What Genre Is American Road Trip by Patrick Flores Scott?

By Robert Palmer

American Road Trip by Patrick Flores Scott is a captivating book that centers around the journey of a young man named Teodoro “T” Avila. The story follows T as he embarks on a road trip from his hometown in California to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his brother is being held in a juvenile detention center.

The Genre of American Road Trip

The genre of American Road Trip can be classified as young adult literature. This genre typically involves themes and topics that are relevant to teenagers and young adults. In this case, the book explores issues such as family, identity, friendship, and social justice.

The Plot of American Road Trip

The plot of American Road Trip revolves around T’s journey to Albuquerque. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles that test his character and resolve. These challenges include encounters with racist police officers, car troubles, and unexpected detours.

The Characters in American Road Trip

One of the strengths of American Road Trip is its well-developed characters. T is a complex character who struggles with his identity as a Mexican-American teenager. His brother Paco is also well-developed, with his own personal demons and struggles.

The supporting characters in the novel are also memorable and add depth to the story. For example, T’s friend Cesar provides comic relief while also serving as a sounding board for T’s thoughts and emotions.

The Themes in American Road Trip

American Road Trip explores several important themes that are relevant to young adults today. One of these themes is family. Throughout the novel, T grapples with his relationship with his brother Paco and his parents.

Another theme explored in the novel is identity. As a Mexican-American teenager growing up in California, T struggles with fitting in with both Mexican and American cultures.

Finally, social justice is an important theme in American Road Trip. The novel sheds light on issues such as police brutality and racism, which are unfortunately still prevalent in society today.

The Writing Style of American Road Trip

The writing style of American Road Trip is engaging and easy to read. Patrick Flores Scott does an excellent job of capturing the voice and perspective of a teenage boy. The dialogue is realistic and authentic, while the descriptions of the scenery and settings are vivid and immersive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Road Trip by Patrick Flores Scott is a must-read for young adults who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong themes and well-developed characters. The book explores important issues such as family, identity, and social justice in a way that is both informative and entertaining. With its engaging writing style and memorable characters, American Road Trip is a book that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.