Enrique, a boy in middle school, faces abuse at home and danger on the streets. Yet he is driven to succeed by the desire to find a better life and is aided in his quest by compassionate teachers. His ambition finds expression in his determination to drop his ESL class in favor of taking French, and his story begins, "Call me Henri."
Lorraine López has created a vivid picture of barrio life, filled with honesty, insight, and humor for young adults. She paints a balanced and detailed landscape of Enrique's world. Though Enrique is confused and angered by his mother's refusal to stand up for him against the abuse of his stepfather, he also draws strength from his friend Francisco’s supportive and loving family.
When Enrique witnesses his friend Horacio gunned down in a drive-by shooting and is recognized by the assailants, gang members set out to kill him. As the novel reaches its climax, Enrique must make some agonizing decisions.
Although largely about urban life, this novel is universal in its themes—the drive for security and success, the desire for love and family support, and the need for true friendship. López's fully delineated characters provide a rich and credible mural of our human comedy.
