Module 4: Shadow of a Bull

SLIS 5420/ Module 4/ February 4-10

Shadow of a Bull

by Maia Wojciechowska

Bibliography: Wojciechowska, M. (1964). Shadow of a bull. New York: Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

Shadow of a Bull is the story of Manolo Olivar and his search for identity. Manolo's father Juan Olivar was the greatest bullfighter in all of Spain. Manolo's entire town expects Manolo to be the second coming of his father, but Manolo has no desire to fight bulls. Manolo's friend Jaime and his brother Juan try to help prepare Manolo for his tienta and bullfight. But all Manolo wants to do is not embarrass his family and actually be given a choice about what he wants to do with his life.

Impressions:
I chose to read this book because I love Spain. I have been there several times with my family and was excited to see a book of this type on the reading list. I wasn't disappointed either. This book manages to capture the atmosphere of the smaller Spanish cities and villages that I have been too and their way of life. I can see why this book won a Newbery Award. The writing in the book brings the characters to life and is especially strong when Manolo is speaking. I really felt for Manolo and his desire to be a doctor. I think that this is a good book for children to read and help understand that almost everyone struggles between their own aspirations and the aspirations that the people around them have for them.

Review:
Kirkus Review
‘Haunted by the legend of his father, a world-famous bull fighter, 11-year-old Manolo Olivar searches for the courage to pursue his own dream. Manolo's emotional struggle to remain faithful to himself while retaining the honor of his family and the respect of the townspeople who are looking to him to restore the glory that his father had once brought to their small Andalusian town. Wojciechowska's coming of age story, while set in surroundings unfamiliar to most Americans, will strike a responsive chord with young listeners facing their own issues about growing up, meeting others' expectations, and discovering that there are many different kinds of courage.‘Cindy Lombardo, Ashland Public Library

Library Setting:
This would be an excellent book to use in a classroom environment around the fourth or fifth grade when projects about other parts of the world are prevalent. The way that the Shadow of the Bull is written along with the Spanish vocabulary would be a great teaching/learning tool for students. The presenter could share words from the book in Spanish and translate them into English for their classmates. It would be easy to work this book into a project or as an example of the project.

Review Reference: Library Journals LLC. (2012). Books in print. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:4442/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|158936|1444808&mc=USA

Image: http://cc.pbsstatic.com/l/24/0424/9780689300424.jpg