Themes: Hi-Lo, High school, neighborhoods, family, loyalty, friendship, urban teen fiction, mystery, violence, false accusations, drug use. 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--Everyone's a little nervous after a drive-by in the barrio. But then comes news of another shooting, and it hits very close to home for Ernesto Sandoval. After Naomi's neighbor and fellow senior, Roxie Torres, is shot, a homeless drifter is arrested. But Ernesto thinks Roxie is a liar.