It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way by Luis Rodríguez
About:
Title: It Doesn't Have To Be This Way / No Tiene que Ser Así: A Barrio Story / Una historia del barrio
Author: Luis Rodríguez
Publisher: Lee & Low
Reading Age/Grade Level: 4 - 8 years
Summary:
Monchi likes to write poems, hang out with his cousin Dreamer, and tell stories to his uncle, Tío Rogelio. Then one day, a member of the local gang tells him it's time to join up. "But first you have to prove yourself," he says.
Monchi is scared but excited. He writes his name on the school wall, steals a bike, and buys a knife. The older boys give him a handshake, girls talk to him, and even teachers are afraid of him. But when a tragic event changes everything, Monchi must make an important decision.
It Doesn't Have To Be This Way is a compelling tale of a young boy's encounter with the world of gangs—a world that author Luis J. Rodríguez knows firsthand. Through his mesmerizing true-to-life story and the dynamic illustrations of artist Daniel Galvez, we see how Monchi is both attracted to the community of gang life and repelled by its violence. There is no easy answer to his dilemma, but the love and respect of his Uncle Rogelio help him find a way out.
What our Vetting Team has to Say:
“This book is a good family resource for pre-teens and older, teachers and caregivers of children who live in dangerous neighborhoods with gangs, people who live in cities, politicians, and lawmakers that have power regarding regulating gun control.”
“The moral of the story, which encourages kids to not be in gangs, because innocent people can get hurt.”
“I would recommend it for highschoolers and middle schools in inner cities (7th and 8th grade). It could help save lives.”
“It is in English and Spanish”
Critical Review:
“An innocent girl got shot by a rival gang shooting, and survived. It was surprising that only one person got shot, and none of the gang members got shot or killed.”
