Mexican Whiteboy is a young adult novel set in National City, California. The novel Mexican Whiteboy is narrated in a third-person limited point of view using a thoughtful tone and an optimistic mood. The main issues in the novel by Matt de la Peña include identity crisis, forgiveness, and violence. The story is about Danny, a young boy struggling with an identity crisis. The other character with a similar challenge as Danny is Uno.
The novel commences with the theme of the ethnicity crisis. The novel's protagonist, Danny, struggles to discover his identity because he spends most of his life searching for his Mexican father. Danny is of a mixed race because his father is Mexican and his mother is white. When Danny's mother moves to San Francisco to live with her boyfriend, Danny remains in San Diego to live with his father's family. Danny searches for his whereabouts without success. The other character struggling with an identity crisis is Uno, whose father is black and his mother is white. Uno yearns to live with his father to discover his personality and abilities. At last, Uno moves in with his father and learns about his roots and prospects.
The other significant topic in the novel Mexican Whiteboy is forgiveness. At first, Matt de la Peña introduces Danny and Uno as nemesis. Danny is an experienced and talented stickball player, an attribute that makes Uno jealous. One day, while playing stickball together, Uno intentionally knocks down Danny. Danny is admitted to the hospital, and his skin is stitched. However, when Danny is discharged from the hospital, he forgives Uno after apologizing. Danny and Uno end up being best friends, standing for each other during times of difficulty.
Danny witnesses the violent part of his uncle when they go to buy groceries. Uncle Ray runs over a man after having a slight argument. Uncle Ray is a bad-tempered man who becomes aggressive at any slight irritation. Uncle Ray beats the man after running over him until he becomes cataleptic.
In conclusion, Matt de la Peña shows readers the challenges biracial children face in society. Danny and Uno struggle to discover who they are for the rest of their lives. In addition, the author explores the significance of forgiveness and living as brothers and sisters. Finally
