The Red Camp.

by Debra Diaz Rita La Chiva: Light My Fire I really, really, really hate it here. Especially now, in August. It’s boring enough during the rest of the year, but in August this town becomes hell. It’s so hot, even the tiles give up and slide right off the roofs. No way I’m waiting. Before Mom left she told Emily, Laura and me to wait here for Dad and … [Read more...] about THE RED CAMP 21

by Debra Diaz   Emily: Give and Take "Egg salad, again!" I moan as I remove the mushy, warm sandwich from its plastic baggy. Egg salad sandwich, potato chips, an apple and a Ding Dong. The same lunch every day. Janine checks out my lunch as she thoughtfully chews her bologna, Frito and mayonnaise sandwich.   "Where’s Stacey?" I ask. … [Read more...] about THE RED CAMP 20

by Debra Diaz Emily: I Think I Love You   Laura lives for TV. She’s ten-years-old and she can tell you what’s on any channel any time of the day.   She watches everything. Starting in the morning with "Gumby" and "Rocky and his Friends," and then continuing after school with "Hobo Kelly," "Speed Racer" and … [Read more...] about THE RED CAMP 19

by Debra Diaz Emily: Other People’s Parents I spend a lot of time at Stacey’s and Janine’s houses.   Stacey lives on Edna Street, a block away from our school. Her small green house is dark and cool and filled with books and magazines. Stacey’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. O’Donald, went to college and like to drink martinis. Sometimes they even … [Read more...] about THE RED CAMP 18

by Debra Diaz Rita La Chiva: Party Time When I grow up, I’m never acting like they act. Like Mom and Dad. Like the way they were last night.   It started when Tía Mercy and Tío Gilbert and Tía Clara and Tío Vicente came over on Sunday to visit. They sent Emily, Hector, Rubén and me to the movies. By the time we got back … [Read more...] about THE RED CAMP 17