Daisy C. S. Catalan
This list includes the text for the unit and related literature suitable for secondary school English language learners. These books stress a sense of place and ethnicity.
Garcia-Aguilera, Carolina Bloody Secrets. New York, New York: The Berkley Publishing Group, 1997
Her latest published book that reveals the recent Hispanic immigrant experience and life in Miami, Florida. Lupe Solano is drawn to his Cuban refugee client in more than her professional feelings. Her client appears to be more interested in his family honor than in the money that he claims is rightfully his. Full of suspense and action.
Bloody Shame. New York, New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1997
The students' text and Garcia-Aguilera's second book. Lupe investigates what appears to be an open and shut case of self-defense but eventually stumbles on clues that relates the case to the sudden death of her childhood best friend.
Hillerman, Tony. Dance Hall of the Dead. New York, New York: Harper Paperback, 1973
The setting of the novel is the Zuni Reservation and the adjoining Ramah Navajo Reservation in Arizona. Navajo tribal police Joe Leaphorn tracks the killer of two boys, one Navajo, the other a Zuni. The reader participates vicariously in the Zuni religious rites and travels the Arizona desert with the characters.
McBain, Ed. Lady Killer. New York, New York: Penguin Books, USA Inc.,1953
The 87th precinct police force is given twelve hours to find a crank or stop a killer. McBain unleashes his established investigatory techniques using the full force of his police / detective characters. Inner city students can relate to this novel.
McClure, James. The Steam Pig. London: Faber and Faber Ltd. Paperback ed., 1993
The setting is apartheid South Africa in the 1970's. Lt. Tromp Kramer an Afrikaner and Sgt. Zondi his Bantu partner solves the murder of a very pretty young music teacher with their classic detective teamwork and enviable working relationship. This book should be used with reservation due to some inappropriate content to this age group.
Mosley, Walter. Devil in a Blue Dress. New York, New York: Pocket books, 1990
Easy Rawlins an African-American WWII veteran evokes the life of freedom and disillusion of postwar black community in Los Angeles. Financially broke he accepted money from a white man to find a blonde beauty who frequents in black jazz clubs. A murder -suspense drama follows. This book should also be used with caution because of some inappropriate themes for the age group.
