Pedro Martin (1) (1967–)

Story about a Mexican American boy who travels with his family on a road trip back to Mexico to bring his grandfather back home to live with them. They travel from Watsonville, California to Jalisco, Mexico in 1977.
He was nervous about his grandfather coming to live with him because he doesnt remember him and he didn't think he would understand new society trends like Star Wars, but his sister tells him about how he lived through the Mexican Revolution so he has many stories to tell and Pedro will like him.

He describes how the family is divided into 2 groups of siblings because his 5 older siblings were born in Mexico and the younger 4 including him were born in California after they moved there. The older siblings travel in a pick-up truck and the younger ones travel in a used RV.
The family stops at the border and many of their things are taken away from them, Pedro gets upset about his tie to Americe being taken away as he enters Mexico but he finds to really enjoy Mexico and his culture. He feels he is not "Mexican enough".
Pedro then realizes the reasons why his family traveled to Mexico, to disinter his grandmother and move her remains to an above-ground tomb before his grandfather can completely move away from Mexico. Pedro experiences maturity and coming of age, stepping up to help his family during this situation.
The book can be used as a mirror and window for children who might relate to the struggles potrayed in the novel with humor and heart. Also gives insight on Mexican heritage and family.
Also a throwback to the 70s and might help children learn how the music, movies, TV shows and technology worked back then compared to now.
The author claims this story is mostly true about his childhood which helps Hispanic readers who also have big families and experience these struggles know they are not alone.
This novel shows how Pedro grew of age and started to understand responsibilities and how to help his family.

"Some of us slip and slide between an American-style name and a Mexican one." (Chap 1)
- Pedro introduces and explains why his siblings, and most similar families have both a Mexican and American name. Being able to slip and slide into dual identity.

"Legend has it that all dads have this one superpower. A whistle only their kids can hear."
- Pedro uses his dad's whistle as an example of a "superpower". Reflects how Pedro compares many men in his life to superheroes but later matures and realizes why he visions them as heroes because of their characteristics just like his favorite characters from Star Wars.… (more)