Monday, November 7, 2011

My Pal, Victor / Mi amigo, Victor by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Translated by Eida de la Vega. Illustrated by Robert L. Sweetland.32 p., Raven Tree, 2004.

Friendship can include finding similarities when differences are present, and appreciating each other’s uniqueness. In this bilingual (English and Spanish) book, Dominic describes what he values about his friend Victor – his imagination, his jokes, his encouragement, and his scary stories. He tells how they enjoy swimming, riding amusement park rides, and having sleepovers together. What Dominic likes best about Victor is that Victor accepts him just as he is. It isn’t until the last page that we see that Victor uses a wheelchair. The colorful illustrations effectively convey the fun the boys have together. Whether or not they use a wheelchair, children will see that disability is only one attribute among many, and less important than the qualities that make a good friend.

Ages 4-8

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