Call Me Henri

By Lorraine López

Book Overview

Enrique, a young boy at the heart of Lorraine L?pez's novel, faces abuse at home and danger on the barrio streets. Yet he is driven to succeed by the desire to join that "other America" he sees on TV and in the movies, and is aided in his quest by compassionate teachers. His ambition finds expression in his determination to drop his ESL class in favor of taking French, and his story begins, Call me Henri.

Lorraine L?pez (author of Soy la Avon Lady and Other Stories) has created a vivid picture of barrio life, filled with honesty, insight, and humor for young adults. She paints a balanced and detailed landscape of Enrique's world. Although Enrique is confused and angered by his mother's refusal to stand up for him against the abuse of his stepfather, he also draws strength from the supportive and loving family of his friend Francisco. While some of his teachers are uncaring or inept, others provide help and encouragement at critical moments in his life.

When Enrique witnesses his friend Horacio gunned down in a drive-by shooting and is seen by the assailants, gang members set out to kill him. As the novel reaches its climax, Enrique must make some agonizing decisions.

Although specifically about barrio life, this novel is universal in its themes--the drive for success, the desire for love and family support, and the need for true friendship. L?pez's fully delineated characters provide a rich and credible mural of our human comedy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810128934
• ISBN13: 9780810128934
• Release Date: June 2012
• Publisher: Curbstone Press
• Length: 242 Pages
• Age Range: 12 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 10

Customer Reviews

Surviving Life's Obstacles

In "Call Me Henri" (Curbstone Press, $17.95 hardcover), a novel for young adult readers, Lorraine López introduces us to a middle-school student, Enrique, who valiantly attempts to survive life's obstacles. He juggles the demands of teachers with helping his working mother by baby-sitting his three brothers -- infant triplets -- after school. Enrique's stepfather battles alcoholism and while under the influence, creates a violent and uncertain atmosphere at home. And then there are the dangers of gangs that Enrique must confront while walking to and from school. But there is a glimmer of hope through learning. With the help of several caring teachers, Enrique falls in love with the French language which leads to intellectual excitement and academic success. From such positive reinforcement, Enrique's home life becomes less hopeless, and his self-confidence grows. [This review first appeared in the El Paso Times.]