El Chino (Paperback)

by Allen Say (Author) "My parents came from Canton, China, and had six children in Nogales, Arizona..." (more)

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 the Hardcover edition.

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 the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395778751
• ISBN-13: 978-0395778753
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #138,690 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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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

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.

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

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