Hispanic American Literature - Module Three

Bibliography

Soto, Gary. 1994. The Skirt. Ill. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440409241

Plot Summary

Fourth grader, Miata Ramirez is excited to tell her father, José that she made an “A” on her spelling at school on Friday, but it is what happened on the way home from school that is much more interesting. It seems that Miata left a very special piece of clothing on the school bus; the skirt she is to wear to church on Sunday as she joins her dance troupe to dance folklórico. If only Miata weren’t so forgetful. Her mother was always scolding her for losing things but this loss could be the greatest. This isn’t just any skirt. It is the skirt that belonged to Miata’s mother when she was a little girl in Hermosillo, Mexico. Miata recruits her best friend, Ana as she develops a plan to save herself and her family from embarrassment on Sunday. Together they sneak into the locked school yard and break into the bus to retrieve Miata’s skirt. To their surprise Miata’s father was asked to repair one of the buses. The girls quickly break away from the school yard in time to hang the skirt on the clothesline for some fresh air. On Sunday morning Miata’s mother surprises her with a new skirt. Miata feels sorry for her mother’s old worn skirt and returns the surprise by wearing it underneath her new skirt as she dances.


Critical Analysis

Strong family bonds are evident in this book by Gary Soto. With the natural use of Spanish language sprinkled throughout the book, the story advances while adding cultural authenticity. No glossary is given, nor are the words or phrases translated within the text to slow native speakers down. Non-native speakers are able to use context clues to determine the meaning of these words and phrases.

Miata uses kinship terms often found in the culture when she speaks to her father, “Papi.” In turn, her father addresses her as “Mi’ja” thus showing the emotional closeness between Latino family members.

As the family gathers for a meal of “steak, frijoles, and papas fritas”, they discuss the upcoming celebration and their excitement for Miata as she prepares to dance folklórico at the family’s church on Sunday. This cultural marker is one of celebration with the traditional Mexican folk dances.

Velasquez uses pencil drawings to illustrate the book depicting a few cultural markers such as the Aztec painting in the family’s dining room, the traditional folklórico skirt, and the folklórico dance celebration.

Review Excerpts

“Described by PW as a ``spunky and imaginative'' heroine, Miata comes up with a clever plan to retrieve her beloved folklórico dance skirt.” Publishers Weekly

“In this cheery snapshot of a Mexican-American family in California, Miata attempts to retrieve from her schoolbus the folklórico skirt she left behind. There is just enough suspense in the spare story line to hold the attention of readers new to chapter books.” Horn Book starred

Connections

Readers might also consider other books by Gary Soto for an author study. Some of his books are shown below:

Soto, Gary. Baseball in April and Other Stories. ISBN 0152025677
Soto, Gary. Taking Sides. ISBN 0152840761
Soto, Gary. Buried Onions. ISBN 978-0152062651