El chino by Allen Say

El chino by Allen Say is a biography of Billy wong, the first Chinese bullfighter. This picture book begins its story when Billy’s parents move from China to America. Later in the story, Billy travels to Spain and is introduced to bullfighting. He decides that he wants to become a bullfighter and dresses in Spanish clothes to feel fit for the position. Interstingly enough, people are not accepting of his talent because he is not Spanish. However, as soon as Billy finally realizes that he must embrace his Chinese roots, he is accepted and welcomed as a Chinese bullfighter and referred to as “El Chino”. The illustrations start in black and white, but as soon as a bullfighter is depicted for the first time, the pictures become animated in color. The illustrations look like photographs and incorporate shadows and shading to make the pictures come alive.

A person can never become the best as someone he is not. Billy Wong could never be the best Spanish bullfighter, though his heart is passionate. Billy can, however, become the best and first ever Chinese bullfighter. The picture book specifically draws attention to Billy Wong’s Chinese traits. The special positive attention to cultural differences suggest an attitude of pride in cultural heritage. Billy Wong embrases this heritage at the end of the book. He is accepted and treasured for his exceptional ethnicity. Allen Say is an insider to this specific experience. He actually met the family of Billy Wong and believes this book signifies a search for identity (Allen). Say was born in Japan and has written and illustrated many books; one of which won the 1994 Caldecott medal. This book was recommended in “Asian Pacific American Children’s Literature: Expanding Perceptions About Who Americans Are” by Sandra S. Yamate. Additionally, this piece of literature was reviewed in the Horn Book Magazine.

"Allen Say." Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2008. Houghton Mifflin Company. 11 Nov. 2008 .
Say, Allen. El Chino. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996.Yamate, Sandra S. "Asian Pacific American Chlidren's Literature: Expanding Percpetions About Who Americans Are." Using Multiethic Literature in the K-8 Classroom. 95-128.