Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros's acclaimed first book, The House on Mango Street (1984), draws on memories of a childhood in which she moved often between Mexico and the U.S. while struggling to find her voice as the only daughter among seven children. A work of sharp observation and vivid prose, this novel, which won the Before Columbus American Book Award, has been widely taught. Cisneros is also known for her poetry, especially My Wicked Wicked Ways (1987).