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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
(Theme Song: Dance The Night Away)
Description: 32 Counts, Intermediate/Advanced, 4 Wall
Choreographer: Robert and Regina Padden
Music: Ooh aah…, Just A Little Bit by Gina G.
Dance The Night Away by The Mavericks
Kick Twice, Left Shuffle,Heel, Hook, Heel, Touch
01 – 02 Kick left forward twice
03 & 04 Shuffle left, right, left in place
05 – 06 Ttouch right heel forward, hook left over right
07 – 08 Touch right heel forward, touch right next to left
Touch, ½ Turn Step, Stomp Twice, Rolling Grapevine
09 – 10 Touch right to the side, step right back and behind left and turn ½ at the same time
11 – 12 Stomp left next to right twice
13 – 16 Full turn Rolling Grapevine to the left:
Step left behind right in a ¼ turn to the left,cross right over left in a ¼ turn to the left
Step left forward in a ½ turn to the left, touch right next to left
1 ¼ Turn Rolling Grapevine, ¼ Pivot Turn, Left Shuffle
17 – 20 1 ¼ turn rolling grapevine:
Step right behind left in a ¼ turn to the right, cross left over right in a ¼ turn to the
Right, step right forward in ¾ turn to the right, touch left next to right
21 – 22 Step left forward, pivot ¼ turn to the right
23 & 24 Shuffle forward left, right, left
Pivot ½ Turn, Pivot ¼ Turn, Stomp, Kick, Shuffle
25 – 26 Step right forward, pivot ½ turn to the left
27 – 28 Step right forward, pivot ¼ turn to the left
29 – 30 Stomp right next to left, Kick right forward
31 & 32 Shuffle right, left, right in place
Cadence Steps
1. Kick, kick.
2. 3 & 4 (shuffle).
3. Out cross over, out and touch.
4. Touch, turn.
5. Stomp, Stomp.
6. Left, right, left, clap.
7. Right, left, right, clap.
8. Step ¼ Cha, Cha, Cha (left, right, left)
9. Step turn (½) .
10. Step ¼.
11. Stomp, kick, Cha, Cha, Cha (right, left, right)
12.
Start again.
