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a_manning11's review against another edition
5.0
The colorful illustrations give a good impression of a neighborhood and community, with its different characters. The story consists of the introduction of the various people that make up Quinito's life and his neighborhood. I was surprised that the English text was printed above/before the Spanish text, but assume that this was done in a way to help understanding or the learning of Spanish, since the meaning of the Spanish lines can thus be deduced from the English translation.
jkribbit's review against another edition
5.0
I am so glad this book was on suggested reading lists for ##AAPIHeritageMonth ! This isn’t a book I would have picked up on my own, but I’m so glad I requested it from the library!
This book tells the story of Sammy Lee who became an Olympic champion in diving. His story includes overcoming racism, honoring his family’s wishes and traditions by becoming a doctor, making huge sacrifices to learn from a top coach—I know I won’t have been willing to dive into sand because pools weren’t available! I learned so much about this amazing man! I also loved the illustrations! They’re not in a style that usually catches my eye, but I was fascinated with how much emotion and feeling and also technical human form and movement Lee was able to convey!
This book tells the story of Sammy Lee who became an Olympic champion in diving. His story includes overcoming racism, honoring his family’s wishes and traditions by becoming a doctor, making huge sacrifices to learn from a top coach—I know I won’t have been willing to dive into sand because pools weren’t available! I learned so much about this amazing man! I also loved the illustrations! They’re not in a style that usually catches my eye, but I was fascinated with how much emotion and feeling and also technical human form and movement Lee was able to convey!
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
Paula Yoo does a solid job with biographical stories geared for children 2nd through 5th grades. Dom Lee's illustrations support her text and the story does a nice job addressing the struggles that Sammy Lee faced in becoming an Olympic Diver during times of segregation.
panda_incognito's review
4.0
This inspiring picture book biography shares the story of Sammy Lee, a second-generation Korean immigrant who overcame discrimination and tremendous societal barriers to learn how to dive. He became the first Asian American to win a gold medal at the Olympics. The illustrations are sepia-toned and somewhat dark, and there is a lot of text, so this is best for elementary-aged children and older. I am glad that I discovered this, and will keep it in mind as a recommendation for sports-related books and Asian American biographies. This would also be great for an Olympics-themed display.
libscote's review
4.0
I love a good inspirational sports story, and this book about Olympic champion Sammy Lee fits the bill splendidly. Lee became a champion diver despite only being allowed in the pool certain days, and the daily discriminations that come with being not white in the United States.
_mariana_'s review
3.0
This 2005 new voices award winning book had incredible illustrations. However I do believe it randomly spit out, “Oh and he still received racial discrimination” throughout the book without giving us more information and even a story line. Every time is seemed to be positive it would shut it down with it. Regardless, it was a pretty interesting read.
wordnerd153's review
4.0
Fascinating story about a very determined man with Olympic dreams. Great book to add to a school's picture book biography section.
beecheralyson's review
4.0
Paula Yoo does a solid job with biographical stories geared for children 2nd through 5th grades. Dom Lee's illustrations support her text and the story does a nice job addressing the struggles that Sammy Lee faced in becoming an Olympic Diver during times of segregation.
brizmus's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those fabulous books that makes kids curious about learning. The story of Sammy Lee's fight for racial freedom, his struggle balanding his father's wishes and his own, and of his determination in all his endeavours is nothing short of inspiring. His struggle as a Korean American trying to become an Olympic swimmer was so inspiring that I almost cried.
Any child who reads this book will, by the end, have no doubt that the final phrase is true: "In America, you can achieve anything if you set your heart to it." As such, this is a great story for a teacher to read with his class. Young students have often been known to be lazy and to feel entitled. This book will help them understand that it is not that way for everyone, that struggling is a part of life, and it will hopefully inspire them to work harder, especially in the face of difficulty.
In the summary, it says "Sammy Lee's story of determination and triumph sets an extraordinary example for anyone striving to fulfill a dream." I couldn't have said it better myself. I can't over-express how true that statement is.
All this raving, and I haven't yet said anything about the gorgeous illustrations. Each image was beautifully drawn with such obivous love and care that they were all inspiriations in and of themselves.
I think most people could benefit from this book, and it is such a pleasant read that I think anyone would enjoy it. It is especially great, though, for classroom reading, especially in more underprivileged areas.
Any child who reads this book will, by the end, have no doubt that the final phrase is true: "In America, you can achieve anything if you set your heart to it." As such, this is a great story for a teacher to read with his class. Young students have often been known to be lazy and to feel entitled. This book will help them understand that it is not that way for everyone, that struggling is a part of life, and it will hopefully inspire them to work harder, especially in the face of difficulty.
In the summary, it says "Sammy Lee's story of determination and triumph sets an extraordinary example for anyone striving to fulfill a dream." I couldn't have said it better myself. I can't over-express how true that statement is.
All this raving, and I haven't yet said anything about the gorgeous illustrations. Each image was beautifully drawn with such obivous love and care that they were all inspiriations in and of themselves.
I think most people could benefit from this book, and it is such a pleasant read that I think anyone would enjoy it. It is especially great, though, for classroom reading, especially in more underprivileged areas.
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