Seventh Grade by Gary Soto
Gary Soto (b. 1952) is a Mexican American author born in Fresno, California, at the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, where Mr. Soto worked as a young man in the area’s agricultural fields. It was there he began to reflect on the kinds of stories he wanted to tell. Much of Soto’s fiction and poetry focuses on Chicano men and women of all ages, wrapped up in everyday life—and the small moments that reveal the largest truths. This humorous short story, “Seventh Grade,” follows young Victor Rodriguez on his first day back at school. As he huddles with his friend Michael about how to impress their female classmates, Victor is struck by his affection for Teresa, leading to both embarrassment and possibility.
