I Will Catch the Sun: A Story for Grown-ups and Children (review)

This deceptively simple story, the latest publication of one of the Southwest's most promising Chicano authors, deals realistically with the harshness and ridicule that barrio-Spanish-speaking children all too often must endure in some schools. Nephtalí uses the barrio-Spanish-English spoken in many Chicano homes; and he represents in his work various Chicano foods and customs. Most important, however, he credibly captures the intuitive genius of all children, transcending narrow ethnic boundaries to celebrate the human spirit that permeates all ages and all ethnic traditions.

Nephtalí achieves these goals through his heroic child, Raul. The story contrasts Raul's home life with his school experiences. At home, little English was spoken and it was easy to ignore, while speaking Spanish was fun and his tongue had no difficulty with words like tortillas and enchiladas. At school, however, his teacher scolded him for speaking Spanish, and no one explained the meanings of unfamiliar English words like "astronaut" and "scientist."

One day the teacher asked her students what they wanted most of all, and Raul courageously declared that he would catch the sun. The students laughed loudly and ridiculed Raul. The teacher also laughed. After several days of repeated humiliation, Raul observed nature and guessed at a credible way to catch the sun. In a dramatic demonstration, Raul not only redeemed himself to himself, but also vindicated himself to his classmates and teachers.