Description:
An acclaimed YA debut novel that serves as a great alternative or companion to To Kill a Mockingbird--exploring the dynamics of systemic racism in the 1950s through the eyes of a Latino boy coming of age.
Brief description:
Daniel Gilbert Acosta was born and grew up in California. After a half year as a novice in the Claretian order, Daniel left the seminary and enrolled at California State University, Los Angeles. Following college, Daniel was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was discharged from the Army in 1972 and returned to CSULA to earn his teaching credential. Daniel earned a Master's Degree from CSULA and spent thirty-four years teaching English and creative writing at Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, California. A former member of the L.A. Barrio Writer's Workshop, Daniel retired from teaching in 2007 and return to his writing. His fiction has appeared in national print and digital periodicals. Iron River is his first novel. Daniel is the father of four, and he and his wife, Linda, live in Rosemead, California. You can find more information about him and Iron River at ironrivernovel.com
Review Quotes:
* "A dense story with rich associative leaps, the novel will prompt discussions about race, class, sexuality, and gender." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Detailed descriptions of daily life and family members capture the essence of Manny's heritage in a time period and setting greatly impacted by institutionalized racism, drugs, gangs, and the lingering trauma of violence experienced by military war veterans. . . An essential title for any library." -- School Library Journal, starred review
"The many layers of this beautifully built-up picture of an intelligent, goofy young kid who's well aware of his surroundings and faces them head-on is a brilliant debut of a promising young writer. Iron River will prompt discussions of race, class, culture, and teenage sexuality, and resonate with middle-grade through high school readers. It's highly recommended." -- De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children
"A powerful debut." -- Booklist
Best YA Historical Fiction - Kirkus Reviews
Southwest Book Awards - Border Regional Library Association