Gary SotoGary SotoAuthor and Poet

Author and Poet

Gary Soto writes for children of all ages and adults.

Born in CaliforniaBorn in California

Gary Soto was born in Fresno, California to Mexican American parents in 1952. His parents taught him the importance of working hard. Some of his chores included mowing lawns, picking grapes, and washing cars. He graduated with an English degree from California State University and later he earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of California.

Gary Soto writes picture books for Gary Soto writes picture books for children.children.

Have you eaten too many tamales? How did you feel? Maria is making tamales, kneading the masa and feeling grown-up. All she wants is a chance to wear her mother's diamond ring. See what happens when Maria thinks she has lost her mother’s ring.

What will happen when a cat invites some mice to dinner?

Chato is a "cool cat" from a Los Angeles barrio. When five new mice (ratoncitos) move in next door, Chato invites them over for dinner. What do you think will happen next?

Read More Chato StoriesRead More Chato Stories

Have you attended a Have you attended a wedding? Have you wedding? Have you been a part of the been a part of the

wedding partywedding party??This picture book by Gary Soto describes a Hispanic wedding. Maya, the narrator of the story, is a flower girl. Mariachi musicians provide the music, and for dinner the guests eat pollo con mole. Yummy! Read about the wedding kiss, the wedding cake and the toast to the happily married couple.

In this Gary Soto picture book, an elderly man grows "the hottest of hot chiles" In this Gary Soto picture book, an elderly man grows "the hottest of hot chiles" and raises pigs "as plump as water balloons," but he is not very good at and raises pigs "as plump as water balloons," but he is not very good at following directions given by his wife. What kind of trouble will he get himself following directions given by his wife. What kind of trouble will he get himself into?into?

How does it feel when someone makes fun of you?

Rigo lives in a crowded house with four brothers and sisters, his parents, and his uncle. He is used to getting hand-me-downs, so he is excited when he gets new shoes for his ninth birthday. Rico loves his new shoes until a neighborhood kid makes fun of them. I wonder what happens next.

Did you ever try out for a Little League team? Take karate lessons?

Then this book of 11 short stories by Gary Soto might be just the thing for you! Test your Spanish! These stories include some Spanish phrases mixed in with the stories written in English. Fun!

Meet Cesar Chavez in a book written by Gary Soto!

Cesar Chavez started as a migrant worker, someone who moves from one place to another to find farm work. Later he helped Mexican Americans work together to get better wages, to have better working conditions, and to have better lives.

Gary Soto Books for Older ChildrenPower point by Mrs. Foster

Taking Sides

Pacific Crossing

Buried Onions

The Afterlife