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Book
A Poignant Amusing story
There is a little something for everyone in "The Kids on the Block." An enjoyable and funny new novel by author Mario Chavez. Tracing the lives of the "Kids" Chavez recaptures youth in a way few can as seen through the eyes of memorable characters he created. No matter which character you identify with most, don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in your own childhood memories. It's difficult not to laugh and cry as well, while reading about life on the block, as author Mario Chavez illuminates how those early relationships and experiences bind us regardless of the years that pass by all too quickly, and the various paths we inevitably take in life. Return to the past and enjoy what it meant to be a "Kid" in this poignant novel by author Mario Chavez. You'll be glad you did.
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----Ray
Le Cara, author of the "Forgotten Prophecy"
"The Kids on the Block" is a humorous gaze into the 'Rites-of-Passage as the main character, Soapsuds, and his unique friends make their way from adolescents to adults. Though the banter is mostly light-hearted, and funny, author Mario Chavez is not afraid to delve on serious issues such as, death, abuse, hunger, suicide and other life struggles.
I found "The Kids on the Block" to be a delightful, charming and entertaining read!
--Chrissy
K. McVay, author of "Souls of the North Wind."
Author Mario Chavez is a new and talented writer. He has made his debut into the literary world with one of the most excellent, stimulating, and exciting novel I have read in a long, long time!
This great piece of literature is "The Kids on the Block." The delightful story covers a multitude of happenings in these 'on the block' (a section of a neighborhood called "the block") Kids' lives from early childhood to adulthood. As you might guess from the title and the author's name, the novel deals with the Hispanic culture and reveals much that all of us should know about, laugh about, and even shed a few tears about as well.
We are privy to customs, traditions, and much, much laughter enjoyed by this interesting culture. However, the escapades, adventures, the happiness, and sadness; the tragedies and hardships occurring in the lives of these young kids are the same as those happening in many other ethnic groups throughout the world.
"The Kids on the Block" story is told and illustrated poignantly by the author. While reading the story, you will find yourself wishing you could have grown up and participated in that atmosphere, side by side, with the kids on the block.
"The Kids on the Block" is a good read, well worth your time, I recommend it with a score of 10 plus, that being the highest on my rating scale!
---Ruth
N. Terrazas (Texas) School Teacher
(El-Paso-Version)
Level: Intermediate, 48 count, 2 Wall
Choreographer: Unknown
Music: God Blessed Texas by Little Texas
Left Step, Right Touch, Right Step, Left Touch, Repeat
01 02 Step left forward in an angle to the left, Touch right toe next to left
03 04 Step right back in an angle to the right, Touch left toe next to right
05 06 Step left back in an angle to the left, Touch right toe next to left
07 08 Step right forward in an angle to the right, Touch left toe next to right
Left Step, Right Touch, Right Step, Left Touch, Repeat (End With Stomp)
09 10 Step left forward in an angle to the left, Touch right toe next to left
11 12 Step right back in an angle to the right, Touch left toe next to right
13 14 Step left back in an angle to the left, touch right next to left
15 16 Step right forward in an angle to the right, stomp left next to right
Heel Twists, Heel Splits (Butterfly), Pivot ½ Turn Left
17 & 18 & Twist Heels to the left, middle, right, middle
19 22 Split Heels apart, together, apart, together
23 24 Step right forward, pivot ½ turn to the left
Pivot ½ Turn Left, Right Grapevine, Left Grapevine ..
25 26 Step right forward, pivot ½ turn to the left
27 30 Step right to the side, cross left behind right,
Step right to the side, touch left next to right
31 32 Step left to the side, cross right behind left .
., Step Right Forward, Kick Left, Step Left Back, Toe Touch, Repeat, Step Right, Left
33 34 . Step left to the side, touch right next to left
35 & Step right forward, kick left forward
36 & Step left back, touch right next to left
37 & Step right forward, kick left forward
38 & Step left back, touch right next to left
39 40 Step forward right, left
Pivot ½ turn Left, Heel Struts
41 42 Step right forward, pivot ½ turn to the left
43 44 Touch right heel forward, step right down
45 46 Touch left heel forward, step left down
47 48 Touch right heel forward, step right down
Repeat
