Various, edited by Sarah Cortez,
Windows Into My World: Latino Youth Write Their Lives
Piñata, 2007

A collection of memoir-like essays by young Latino students, Windows into My World provides a glimpse of the different forces that affect and influence Hispanic youth in the present day United States. Cuban poet Virgil Suaréz' introductory words deftly help establish the cultural landscape of the collection.

Whether these young writers' personal narratives are acknowledging the influence of ancestors ("Grandmother's Stories," "Matsuharu's Quest, "To Be An Ortiz"); struggling to adapt or resisting adaptation to American culture ("Childhood in English," "Becoming Latina"); dealing with prejudice ("Do You Speak English?") or with feelings familiar to teenagers anywhere ("Deception"), at the heart of these essays we find ourselves face to face with the values and experiences that have helped shape who they are or wish to become.

Their stories, both the ones describing cruelty, loss, separation, self-doubt, and those conveying pride and positive experiences,all reflect the authors' diverse cultural heritages and reveal the universal desire to be understood and appreciated.

The honesty with which these young men and women communicate their stories is disarming, and makes up for the uneven literary quality of the collection. Windows into My World is a good reference for use in units exploring Hispanic heritage. High-school-age students of any background have a great deal to gain from listening to these candid voices.

Aline Pereira
September 2007