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Reviewed by Donna M. McDine
Title: Joey Gonzalez, Great American
Written by: Tony Robles
Illustrated by: Jim Pryor
Hardcover: 42 pages
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Kids Ahead
ISBN-13: 978-0-976726-93-7
Publication: March 2008
Tony Robles approaches the subject of affirmative action in a thought provoking way for children in this insightful new picture book.
Third grader, Joey Gonzalez is excited to start the new school year until his teacher points out to him in her narrow-mindlessness that he is a minority and “a little bit different.”
“How can it be that I’m not American?” Joey asks.
“Don’t worry, Joey,” said Mrs. Glass. “There’s a special way to help minorities get ahead. It’s affirmative action. Soon we’ll learn all about it right here in the classroom.”
Joey is confused by the revelations of his teacher and arrives home at the end of the school day visibly upset. He discusses what occurred in school with his mother. The next day, armed with confidence, Joey explains his family heritage to his teacher and classmates. Suddenly feeling good about themselves, Joey’s friends also take a stand with Mrs. Glass and they proudly tell about their own heritages.
Colorful illustrations by Jim Pryor help bring the text alive, which is provided in both English and Spanish on every page. Joey Gonzalez, Great American is a wonderful story of determination and pride that will surely hold a place in many families’ bookshelves.
NOTE: Listen to this interview with author Tony Robles on Book Bites for Kids.
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Donna McDine’s publishing credits include Stories for Children Magazine, Stories for Children Newsletter, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children’s Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, and Once Upon A Time. Her non-fiction children’s article, “Fishing Through a Frozen Lake,” is to be published in Boys’ Quest in December 2012. Learn more about McDine and her writing at: http://www.donnamcdine.com
Aah, the joys I have to look forward to when mine (now 4 yrs and 10 mos) are older. (= I think the volcanoes you mentioned before will be fun though. (=
I noticed your images are a little blurry - mine were before too, I figured out how to fix it. Go into the HTML and delete the "Width='400'" part. Then they won't stretch beyond how big they actually are and they'll appear a lot clearer.
Have a fun day!
Shena (=
Thank you! It worked.