On Thursday, April 24, Cisneros will talk about Caramelo and sign some books from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Northridge Center of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Street. Caramelo is the story of the three Reyes brothers, members of a Mexican family with memories and members on both sides of the border.

Cisneros' attention will turn to the art of writing on Friday, April 25. On that day, from 10 a.m. to noon, again in the Northridge Center, university officials have asked her to focus on students, and how they can use writing as a way to express themselves.

"Her background is not much different from that of many of our students," said Gerald Resendez, chair of CSUN's Department of Chicano/a Studies, who is helping to coordinate Cisneros' visit to the campus.

"Sandra Cisneros' success really came the hard way," he said. "Her natural talent as a writer was not recognized in her early years. She had difficulties in school and she had to struggle. But she's a highly self-motivated person and I hope that our students can relate to her."

In addition to Caramelo, Cisneros' works include her first novel, The House on Mango Street,,/i> a collection of short stories, Woman Hollering Creek, and a children's story, Hairs/Pelitos. She has won numerous awards for both her fiction and poetry, and has served as a visiting writer at a number of universities.

Admission to Cisneros' talks is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Chicano/a Studies Department at (818) 677-2734.