Susan Straight

"A California epic following several native, diverse Californians grasping for air in a world that continues to marginalize them"-- Johnny Frías has California in his blood. A descendant of the state's Indigenous people and Mexican settlers, he has Southern California's forgotten towns and canyons in his soul. He spends his days as a highway patrolman pulling over speeders, ignoring their racist insults, and pushing past the trauma of his rookie...

Sharron's father has disappeared, and she tries to cope with her feelings of loss through the love of a stuffed dog he gave her.

Includes interviews, commentaries and excerpts from the novel, providing first-hand accounts of why The Grapes of Wrath remains so compelling seven decades after its initial publication. Teacher's guide contains ten lessons, each with a focus topic, discussion activities, writing exercises, and homework assignments. Also includes capstone projects, suggested essay topics, handouts with more background information, and bibliographical references. Lessons...