THE BROTHERS TORRES

• 2009 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults

• 2010 IRA Young Adults' Choice

• 2011 ALA Great Stories CLUB Selection

"Frankie is as memorable a character as Sherman Alexie's Junior Spirit in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. He exhibits a resiliency that is hopeful, and his colorful language and humor both confirm and dispel ethnic stereotypes. Flecked with Spanish phrases and authentic street slang and colloquialisms, Frankie's story is as poignant as it is hip and funny." —School Library Journal (Starred Review)

“Frankie's observations on life, friendships and family loyalties wittily punctuate the narrative, ensuring that readers will listen closely to this unlikely hero.” —Publishers Weekly

SUMMARY

Frankie Towers has always looked up to his older brother, Steve, and with good reason.  Steve is a popular senior who always gets what he wants: girls, a soccer scholarship, and--lately--street cred. Frankie, on the other hand, spends his time shooting off fireworks with his best friend Zach, working at his parents' restaurant, and obsessing about his longtime crush, Rebecca Sanchez. 

Frankie has reservations about Steve's crusade to win the respect of the local cholos.  He doesn’t think about them, though, until he gets into a fist fight John Dalton – the richest, preppiest kid in his New Mexican high school, and longtime nemesis of Steve.  After the fight, Steve takes Frankie under his wing – and Frankie’s social currency begins to rise.  The cholos who used to ignore him start to recognize him; he even lands a date to Homecoming with Rebecca. 

The situation with Dalton continues to simmer, and after another incident Steve is bent on retaliating.  Frankie starts to think that his brother is taking this respect thing too far. He may have to choose between respecting his brother and respecting himself.