In today's multicultural world there is an urgent need for more plays and books that represent a diverse array of ethnic groups. In this anthology, renowned theater expert Coleman A. Jennings has compiled a selection of plays by José Cruz González that meets these multicultural demands head-on. González is a foremost voice in theater for children and youth whose plays address themes and issues, often through imaginary lands and extraordinary characters, faced by children in their everyday lives. Born to migrant workers in Calexico, California, González learned at a young age how to tap into the vast world of his imagination. From his grandfather, who would regale the family with stories and riddles as they worked on the farm, he learned the power of storytelling. He spent afternoons, weekends and summers working in the fields, so it is no surprise that his plays are strongly tied to the natural world. His use of magical realism has become one of his trademarks. The nine plays in this anthology were thoughtfully collected and will go far to fill the multicultural gap in the world of theater for children. 6x9—344 pages. Soft cover.