Armando and his family live in a colonia (neighborhood) near the Tijuana, Mexico's city dump. During the day, he and his father search through the foul-smelling garbage for items they can sell or use. More than anything, Armando wants to attend Senor David's school. The school is a blue tarp set up on the dirt. At first, Armando's parents refuse to allow him to attend the school. His father tells Armando that he is "older now", I wish things could be different. But we are pepenadores, trash pickers. You must do the work of our family." Eventually, his father allows Armando to attend school in the afternoons because he realizes "learning is important." The book is based on the true story of David Lynch, a former special-education teacher, who devoted 27 years to teaching children like Armando. This story is an unexaggerated look at the hardships of poverty, the power of learning, and how one person can make a difference. Included are author's notes that contain more information about David Lynch and pictures of his students and the real colonia. An excellent book to share with students who take their education for granted. This book is a California Young Reader Medal nominee for 2009-2010.