37 pages • 1 hour read
Ernesto GalarzaBarrio Boy
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1971A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza is a memoir recounting the author's experiences from his birth in the small Mexican village of Jalcocotán, through the political and social upheaval of the Mexican Revolution, to his family's immigration to the United States, and their struggles and adaptation in Sacramento, California, culminating in his work as a farmworker and his dedication to education. The book addresses themes of political turmoil, immigration, poverty, and adaptation to new cultures.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza receives praise for its vivid and heartwarming portrayal of immigrant life and the American dream. Critics value Galarza's engaging storytelling and rich cultural insights. However, some find its pace slow and narrative uneven at times. Overall, it's appreciated for its educational and emotional impact.
Who Should Read Barrio Boy?
Readers who enjoy Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza are often interested in immigrant narratives, Mexican-American history, and personal memoirs. They likely appreciate books such as Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Esmeralda Santiago's When I Was Puerto Rican, which also explore themes of cultural identity and adaptation.