Themes: Hi-Lo, High school, neighborhoods, family, loyalty, friendship, urban teen fiction, courage, self-respect, elections, loyalty. Written for young adults, the Urban Underground series confronts issues that are of great importance to teens, such as friendship, loyalty, drugs, gangs, abuse, urban blight, bullies, and self-esteem to name a few. More than entertainment, these books can be a powerful learning and coping tool when a struggling reader connects with credible characters and a compelling storyline. The highly readable style and mature topics will appeal to young adult readers of both sexes and encourage them to finish each novel. Cesar Chavez HS Series-- Carmen Ibarra's larger-than-life father is running for city council against Monte Esposito, the corrupt incumbent- and Naomi's cousin. Ernesto is a little nervous. Deep in his heart he knows that Esposito is not good for the barrio. But he isn't about to upset Naomi's family. So he keeps his mouth shut.