Mexican WhiteBoy
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- biracial identity
- belonging
- friendship
- family
- sports
- self-acceptance
- prejudice
About this book
Danny is a gifted pitcher who feels caught between cultures—half-Mexican, half-white—and unsure where he belongs. Spending the summer with his cousin in San Diego County, he finds new friends, backyard ballgames, and a chance to rediscover his voice on the mound. As he navigates family tensions and questions of identity, baseball becomes the thread that helps him make sense of who he is. Readers connect with Danny’s honesty, the kinetic sports scenes, and the heartfelt search for belonging.
Setting: San Diego County, California; summer on neighborhood baseball fields and city backstreets
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexican WhiteBoy right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mexican WhiteBoy. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, biracial identity, belonging.
How long does it take to read Mexican WhiteBoy?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mexican WhiteBoy takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 71,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mexican WhiteBoy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mexican WhiteBoy has an AR quiz available, worth 10 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Mexican WhiteBoy?
Mexican WhiteBoy has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.