Communicating with the writer:

Gary Soto really appreciates letters from students and fans. But because of his writing and travel schedule, he cannot answer individual letters. He is more than willing, however, to answer letters from students provided that they arrive together in a large envelope (not individually). In fact, he encourages teachers to have their students write as a classroom.

Sadly, Mr. Soto cannot answer letters regarding school projects on his work. It is up to every student to do his or her homework alone.

Gary Soto
43 The Crescent
Berkeley, California 94708

A Fire in My Hands
Harcourt, $16.00, hardbound

A collection of three-three poems with a Q & A about writing poetry and the life of a poet. This is a revised and expanded version of a book of the same title published in 1990 and contains Soto's popular "Oranges."

Canto Familiar
$18.00 hardbound, Harcourt
$6.00 paper, Harcourt
Everyone can enjoy these poems, including "Tortillas Like Africa."

"Who could imagine that such joyous rhythm could be found in the familiar moments of life, such as washing dishes or spotting a teacher in the market?...Read it, sing it, share it." School Library Journal, starred review

"With humor, sensitivity, and insight, Soto explores the lives of children.... The poems, such as 'Ode to a Day in the Country,' offer startlirg new ways of thinking about common things..." The Horn Book, starred review

"Although Soto is dealing with a Chicano neighborhood, the poetry has a universal appeal." School Library Journal, starred review

"These heartfelt poems are just right to introduce...young readers to the special joys and vivid imageries of poetry." Multicultural Review, starred review

Fearless Fernie
$15.00 hardbound, Putnam, 2002

For Fernie and his best friend, the fun begins when they are babies who crawl across the lawn towards each other, away from parents' watchful eyes. And once they find each other, they are inseparable. These original poems will spark recognition in all middle-schoolers who've gone through the humiliations of sport try-outs and first dances; who've had to deal with body images and swinging moods.

Worlds Apart: Traveling
with Fernie and Me
$15.00 Putnam, 2005

In this clever collection Fernie and his alter ego “Me” travel around the world.

…“Soto expertly captures [his characters] in the narrative fresh, funny voice… a tribute to boyhood friendship and sweet, goofy travelogue for the armchair explorer.”
Kirkus Review, starred review