Nerdlandia: A Play

By Gary Soto

Book Overview

A hip, funny, Latino rendition of Grease, this play features three cool muchachos who come to the aid of Martin, a chicano nerd who loves a beautiful, popular girl, Ceci, from afar.With the help of his friends, Martin changes his miage and impresses Ceci and her friends, without letting on who he is. This is a problem for Ceci, because, in the meantime, she's transformed herself into a Chicana nert to win the heard of her secret love--Martin. A totally modern, totally cool tale of teenage romance.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0698117840
• ISBN13: 9780698117846
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

English Teacher Endorses Gary Soto

I teach English Language Arts in East Los Angeles and I have found that books by Gary Soto get and keep the attention of my 12 year old seventh graders. He speaks to all teens especially the Latinos. My students will be reading several of his books and short stories this coming Fall. I especially look forward to a class reading of the play, "Nerdlandia." Just like his other play, "Novio Boy," Soto creates real characters and interesting situations to motivate the English As A Second Language (ESL) student to enjoy reading and writing. Even though some of his plots are a little predictable, the students love the stories and the characters. You fall in love with the characters, like Ceci and Martin, and don't want the story to end.

There's Something About Martin . . .

and all of the other characters, and that "something" is very lovable and appealing. No, I'm not a ninth-grader. I am an adult who owns a business, and no, I am not a Latina -- but I still thought this play was EXCELLENT!!! A modern take on "GREASE" that tickled the funnybone and touched the heart at the same time -- and gotta love that final scene with Martin's amigo, Tito. I plan on buying -- and reading -- Gary Soto's other play NOVIO BOY next! I love theater, and I love reading plays, and this play deserves an AWARD (A nice touch is the name of the hero, because in my "real life," I have had crushes on FOUR guys named Martin!)Gary S. is a playwright whose talent is UNPARALLELED, and I recommend NERDLANDIA for all humor aficionados, romantics, and theater buffs from 14-114. Author! Author!!!