NEIGHBORHOOD ODES by Gary Soto

Soto, Gary. Neighborhood Odes. Ill. by David Diaz.  New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.

ISBN: 0-15-256879-4

Plot Summary:

A collection of 21 poems written by Gary Soto depicting everyday moments of the childhood experience growing up in an Hispanic neighborhood.  The poems are funny and vividly describe simple pleasures such as cold snow cones, the park on a Sunday afternoon, water sprinklers on a hot summer day, fire works on the 4^th of July and fresh tortillas cooking in the kitchen.  The bold, black and white illustrations of David Diaz add to the ethnic feel and celebratory atmosphere of these defining moments of childhood.

Critical Analysis:

Gary Soto shares beautiful free verse poetry with readers that transports them to the heart of the Hispanic neighborhood.  Through vivid, expressive language he captures the carefree atmosphere of tight-knit families and closely bonded communities.  When describing the delight of eating a cold, melting snow cone on a hot day, Soto says, “And the juice runs/To their elbows,/Sticky summer rain/That sweetens the street” allowing readers to imagine this summer treat.   Soto utilizes diverse voices, using the voice of 6-year-old Rachel in “Ode to la Piñata” and a third person “Ode to Pablo’s Tennis Shoes.”  Interlingual use of Spanish adds to the authenticity of the poems - peppering the poetry with Spanish phrases and words.  A glossary is provided in the back of the book to assist in translation.  The illustrations by David Diaz add to the cultural representation of the poems, adding an almost old world feel of Aztec culture.  They are beautiful, simple and contribute to the ethnic celebrations contained in the poetry.  This book will especially appeal to young adults, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, young and old.    

Review Excerpts:

“Affectionate without being overly sentimental, the collection provides a good introduction to contemporary poetry as well as a fine homage to a Chicano community.” ~Publishers Weekly

“The rewards of well-chosen words that create vivid, sensitive images await readers of this collection of poems…Each selection is an expression of joy and wonder at life's daily pleasures and mysteries.” ~School Library Journal

Connections:

** Other poetry books by Gary Soto:

A Fire in My Hands by Gary Soto

Canto Familiar by Gary Soto

Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing by Gary Soto

**Students can choose a topic of their own and write a free verse poem about it.

**Modeling after “Ode to Family Photographs” students can draw pictures of their own silly family photograph.