Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Fiction Crime

The Barrio Kings

by (author) William Kowalski

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Apr 2010
Category
Crime, Friendship, Urban Life
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781554692446
    Publish Date
    Apr 2010
    List Price
    $10.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781554694402
    Publish Date
    Apr 2010
    List Price
    $8.99
  • Downloadable audio file

    ISBN
    9781459819221
    Publish Date
    Jan 2018
    List Price
    $19.99

Add it to your shelf

Where to buy it

Description

Rosario Gomez gave up gang life after his brother was killed in a street fight.

Now all he wants to do is finish night school, be a good father and work hard enough at his job at the supermarket to get promoted. But when an old friend shows up to ask him why he left the gang, Rosario realizes he was fooling himself if he thought his violent past would just go away. When his pregnant girlfriend is hit in a drive-by shooting, Rosario has to make some hard choices. Revenge means a return to his old ways, something he swore he would never do. But unless he takes action, his enemies will not rest until they've settled the score against him.

About the author

Awards

  • Nominated, Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award
  • Commended, School Library Journal (SLG) Top Book Choices for Youth in Detention

Editorial Reviews

"I have long been a fan of Orca Publishers and their high interest/low level offerings...The Barrio Kings is slightly over 100 pages, reads quickly, and contains just the right combination of action and drama to interest reluctant readers. With characters living in the adult world, there is definitely more appeal for alternative ed/adult ed readers attempting to improve reading skills. I look forward to reading another Rapid Read selection."

Readingjunky's Reading Roost

"We like Rosario and cheer his good decisions all the while secretly afraid for him. Your struggling older readers will love this book."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"There is plenty of emotion to keep female readers engaged and plenty of action to hold the attention of male readers. And while the story can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gang life, it’s never preachy...Recommended."

CM Magazine

Other titles by