Schraff, Anne. Winners and Losers.

Schraff, Anne.    Winners and Losers. (Urban Underground.)  Saddleback  200p $9.95  978-1-61651-962-9   hs  VG-BNS      Realistic fiction

Ernesto Sandoval seems to have his life in order.  He has the respect of his fellow students, a great girlfriend, and a loving family.  But Rod Garcia cannot accept Ernesto’s election as senior-class president.  He perceives Ernesto as a goody-two-shoes outsider and makes it his goal to make Ernesto’s life miserable.  Rod spends a lot of his time plotting mischief to make Ernesto look bad.

Ernesto perceives Rod as a disgruntled troublemaker.  He deals with Rod firmly but respectfully, but doesn’t waste time worrying about Rod’s personal issues.  Ernesto has his eye on the goal: college, supporting his circle of friends and family, and spending time with his girlfriend.  Ernesto’s deliberate choice to refuse to be baited by Rod pays off in respect from students and adults alike.  Ernesto is proof of the adage “Success is the best revenge”.

Schraff offers credible characters and a recognizable barrio setting.  Struggling readers will connect with the credible characters and the compelling story lines of the Urban Underground series.  The highly readable style and mature topics will appeal to young-adult readers.           

Friendship-Fiction, High school-Fiction                     -- Hilary Welliver