Author:   Hernandez, Jo Ann Yolanda
Title:   White bread competition
Publisher:  Arte Publico Press   Publication Date:  1997
Pages:   208
Paper price: $8.95    ISBN:  1558852107
Type: Fiction      Grade level(s): 7-12
Translation notes:  not a translation

Reviewer:  Nancy Rupp, Milpitas Public Library
Comments:
Luz Rios becomes the center of attention when she wins her school’s spelling bee, but Luz is not sure whether or not this is a good thing.  Her little sister is jealous, her best friends treat her differently, and the Hispanic community embraces her as their cause and a source of pride.  The emotions of all the characters involved seem to be pulling Luz apart.
Told in connected stories, the women in this family explore the good and bad times for themselves and their race.  The strength of the mother and grandmother provides a base for the younger characters.  Older members of the community are frightened for Luz as any attention focused on them always brought bad experiences.  Racist feelings spill over when Luz is accused of stealing a list of the spelling words.  The Booklist review (Jan. 1, 1998) complains that all the whites are “one-dimensional bigots,” and indeed they are.  The fact is for these characters this is the truth and their thoughts and remembrances are touching and real.