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Gary Soto's Life

  • Gary Soto is born

    He is born in Fresno, California.
  • Death of his father

    Soto's father died in an accident at Sunmaid Raisin Company when he is only 5 years old.
  • Graduates Roosevelt High School

    He graduates with a 1.6 GPA out of Roosevelt High School.
  • Graduates Fresno State College

    He graduates from Fresno State College with a degree in English Studies.
  • Gary Soto Gets Married

    He gets married to his wife, Carolyn Oda.
  • First Book is Published

    He publishes his first book (The Elements of San Joaquin).
  • Soto Has a Daughter

    His daughter Mariko Heidi Soto is born.
  • Gets Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry

    His book (The Tale of Sunlight) is nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry.
  • Receives Andrew Carnegie Medal for Film Excellence

    He earns the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Film Excellence from the Association for Liberty Service to Children for his production work on the film, The Pool Party.
  • Graduates University of California Irvine

    He graduates University of California Irvine and earned an MFA.
  • Receives the Hispanic Heritage Award

    He earns the Hispanic Heritage Award for his work, Petty Crimes.
  • Speaks at the National Book Festival

    Soto speaks at the National Book Festival
  • Gary Soto Museum Opens

    The Gary Soto literary museum opens up at Fresno City College.