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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
(Theme song: Besame Magdalena)
Choreographed by Jim Doyle & Company
Level: 2 Wall Beginner/Intermediate, 40 count
Music: Besame Magdalena by Mestizzo
Note: The following 4 count movements are done at the beginning of the dance only.
01 – 04 Around The World: Sway hips in a circular movement starting the circle to the left.
Hip Bumps, Rock Step Forward, Rock Step Back
01 – 02 Step right diagonal forward and swing hips to the right twice
03 – 04 Shift weight to left and swing hips to the left twice
05 – 06 Rock forward on right and lift up left, shift weight to left
07 – 08 Rock back on right and lift up left, shift weight to left
Pivot ½ Turn, Hip Bumps, Rock Step Forward
09 – 10 Step right forward, turn ½ to the left
11 – 12 Step right diagonal forward and swing hips to the right twice
13 – 14 Shift weight to left and swing hips to the left twice
15 – 16 Rock right forward and lift up left, shift weight to left
Rock Step Back, Right Shuffle Forward, Cross Rock, Left Shuffle Back
17 – 18 Rock back on right and lift up left, shift weight to left
19 & 20 Shuffle forward right, left, right
21 – 22 Rock left across right and lift up left, shift weight to right
23 & 24 Shuffle back left, right, left
Pivot ½ Turn, Heel-Toe-Cross-Turn, Pivot ¼ Turn, Heel-Toe Cross
25 – 26 Step right forward, turn ½ to the left
27 & 28 Touch right heel forward, touch left toe back and cross left over right in a ¼ turn to the left
29 – 30 Step right forward, turn a ¼ to the left
32 & 32 Touch right heel forward, touch left toe back and cross left over right
Right Grapevine, Left Grapevine
33 – 36 Step right to the side, cross left behind right, step right to the side,
touch left next to right and clap hands
37 – 40 Step left to the side, cross right behind left, step left to the side,
touch right next to left and clap hands
Repeat starting step 05
