El Chino [Paperback]

Allen Say (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

A true story of Billy Wong, the first Chinese bullfighter.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Caldecott Honor recipient Say ( The Boy of the Three-Year Nap ) relates the stirring true story of Arizona-born Billy Wong, the first-ever Chinese bullfighter. As Billy grows up, his father tells him, over and over again, "In America you can be anything you want to be." This advice stands Billy in good stead as he faces one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after another on his triumphant way to the ring ("Only the Spaniards can become true matadors," everyone informs him). Say's text renders Billy's complex story with simplicity and grace, presenting Billy as an endearing, determined hero; Say's watercolors are luminous, filled with harmonious detail. The first several pages of the book are reproduced in sepia tones, but when Billy attends his first bullfight, the pictures burst into full color--an arresting touch that vividly underscores the bullfight's profound impact on Billy's imagination. Ages 7-13.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-- A picture-book biography of the first Chinese matador. On his first vacation to Europe, Billy Wong saw a Spanish bullfight and, marvelling at the athletic prowess of the matador, realized that even a man shorter than he might enter the sport. So he stayed in Spain and went to bullfighting school, but after two years passed without fighting a single cow, Billy realized that a Chinese matador might stand out in the crowd of aspiring bullfighters--as indeed he did. After his first success as El Chino --The Chinese--in his native costume, Billy receivedan offer to become a real matador. The large, bordered illustrations in the first part of the book describe Billy's early life in Arizona, and are suggestive of old sepia photographs; these have that sense of being posed in that way that both conceals and reveals the life of the subjects. When he attends the bullfight in Spain, however, the illustrations take on color and action. Say's subtle watercolor shadings and the details in the fine lines of these illustrations capture the power and the sensitivity of this story of a man who learns that to become someone beyond his current self, he must first truly be himself. A book that's lovely to look at, but one that is likely to have limited appeal to children because of the slow, uneventful beginning. --Kay E. Vandergrift, School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395778751
• ISBN-13: 978-0395778753
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,285,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age twelve, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, Say learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained Say's mentor. Say illustrated his first children's book -- published in 1972 -- in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, Say continued writing and illustrating children's books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in his master's studio. It was then that Say decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children's books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including TREE OF CRANES and GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. He is a full-time writer and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and humorous, October 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: El Chino (Paperback)

You'll laugh and cheer about this true story! El Chino is an inspirational and humorous portrayal of a Chinese-American's persistent effort to overcome stereotypes and fulfill his dreams. The successful blend of the American dream with an ethnic identity is always a timely lesson. The writing is concise with a tongue-in-cheek wit and the watercolor illustrations glow with luminous detail. This is a great book for any family who has an interest in changing preconceived notions. For Asian-Americans, especially adopted children from China, this book is a must-have addition to your home library.

5.0 out of 5 stars El CHino, October 29, 2009

By 

J. Kraus "Teacher and Writer" (Tamarac, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: El Chino (Paperback)

I am a reading specialist and tend to buy all of the Allan Say books. They are delicate stories written from his life with meaning and emotion. All of his books give you a glimpse into an unfamiliar culture. Love them.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Simple yet poetic..., April 25, 2003

By 

"cheesechic" (WHeeling, WV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: El Chino (Paperback)

Very simple yet poetic storytelling style by the author. It was interesting to see and read the story of one man's dream. Very childlike and reflective of the chinese minimalism in the use of language and illistrations.

I would recommend it not highly. It is not a cute fairy tale but it is a lovely simple book that perhaps could inspire young children to follow their dream no matter what their culture or race.

*** ½ stars