Gary Soto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gary Soto
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Soto at the 2001 National Book Festival
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| Born | Gary Anthony Soto April 12, 1952 Fresno, California |
| Occupation | Author, poet |
| Education | MFA |
| Alma mater | UC Irvine, CSU Fresno |
| Period | 1977-present |
| Genre | poetry, novels, memoirs, children's literature |
| Notable works | Petty Crimes New and Selected Poems Living Up the Street |
| Notable awards | Academy of American Poets Prize American Book Award NEA Fellowship Guggenheim Fellowship |
Gary Anthony Soto (born April 12, 1952) is a famous American poet and author. He writes many different kinds of books, including novels, true stories about his life (called memoirs), and especially books for children. He is most well-known for his amazing poems and fun storybooks for young readers.
Contents
The Life and Journey of Gary Soto
Gary Soto was born on April 12, 1952, in Fresno, California. His parents were Mexican-American. When Gary was only five years old, his father passed away due to a work accident.
Growing Up and Early Life
Life was tough for Gary's family after his father died. They often struggled to find work. As a child, Gary worked in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley to help his family.
Discovering a Love for Reading
When Gary was in high school, he found a new interest: poetry! He loved reading books by famous writers like Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and Robert Frost. These stories and poems inspired him.
Education and Becoming a Writer
After high school, Gary went to Fresno City College. Then he studied at California State University, Fresno, where he earned a degree in English in 1974. He continued his studies at the University of California, Irvine. In 1976, he became the first Mexican-American to earn a special degree called an M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) from that university.
Gary Soto used to teach at universities like the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Riverside. Now, he lives in northern California, splitting his time between Berkeley and Fresno. He no longer teaches, focusing fully on his writing.
Gary Soto's Amazing Books
Gary Soto's poems and stories often share what daily life is like for Mexican Americans. He writes about their experiences in a way that helps everyone understand and connect.
Stories Made into Movies
Some of Gary Soto's stories have even been turned into films! His story "The No-Guitar Blues" became a movie. He also helped make another movie based on his book "The Pool Party."
Books for Young Readers
Gary Soto has written many wonderful books especially for children and young adults. These books are loved by many readers.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Gary Soto has won many important awards for his writing. Here are a few:
- The American Book Award in 1985 for his book Living Up the Street.
- The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Film Excellence for The Pool Party.
- The Hispanic Heritage Award for Literature in 1999.
- The Phoenix Award in 1994 for his children's book Jesse.
Gary Soto has also been honored in other ways. The library at Winchell Elementary School in Fresno is named after him. Also, in 2011, a special museum called the Gary Soto Literary Museum opened at Fresno City College.
Wise Words from Gary Soto
Here are some cool quotes from Gary Soto:
- "You can always spot bright people. They are reading a book."
- "Proper writing, not texting, makes us really think about what we say."
- "As a writer, my duty is not to make people perfect, particularly Mexican Americans. I’m not a cheerleader. I’m one who provides portraits of people in the rush of life."
- "This is what poetry means—language that surprises and keeps us on our toes."
Fun Facts About Gary Soto
- Gary didn't get the best grades in high school.
- He has been married to Carolyn Oda since 1975, and they have a daughter named Mariko Heidi Soto.
- Gary stopped teaching in 1993 to become a full-time writer.
- He has written over 45 books that are still being printed today!
- In 1997, he was even featured as NBC's person of the week.
- Gary enjoys playing tennis and basketball, watching theater, gardening, and traveling.
