Any Small Goodness

Arturo and his family move to LA and run head on into both the terrible problems of the city and the amazing love of the town. Arturo's Papi is very wise, showing the children how to find good in the world and revealing to them how to make good from bad.

p. 16 On the way home Papi says, “This Leo Love is a brave man. In spite of fear he saved Huitla. When no eyes are upon him, that is a person's true test.”

p. 103 “Mijo.” With carino, Papi touches my shoulders and looks into my face. The world seems to wait while he arranges his thoughts. Then slowly he says, “In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it.” A big speech for him. And I can tell he's not done. After a moment he says, “Remember this thing — any small goodness is of value.”