The following collection of thematically related readings is available in Taking Sides and Related Readings in McDougal Littell's Literature Connections series.

Endless Search by Alonzo Lopez
(from The Whispering Wind: Poetry by Young American Indians)
Summary: The speaker of this poem acknowledges the constant, unending search for himself.

Excerpt from Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza, ©1971
Summary: In this memoir, Galarza recalls how his life changes when his family moves from Mexico to the United States, where even simple, everyday things are different from what he is used to. At school his teachers, respectful of their multicultural students, help him learn English and adjust to America.

In the Inner City by Lucille Clifton
(from Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir 1969-1980 ©1987)
Summary: In this poem, the speaker reflects on the differences between the inner city, the place she calls home, and uptown, where the nights are quiet and the houses are straight.

I Yearn by Ricardo Sanchez
Summary: The speaker of this poem expresses his loneliness in living away from the barrio. He misses the Spanish language, the zestful food, and the warm friendship of his people.

Granny Ed and the Lewisville Raiders by Rae Rainey
(from Young World, 1977 © 1977)
Summary:In this short story, the high school basketball coach of the Lewisville Raiders is injured and out for the season. When no other coach can be found, Granny Ed, the five-foot tall grandmother of one of the players, steps forward to coach the team.

A Game of Catch by Richard Wilbur
Summary: Monk and Glennie are playing catch in this short story, when Scho, who doesn't have a glove, wants to join them. While waiting to borrow a glove and take his turn, Scho climbs a tree and distracts the ball players.