In "Viva Chicano," the auther "explores with brilliance, warmth, and understanding the fear-ridden world of the juvenile delinquent. Flashes of humor are mixed with sobering realities" for Keeny Duran, living in the Mexican American sector of the vast urban ghetto called Dogtown. In the Author's Note, it is pointed out that the story is true. The things that happened in the story really did take place--but not to one boy and not in the order in which events are arranged in the book. According to the author, Keeny Duran, the protagonist, is a blend of several boys. You will find boys like him, his friends, his enemies, in any big city--in police stations, jails, detention homes, housing projects, and on the sidewalks. (EJ)