Growing up in his Neighborhood...

Gary Soto grew up in Fresno, California. His family was very poor, they worked as farmers tending other people's fields just for a small paycheck. His education was not sought after by him. The main average grade he held was D's. His dad died due to a accident at the factory where he worked, Gary was five years old at that time. After his fathers death he grew into a deep depression, and his grandparents had to help out with taking care of his family along with his mom, getting whatever jobs they could.