Air Down Here [Hardcover]

G Alicea (Author), C DeSena (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995

Good news from the inner city is rare, but Gil's upbeat message and accessible, hip-hop style will give concerned readers--including educators, young people, and parents--a fresh outlook on the future of urban America. The 115 short pieces talk about life, the dangers of drugs, violence and gangs, deaths of family members, and the universal teenage dilemmas: dating, music, clothes, and school.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With the typical dictated "essay" in this collection of 115 occupying a page or less, this thin book consists not so much of "tales" but of the short-attention-span observations of a teenager growing up in the 'hood. DeSena, a humor writer, became a pal of young Gil?he doesn't explain how?and decided to record Gil's reflections. Gil is a lively kid, speaking a mild street vernacular ("Some parents be fooling around"), and he reports on his dangerous school (most kids carry weapons), his ambition to become a famous hoopster and his struggle to deal with his mother's illness and, ultimately, with her death. He has acquired wisdom ("I have learned that even the most horrible things change") and perspective ("I think to be having sex, you should be an age not in your teens"). Still, though this book may be accessible and interesting to teenagers, other efforts in journalism and memoir tell us much more about ghetto teens. Photos.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up?This book is a breath of fresh air for YA readers and writers and for professionals working with them. Through a series of 132 essays, readers meet Alicea, a Hispanic American teen growing up in the housing projects of the South Bronx. His reflections on everything from his mother's terminal illness to Egyptology are always poignant and provocative, never cloying and never cliched. Carefully chosen black-and-white photographs increase the resonance of Alicea's writings, and DeSena, his collaborator and editor, allows the young man's voice to reach readers clearly and openly.?Doris A. Fong, Benson Polytechnic High School, Portland, OR
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; First Printing edition (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811810488
• ISBN-13: 978-0811810487
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real positive influence on our generation ., November 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Air Down Here (Hardcover)

I knew Gil a couple of years ago , just before the book was published. I heard all about it before it was even in the process of being printed. It was really strange reading the book after already knowing him . I mean he used to come in with bits and pieces of it and show it to a selected few of us . No one had any idea of what he has been through. He seemes like such a different person , but after I read his book I finally understood him . I hope that everyone reads the book , because it is not just about a boy living in the projects , it is about every kid growing up . Trying to figure out what life is all about and trying to make the right decisions about everything. I think it might make people think differently about our generation . Gil is actually one positive influnce that many should admire , because he wrote this book to inform others on how the world is now a days .

5.0 out of 5 stars "Del Bronx" (from the Bronx), February 22, 2004

By 

Anabel Moreno (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Air Down Here (Hardcover)

This book was amazing. I give total merit to Gil C. Alicea. He is in many ways what I wish to be. He gives a great representation of Bronx youth, filled with dreams and hopes for the day of tomorrow. It is great how in his book you may find the strength to go beyond stereotypes and social limitations. In a world where "going wrong" seems almost inevitable Mr. Alicea finds an outlet in writing, that is admirable all in itself. I recommend this book to all people who thought they were they only ones going through life in there teenage years but especially to those growing up in the Bronx, this a message from above, WE'RE NOT ALONE!