First-person narratives and/or poems represent ten voices representative of Hispanic migrant children and teenagers working in the Salinas Valley of California. This unparalleled photodocumentary children's book originated in migrant programs or in the fields where some of the children and teenagers agreed to tell their stories and be photographed. Atkin's brief introductory passages establish a context for each commentary. These children of Mexican heritage speak about work, family, fitting in, the gang, teen parents. Spanish was used in most of the interviews, the English translations of which offer an urgent witness and testimony to certain realities and experiences and, sometimes, also to hopes, as well. (Ages 9-14)

Now in paperback, this critically acclaimed book features photographs, poems, and interviews with nine children who reveal the hardships and hopes of today's Mexican-American migrant farm workers and their families.