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Book
A Poignant Amusing story
There is a little something for everyone in "The Kids on the Block." An enjoyable and funny new novel by author Mario Chavez. Tracing the lives of the "Kids" Chavez recaptures youth in a way few can as seen through the eyes of memorable characters he created. No matter which character you identify with most, don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in your own childhood memories. It's difficult not to laugh and cry as well, while reading about life on the block, as author Mario Chavez illuminates how those early relationships and experiences bind us regardless of the years that pass by all too quickly, and the various paths we inevitably take in life. Return to the past and enjoy what it meant to be a "Kid" in this poignant novel by author Mario Chavez. You'll be glad you did.
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----Ray
Le Cara, author of the "Forgotten Prophecy"
"The Kids on the Block" is a humorous gaze into the 'Rites-of-Passage as the main character, Soapsuds, and his unique friends make their way from adolescents to adults. Though the banter is mostly light-hearted, and funny, author Mario Chavez is not afraid to delve on serious issues such as, death, abuse, hunger, suicide and other life struggles.
I found "The Kids on the Block" to be a delightful, charming and entertaining read!
--Chrissy
K. McVay, author of "Souls of the North Wind."
Author Mario Chavez is a new and talented writer. He has made his debut into the literary world with one of the most excellent, stimulating, and exciting novel I have read in a long, long time!
This great piece of literature is "The Kids on the Block." The delightful story covers a multitude of happenings in these 'on the block' (a section of a neighborhood called "the block") Kids' lives from early childhood to adulthood. As you might guess from the title and the author's name, the novel deals with the Hispanic culture and reveals much that all of us should know about, laugh about, and even shed a few tears about as well.
We are privy to customs, traditions, and much, much laughter enjoyed by this interesting culture. However, the escapades, adventures, the happiness, and sadness; the tragedies and hardships occurring in the lives of these young kids are the same as those happening in many other ethnic groups throughout the world.
"The Kids on the Block" story is told and illustrated poignantly by the author. While reading the story, you will find yourself wishing you could have grown up and participated in that atmosphere, side by side, with the kids on the block.
"The Kids on the Block" is a good read, well worth your time, I recommend it with a score of 10 plus, that being the highest on my rating scale!
---Ruth
N. Terrazas (Texas) School Teacher
Level: 48 Counts, 2 Wall, Intermediate
Choreographer: Unknown
Music: Hot, Hot, Hot by Buster Poindexter
Step, Slide To The Right 4 Times
01 – 02 Step right to the side (right toe points to the right, heel to the left)
Slide left next to right (feet are straight together again) and clap hands
03 – 08 ----- Repeat Steps 01 – 02 -----
Step, Slide To The Left 4 Times
09 – 10 Step left to the side (left toe points to the left, heel to the right)
Slide right next to left (feet are straight together again) and clap hands
11 – 16 ----- Repeat Steps 09 – 10 -----
Padle ¼ Turns To The Left
17 – 18 Step right forward, turn ¼ to the left (swing hips while doing the turns)
19 – 20 Step right forward, turn ¼ to the left
21 – 22 Step right forward, turn ¼ to the left
23 – 24 Step right forward, turn ¼ to the left and shift weight onto right
Paddel ¼ Turn To The Right
25 – 26 Step left forward, turn ¼ to the right (swing hips while doing the turns)
27 – 28 Step left forward, turn ¼ to the right
29 – 30 Step left forward, turn ¼ to the right
31 – 32 Step left forward, turn ¼ to the right and shift weight onto left
Right Rock Step Back, Right Shuffle, Left Rock Step Back, Left Shuffle
33 – 34 Rock right back and lift up left, recover weight on left
35 & 36 Shuffle in place right, left, right
37 – 38 Rock left back and lift up right, recover weight on right
39 & 40 Shuffle in place left, right, left
Right Kick-Ball-Change, Right Kick-Ball-Change, Pivot ½ Turn, Hip Bumps
41 & 42 Kick right forward, step right down, step left down
43 & 44 Kick right forward, step right down, step left down
45 – 46 Step right forward, pivot ½ turn to the Left
47 & Step right out in an angle and shake hips twice to the right
48 & Shift weight on left and shake hips twice to the left
Repeat
