Meet Sonia Rodriguez

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Hear a Slice of The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez

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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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24 Comments

Brittany, September 22, 2009:

This book is amazing and totally realistic.I almost thought it was a biography of sonia. You should definitely check this book out. One chapter and you’re hooked! Simply another result of Mr. Alan Sitomer’s genius.
destiny williams, November 4, 2009:

the dudes a genius very sweet book even though i only read two chapters and im hooked
ERICA, November 20, 2009:

THIS BOOK IS AWSOME! I CAN TOTALLY RELATE TO IT! I READ THE BACK AND I GOT HOOKED COULDNT STOP READING IT AND FIND OUT WHAT SONIA WAS ALL ABOUT.
kaymonda, December 2, 2009:

i wanna read
kaymonda, December 2, 2009:

kjytgf
Raindee, December 22, 2009:

I have not yet read this book, My school does not have Alan Lawrence Sitomer books, only 3. I'm currently patiently waiting to read this book, Im very interested, Alot of his books Ic an relate to a little bit , I cant wait to read this book.
Joselyn, January 4, 2010:

This book is one of the greatest books i have ever read.!!! once i began to read i couldnt stop seriously !! WOW !!
Amalia, January 11, 2010:

This has been the best book i have ever read. It is so realistic and very easy to relate too.Once i began reading it i honestly, couldnt stop. The obstacles Sonia must overcome really make you appreciate what you have. Great book, thank you Mr.Allan for writing this wonderfull book(:
Christiana Roverso, January 12, 2010:

I read this book in one day. I loved it. I hate reading, but not when it comes to your books Mr. Sitomer
marceperez, January 21, 2010:

OMG I LUV “THE SECRET STORY OF SONIA RODRIGUEZ!!!!!”
I CAN RELATE TO HER IN SOME WAYS…..
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR TEENAGERS TO READ…….BIG TIME!
laura_04, January 27, 2010:

I love this book, it is one of my favorites. Proud to say that Alan was my 10th grade English teacher.
Louis, March 27, 2010:

Whats even awesome is that Alan Lawrence Sitomer works near a highschool where I live.So thats what i heard
(Lynwood Highschool)
Louis, March 27, 2010:

But I really do hope I get him as a teacher in Lynwood High
Anqel94, March 30, 2010:

-This book was absoutely amazinq,it was so real and tugs at your heart.It's my all-time favorite,and i love happy endinqs.
-Angel
your an amazinq author =D
Rezen Anderson, April 1, 2010:

im not the type of person who enjoys reading but i read all 4 of the books and they relate to me and a lot of my freinds i guess thats why i liked them so much.
yuristatus, April 28, 2010:

I love this book!!~ Realmente I have been able to connect with this amazing INCREDIBLE book!! I say this book NEEDS to be turned into a MOVIE! i loooooovvveee it! VIVA MEXICO!
sisi, May 7, 2010:

this book is awesome you hav eto read it
Leesha L, June 27, 2010:

cant wait to read this one !
Liliana, August 1, 2010:

this book is great. i read it and i couldnt stop reading it. i really conected to it. ppl should read this book.
Liliana, August 1, 2010:

this book is great. i read it and i couldnt stop reading it. i really conected to it. ppl should read this book.
Gerardo, August 19, 2010:

I just finished listening (audio book from my Library) and I felt the anger, the sorrow and the happines for Sonia Rodriguez…my daughter starts High School and this is one of the books she could read and I was glad I bought it for her. I plane to go over it with her.
isabella rodriguez, August 22, 2010:

i know i loved it loved 2 and i also read it in one day it is the 1st chapter book i ever wanted 2 finish.
Isabella Rodriguez, August 22, 2010:

i fell in love with this book i never finished a chapter book because there was nothing i can relate too a little so my cuzin showed me th book i read the 1st page i loved i read it all in 1 day me gusto este libro que todos lo leen.
Jose , August 30, 2010:

this is a good book to learn about mexican costumes