As a Mexican American who grew up in California, author Gary Soto bases many of his stories on his own life experiences. While “Seventh Grade” is not strictly biographical, it draws from Soto’s memories and surroundings. Like most of Soto’s writing, it includes details that reflect his heritage. For this reason, “Seventh Grade” is considered realistic fiction. For more information on Gary Soto, check out https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/author/gary-soto/.
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto falls under the genre of realistic fiction. The story draws from Soto's own life experiences growing up as a Mexican American in California, providing a realistic account of a boy's first day in seventh grade.
"Seventh Grade" is a great choice for a lesson plan because of its relatability and realism. Students can easily connect with Victor's experiences and emotions, making it a powerful tool for teaching character development. Furthermore, the story introduces students to realistic fiction, a genre that portrays characters and situations that could exist in real life.
"Seventh Grade" explores themes of growing up, navigating adolescence, and personal identity. It's a relatable story for young readers who may be experiencing similar emotional highs and lows in their lives.
