Stories from El Barrio

by Piri Thomas

Overview

In this collection of short stories, Piri Thomas (author of the bestselling autobiography, Down These Mean Streets) gives readers of all ages a vivid slice of the life in El Barrio--a place where people face their problems with energy, ingenuity and love. He draws vivid stories from his past experiences and makes us feel what it means to be poor and proud and generous; to be streetwise and full of bravado but frightened, too; to struggle to go straight; to be ashamed of being ashamed; to dream. Speaking in the voice of the streets and from his heart, Piri captures the spirit, the laughter and the hope of his people.

"Stories From El Barrio is a crystal clear reflection of the general facet of Piri Thomas's literary power. It is tender, powerfully compassionate, humanely provocative."
Claude Brown, author of Manchild in the Promised Land

"Piri has kept the secret of our survival close to his heart all these years, and now he gives it back...Poor we were, but deprived? -you've got to be kidding. Ask Piri."
Ossie Davis, playwright, actor, activist

"Piri has written a book we can all share. The power, tenderness, toughness and the caring are all there..."
Nikki Giovanni, author of Racism 101.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780915117116
Publisher:	Freedom Voices Publications
Publication date:	01/01/2007
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	135
Product dimensions:	6.35(w) x 8.53(h) x 0.36(d)
Age Range:	14 Years

About the Author

Piri Thomas was born in New York City in 1928, the oldest of seven children, and grew up in Spanish Harlem, where he became involved with gangs and drugs. After seven years in prison he returned to his old neighborhood as a youth worker. His first book, Down These Mean Streets, now considered a classic, was followed by Savior Savior Hold My Hand and Seven Long Times. He was the author of a play, The Golden Streets, and numerous articles, many of which have appeared in the New York Times Magazine. He was the subject of three award-winning documentary films, including the PBS documentary Every Child Is Born a Poet. He also produced two CDs of poetry with music, which feature first rate salsa musicians from NY and the San Francisco Bay Area. He died at home in El Cerrito, California on October 17, 2011 at the age of 83.

Table of Contents

La Peseta 1

The Stoop 7

Shine, Mister? 10

The Three Mosquiteers 13

The Konk 41

Mighty Miguel 50

Blue Wings and Puerto Rican Knights 68

A Christmas Tree 81

Coney Island 90

Putting It on for Juanita 95

Amigo Brothers 105

Mami AKA Doña Lola 119

Those with Less Shared More 130

Editorial Reviews

"Stories From El Barrio is a crystal clear reflection of the general facet of Piri Thomas's literary power. It is tender, powerfully compassionate, humanely provocative."
Claude Brown, author of Manchild in the Promised Land

"Piri has kept the secret of our survival close to his heart all these years, and now he gives it back...Poor we were, but deprived? -you've got to be kidding. Ask Piri."
Ossie Davis, playwright, actor, activist

"Piri has written a book we can all share. The power, tenderness, toughness and the caring are all there..."
Nikki Giovanni, author of Racism 101.

From the Publisher