Growing Up Ethnic in America: Contemporary Fiction about Learning to Be American

by Maria Mazziotti Gillan and Jennifer Gillan

Book Overview

Stories navigating the commplicated terrain of race in America, from acclaimed writers like Toni Morrison, E.L. Doctorow, Sandra Cisneros, Sherman Alexie, and Amy Tan

The editors who brought us Unsettling America and Identity Lessons have compiled a short-story anthology that focuses on themes of racial and ethnic assimilation. With humor, passion, and grace, the contributors lay bare poignant attempts at conformity and the alienation sometimes experienced by ethnic Americans. But they also tell of the strength gained through the preservation of their communities, and the realization that it was often their difference from the norm that helped them to succeed. In pieces suggesting that American identity is far from settled, these writers illustrate the diversity that is the source of both the nation's great discord and infinite promise.

"These beautiful stories radiate with the poignant, ingenious ways young people come to terms with their ethnic identities, negotiating their families, school, friends and their futures . . . This exemplary collection fulfills the editors' aims: to open dialogue and encourage the telling of difficult, adaptive or affirming life experiences." -Publisher's Weekly

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140280634
• ISBN13: 9780140280630
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Powerful words from often-neglected voices

The best thing about this anthology of short stories is the real-world voice that it provides for teenagers who read it. So many teens can feel disenfranchised by the American perspectives on opportunity, and this book shows a very valuable multicultural and immigrant perspective. I teach creative writing in a high school program, and this book, containing such excellent writers as Judith Ortiz Cofer and Gary Soto, is a strong resource for providing modern examples of differing aesthetics and points-of-view.

The Real Thing

A very powerful collection of work that tells the real story of what it means to be an American. As an educator, I have researched and read other collections that claim to be similar, even superior but there are no comparisons. GROWING UP ETHNIC IN AMERICA is by far superior in quality.

BUY THIS BOOK, SHARE IT, TEACH IT, CHERISH IT!!!

"Growing Up Ethnic in America" is an immensley important anthology of honest, emotionally-charged, compassionate prose by established and newly emerging writers of all backgrounds. It is a testament to the truly groundbreaking work that the Gillans have been doing in book after book. This dynamic cultural duo have managed to not only change the face of mainstream anthologies by challenging the same old dominance of the mostly white male contributor, but have managed to create teaching tools for teachers faced with educating students of diverse backgrounds. I don't know how many times a student has come to me testifying that something they read in "Growing Up Ethnic in America" speaks to their personal experience and has inspired them to write, think and feel deeply, not only about themselves, but of others as well. "Growing Up Ethnic in America" is a life-changing anthology of brave and honest testimony from those often pushed to the margins of our society. The Gillans have done a remarkable job in culling together all of these fascinating and incredible writers. This should be one ... anyone's book club; but especially for educators and readers who truly care about where we've been as a country, where we are, and where we are headed.

Superb and Moving Collection

This is a very moving and fascinating collection of fiction and memoir that includes work by such writers as ELDoctorow and NashCandelaria and Louise Erdrich and Amy Tan. It opens up all sorts of avenues for discussion in a classroom or a reading group at a library. These editors have done an excellent job of assembling a group of stories that are clear, powerful, driect, moving, and help illuminate the experience of the outsider in American society. Really wonderful. their other anthologies are exceellent as well.

Illuminating and Powerful Anthology

This book is truly wonderful. It contains very strong work by people from various ethnic groups, a brilliant introduction by Jennifer Gillan, and moving, powerful work. I really enjoyed reading it,a nd return to it often for its clarity and wisdom. I also have used it with many classes at the college level and find it an excellent source for discussion.