Gary Soto, an author and poet of many books and anthologies, was born and raised in California. Through his entire lifetime he has been through many tough experiences. Such events include, the loss of a loved one and growing up poor in Fresno. However, these ordeals are what made him the decorated and intriguing author he is today.
Born on April 12, 1952 in Fresno, California. His parents, Angie and Manuel Soto worked in San Joaquin Valley, California, along with many other Mexican-Americans. According to the University of Michigan, “These jobs included picking crops such as oranges and cotton, or working in local businesses.” Tragically, in 1957 Manuel Soto died in an accident while working for Sun Maid. Gary Soto was only 5 years old at the time, but …show more content…
He even described it as one of his most devastating moments. In many of his works he includes a father figure and the true impact they’ve had on the characters, present or not. Baseball in April, an award-winning novel written by Soto himself, falls as an example. In the book, multiple characters had lost their fathers or just didn’t play a role in raising them. Soto managed to create characters and stories by using his own experience. This talent of his has lead him to win many accolades that celebrate his relatable and intriguing way of writing.
Throughout numerous pieces by Soto, poverty seems to be an ongoing theme or factor in the story. In wake of his father’s passing, his family moved into a rough neighborhood, or barrio in Fresno. After his father’s death there was a reality shift. Instead of
Born on April 12, 1952 in Fresno, California. His parents, Angie and Manuel Soto worked in San Joaquin Valley, California, along with many other Mexican-Americans. According to the University of Michigan, “These jobs included picking crops such as oranges and cotton, or working in local businesses.” Tragically, in 1957 Manuel Soto died in an accident while working for Sun Maid. Gary Soto was only 5 years old at the time, but …show more content…
He even described it as one of his most devastating moments. In many of his works he includes a father figure and the true impact they’ve had on the characters, present or not. Baseball in April, an award-winning novel written by Soto himself, falls as an example. In the book, multiple characters had lost their fathers or just didn’t play a role in raising them. Soto managed to create characters and stories by using his own experience. This talent of his has lead him to win many accolades that celebrate his relatable and intriguing way of writing.
Throughout numerous pieces by Soto, poverty seems to be an ongoing theme or factor in the story. In wake of his father’s passing, his family moved into a rough neighborhood, or barrio in Fresno. After his father’s death there was a reality shift. Instead of