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brittburkard's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
shanellewrites's review against another edition
4.0
Flawed and problematic, but a beautifully written story that I wholeheartedly admire.
balletbookworm's review
4.0
Reads a bit slow for a kids' book, IMO, however that may simply be because I was writing down all the "vocabulary" words in the book (side project: pulling out all the words that might be above reading level in the book since a popular assignment for kids to have them write down all the words they don't know). And there are a lot.
This is a very fanciful story of the painter Velasquez told from the perspective of his slave, Juan de Pareja, who became a famous painter in his own right. It has a very "adult" feel to the structure of the sentences, very pretty prose especially when Juan is describing Velasquez in the act of creating a painting.
This is a very fanciful story of the painter Velasquez told from the perspective of his slave, Juan de Pareja, who became a famous painter in his own right. It has a very "adult" feel to the structure of the sentences, very pretty prose especially when Juan is describing Velasquez in the act of creating a painting.
kristinamskinner's review against another edition
3.0
In a school setting, perhaps an art history class, this would be an excellent book to read. I tried to keep an open mind and did enjoy learning about the Spanish artists, Velazquez and his slave Pareja , but it was a chore a times. Looking up information about the men and their paintings helped me appreciate the story more.
caroparr's review
3.0
In all my years as a children's librarian, I had never read this Newbery winner, but Spain inspired me. I enjoyed revisiting some parts of our trip and especially de Trevino's interpretation of Velazquez. I did find the story a bit slow once Juan made it to Velazquez's household. I also found Juan's character was almost saintly in his forbearance, rather than the man I see in Velazquez's portrait, someone who is strong, direct, and self-possessed. Would like to find more about him.