Review: 'Joey Gonzalez, Great American' by Tony Robles
Joey Gonzalez, Great AmericanBy Tony Robles
Illustrated by Jim Pryor
ISBN-10: 0976726939
ISBN-13: 978-0976726937
Hardcover, 48 pages
March 25, 2008
World Ahead Publishing, Inc.
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams
With the controversy over affirmative action at its core, Joey Gonzales, Great American by Tony Robles is a book with an important message for children and adults, alike. Through the eyes of children, we are able to view the negative aspects of the processs in a realistic, almost blunt scenario.
Joey Gonzalez wants nothing more than to be a great American. As he eagerly prepares to enter third grade, his main focus is on studying hard to achieve his goal. His mother lovingly encourages him, and in Joey's eyes, there is no reason why he can't be a great American.
But Joey's new teacher, Mrs. Glass, has news for him. Because of the Spanish origins of Joey's last name, Mrs. Glass informs him--in front of the entire class--that he is different. She goes on to explain that Joey is a minority, and that makes it more difficult for him to learn than other children. Joey is different, but it is his courage that sets him apart, not the fact that he is a minority.
Mrs. Glass is an old-fashioned, imposing character. As an adult, I would feel intimidated by her, so imagine how a class of children would feel. But this scenario must be all too common in classrooms today.
With the guidance of his mother and the support of his friends, Joey stands up to Mrs. Glass and informs her that he doesn't need affirmative action to make him into a great American. In a beautiful conclusion, each of his friends expresses what makes them unique and special.
Besides the important subject matter, Joey Gonzalez, Great American is a bilingual book. Each page is written in both English and Spanish, so children of differing cultures can find a commonality in the enjoyment of the story. Neither of my children are minorities and will never have to take advantage of affirmative action, but they both enjoyed the book a great deal. It helps parents explain a difficult topic in a way that children can understand.
Tony Robles is Puerto Rican and grew up in New York, so he understands the negative impact on self-confidence and achievement affirmative action can create for children. It is from this insider's view that the book was created. Robles has done an excellent job educating the American public. Visit him at http://www.joeygonzalez.us/
Joey Gonzalez wants nothing more than to be a great American. As he eagerly prepares to enter third grade, his main focus is on studying hard to achieve his goal. His mother lovingly encourages him, and in Joey's eyes, there is no reason why he can't be a great American.
But Joey's new teacher, Mrs. Glass, has news for him. Because of the Spanish origins of Joey's last name, Mrs. Glass informs him--in front of the entire class--that he is different. She goes on to explain that Joey is a minority, and that makes it more difficult for him to learn than other children. Joey is different, but it is his courage that sets him apart, not the fact that he is a minority.
Mrs. Glass is an old-fashioned, imposing character. As an adult, I would feel intimidated by her, so imagine how a class of children would feel. But this scenario must be all too common in classrooms today.
With the guidance of his mother and the support of his friends, Joey stands up to Mrs. Glass and informs her that he doesn't need affirmative action to make him into a great American. In a beautiful conclusion, each of his friends expresses what makes them unique and special.
Besides the important subject matter, Joey Gonzalez, Great American is a bilingual book. Each page is written in both English and Spanish, so children of differing cultures can find a commonality in the enjoyment of the story. Neither of my children are minorities and will never have to take advantage of affirmative action, but they both enjoyed the book a great deal. It helps parents explain a difficult topic in a way that children can understand.
Tony Robles is Puerto Rican and grew up in New York, so he understands the negative impact on self-confidence and achievement affirmative action can create for children. It is from this insider's view that the book was created. Robles has done an excellent job educating the American public. Visit him at http://www.joeygonzalez.us/
If you like what you read, subscribe to my feed!
2 comments:
Interesting review. Books like this can be really inspiring for children.
Great review and I love the book's cover!
Post a Comment