The Pool Party by Gary Soto

with muscle. “
Puro Mexicano.
That’s me.”
    “I know. But I saw a boy use sunscreen at the party.”
    “I’m naturally dark. I’m almost all Aztec.”
    “Really?” Rudy asked. He liked the idea of being Indian.
    “Simón, ese!”
    Rudy laughed at his father and looked at his mother. “Mom, is Dad really Aztec?”
    She gave her husband a look of
mentiroso
but said,
“Claro.”
    Rudy then said, “Mom, your food is better.” He cut an enchilada, which sent up a curl of steam, and let roll in his most Mexican voice,
“Qué rrrrrrico.”
    “Ay, mi santito,”
Mother said. “You want some more?”
    Rudy nodded his head and his mother brought a pan of enchiladas, warm from the oven.
    While the Herrera family ate, Grandfather—El Shorty—dozed in the living room. The book
How to Build a Swimming Pool
lay on his lap. He was snoring loudly, so loudly that Rudy said, “Gosh, Grandpa is cutting some good zzzzzs.” It was the truth. His dreams were wide and deep—as clear and sparkling as any pool in the sun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Born in Fresno, California, Gary Soto now lives in Berkeley, where he teaches at the University of California, Berkeley. His books, including
Living up the Street
and
A Summer Life
, are often about growing up Mexican American. He has also written fiction and poetry, and has produced two short films for Spanish-speaking children. His most recent book for Delacorte Press was
The Skirt
.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
    Robert Casilla has illustrated many books for children. He lives in Yonkers, New York.