THE LATINA BOOK CLUB

        Congratulations to our friend author Tor rey Maldonado for being named one of the Top Ten Latino Authors to Read and Watch for 2012 by  LatinoStories .  Here's what they had to say about Torrey and his book: Torrey Maldonado's book [SECRET SATURDAYS] is one of the great success stories of the year. Given all the negative press that teachers have received in these difficult economic times, it's great to see a talent like Mr. Maldonado emerge.  Following in the tradition of school teachers like Wally Lamb, whose debut grabbed national attention, this author is sure to continue to impress. This is a heartfelt story about a twelve-year old boy growing up in Brooklyn housing projects with a voice that is captured with great sensitivity. To see what other authors made Latino Stories' Top Ten List, click here . To read The Latina Book Club's interview with Torrey, click here .  Congratulations again, Torrey.  It is wel...

The Latina Book Club is Celebrating Men this month, and what better way to start than with a wonderful book by a talented and amazing author, teacher and father.  Happy Reading, and as always, Read Latino. SECRET SATURDAYS By Torrey Maldonado Putnam Juvenile “SECRET SATURDAYS ought to be required reading at middle schools everywhere.” –E.R. Frank, author of LIFE IS FUNNY and AMERICA, which inspired the Lifetime Movie. Torrey Maldonado has written a powerful, emotional, riveting novel about friendship, trust, hard choices and becoming a man. It’s the story of two 13-year olds best friends– Justin and Sean – living and surviving the dangerous Red Hook Housing projects. The friends are so much alike – half Puerto Rican, half Black, and no fathers – that they refer to themselves as twins. But lately Sean has been different, secretive, and he and his mom disappear on Saturdays. So what is a best friend to do but find out why? Read excerpt, by clicking here . ...

         "Torrey Maldonado’s SECRET SATURDAYS ought to be required reading at middle schools everywhere.” —E.R. Frank, author of the acclaimed LIFE IS FUNNY and AMERICA, which inspired the Lifetime movie. SECRET SATURDAYS is a fast read, entertaining and it also equips pre-teens and young adults to better handle everyday challenges. —Library Media Connections Torrey Maldonado is a teacher, a father, a writer, and a fierce hand ball player. His first young adult novel SECRET SATURDAYS was released from Putnam Juvenile this past April. Like the characters in his book, he too grew up in Red Hook, a poor, violent section of the Brooklyn. Raised by his mother, he went on to get a B.A. in Sociology from Vassar College and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Baruch College. Torrey has taught in New York City’s public school system for 10 years. SECRET SATURDAYS was inspired by his experiences with youth, city schools, fatherlessness and...