penguin Putnam’s
    THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING UP
    Learn more at http://www.AlanSitomer.com

  • Alaisha wilson

    OMG i love it

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