José! Born to Dance by Susanna Reich and Raúl Colón

1.     Bibliography

Steig, William. Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York: Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division, 1969.

ISBN: 978-0-689-86576-3

2.     Plot Summary

This short picture book tells the story of the dancer Jose Limon who was born in Mexico in 1908. In the story, the reader learns of Jose’s love of dance from early on when his father used to take him to the theater. Jose loved to watch cancan, flamenco, ballet, and to the bull fight where the bullfighter would “dance” around the bull. No matter the type, Jose loved to watch people dance. In 1913, Jose’s family experienced the effects of the Mexican Civil War and had to flee to the United States where Jose’s father found a job. In the story the reader learns of Jose’s determination and resiliency to learn English and acclimate to America. As Jose grows up he realizes he has to fulfill his dreams and passions of becoming what he was born to be; a dancer.

3.     Critical Analysis

Susana Reich does a wonderful job of conveying the boy Jose’s unique story. She shares where Jose’s passion of dance stemmed from through her unique style of writing. Reich incorporates words and phrases in Spanish as part of the story, and these words and phrases cleverly go on to become part of Jose’s future dance world. Jose imagines back to when he was watching the bull fight with his dad and chants “Ole, ole, ole!” as he dances across the stage in New York. It’s a clever and imaginative way to incorporate Jose’s Mexican culture into the story.

Raul Colon is the artist that illustrated the story. His beautiful softly colored and textured drawings powerfully convey pre civil war Mexico, Jose’s school years in Nogales, and Jose’s dance journey in New York City. The colors and mood change drastically once Jose arrives in New York City. Also, Colon’s images of the dancers show movement and strength, they almost seem to embody the spirit of Jose himself.

4.     Review Excerpts

Winner of the Thomas Rivera American Book Award 2006

From Publisher’s Weekly: “Jose's story (he later became a world-famous choreographer) attests to the openness and perseverance that artistic passion requires.”

From Goodreads: “Susanna Reich's lyrical text and Raúl Colón's shimmering artwork tell the story of a boy who was determined to make a difference in the world, and did.”

From Kirkus Reviews: “This first introduction for children to renowned dancer and choreographer José Limón pairs equally soaring text and visuals.

5.     Connections

Also illustrated by Raul Colon

Child of the Civil Rights Movement
By Paula Young Shelton and Raul Colon
ISBN-13: 978-0385376068

Tomas and the Library Lady
By Pat More and Raul Colon
ISBN-13: 978-0375803499

Also about Mexican American Immigrants

La Mariposa
By Francisco Jimenez and Illustrated by Simon Silva
ISBN: 0618073175

This book would be great to use as a supplement for college week or teaching about future careers.

Also, this book would be wonderful to teach about immigration for Hispanic Heritage Month.




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