Susan Straight

"A California epic following several native, diverse Californians grasping for air in a world that continues to marginalize them"-- Johnny Frías has California in his blood. A descendant of the state's Indigenous people and Mexican settlers, he has Southern California's forgotten towns and canyons in his soul. He spends his days as a highway patrolman pulling over speeders, ignoring their racist insults, and pushing past the trauma of his rookie...

Includes interviews, commentaries and excerpts from the novel, providing first-hand accounts of why The Grapes of Wrath remains so compelling seven decades after its initial publication. Teacher's guide contains ten lessons, each with a focus topic, discussion activities, writing exercises, and homework assignments. Also includes capstone projects, suggested essay topics, handouts with more background information, and bibliographical references. Lessons...