Cisneros, Sandra. Bad Boys. Mango, 1980. This collection of poems was Cisneros' first published work, and “for many readers, was their introduction to the great writer.“ Its poems focus on the struggles and experience of various Latinos, from the child of an abusive father to a Spanish-speaking schoolgirl. Cisneros practices a diverse style of writing, incorporating Spanish phrases and slang, to develop themes of “nostalgia, notions of space, domestic violence, and childhood immaturity.” Due to lack of knowledge about her first published work, Bad Boys is widely unknown, and it is reasonable to assume that was not a critical success (Rojas).
---. Bravo Bruno! La Nuova Frontiera, 2011. One of Cisneros' most recent children’s book depicts the journey of a furry dog Bruno in various sites
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The novel details her coming-of-age as she lives on Mango Street, and she shares in first-person various stories of the people in her life and her experiences, from her cousin’s baptism to her Aunt Lupe’s death. Cisneros focuses on details that demonstrate how Esperanza’s innocence diminishes as she is exposed in various circumstances, especially when she befriends Sally, a boy-crazy classmate who is abused by her father. The poetic yet easily understood novel conveys deep emotion and develops the theme of home to show the universal desire to belong. This book beautifully captures the struggle of young girls oppressed by gender roles and stereotypes in the community, and Cisneros illustrates that they have the ability to overcome it, as Esperanza follows her dreams. I love this novel and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in understanding the Latino community. It is easily understood why The House on Mango Street is award-winning and widely known, as it offers a new perspective and gives a voice to the females of the Spanish-speaking