Read the excerpt from "Broken Chain.” "Ponytails! Those girls who messed with Frostie and me had ponytails. Is she cool?” "I think so.” Ernie sat up in bed. "I bet you that’s her.” Alfonso f

Read the excerpt from "Broken Chain.” "Ponytails! Those girls who messed with Frostie and me had ponytails. Is she cool?” "I think so.” Ernie sat up in bed. "I bet you that’s her.” Alfonso felt his stomach knot up. "She’s going to be my girlfriend, not yours!” "I’m going to get even with her!” "You better not touch her,” Alfonso snarled, throwing a wadded Kleenex at him. "I’ll run you over with my bike.” Which message does Gary Soto want readers to take away? A chance at love is important. Revenge is acceptable. It can be an unpredictable world. Family bonds are very strong.