Pablo Pineda--Being different is a value

March 15, 2017
Bosch and Sala relate the accomplishments of Pablo Pineda, a white Spanish boy who became the first European with Down syndrome to graduate from university. In an awkward framing device, an anonymous child relates to readers what a teacher told a class about Pineda. After Pineda's parents learned he had Down syndrome (which is described not as a developmental disability but as -special abilities-), they insisted on encouraging his independence and sending him to mainstream schools. In high school, his humor won him friends despite occasional teasing, and he graduated as -the best student in his year.- Despite loneliness, he attended university and obtained a teaching degree. Pineda's skill with language netted him further work as a speaker, author, and award-winning actor. Pineda is seldom depicted without a book, emphasizing his desire to learn. However, the simple text literally and figuratively pales against Alvarez's color-saturated pastel illustrations; on dark backgrounds, the words are barely visible. Though Pineda's accomplishments and strong positive influences offer encouragement, the breezy assertion that he -didn't believe anything was impossible, and simply achieved his goals- somewhat glosses over the work such achievements required. Readers struggling with learning difficulties, in particular, may be left wanting more concrete details of how he achieved those goals. A disappointingly vague tale of achievement in the face of low expectations. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2017

Gr 2-4-Written in a narrative style, each book in the series tackles the life of a real person who faced adversity and eventually discovered a "universal value." The story of Pablo Pineda is inspiring and engaging and candidly examines the fears his family expressed about him living with Down syndrome. Lopez Lomong's journey out of poverty and danger in Sudan and into a successful Olympic career is punctuated with violence and terror as well as love and support from far-off places. The title exploring the life of Rafa Nadal is arguably the weakest of the three, struggling with a lack of clear story structure, including unexplained characters who distract from the larger narrative describing his successful tennis career. The illustrations in each book are done by different artists in different media but are made similar by their oil pastel backgrounds, uniting the titles with a stylistic touch. The entries are honest though a little heavy-handed about the lessons imparted. Spanish-language editions are also available for each of the titles. VERDICT Certainly not short on heart, these selections are recommended for specific topical studies or as general additions to biography collections.-Chelsea Pemberton, Arlington Public Library, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2017
Grades 1-3 Pablo Pineda's life story is remarkable and inspiring, reminding us that anything is possible. This beautifully illustrated biography chronicles his life from birth to success. Pineda was born in Malaga, Spain, in 1975, with Down syndrome. Rather than let that fact hinder their son's childhood, his parents turn it into a gift, teaching him to read and write before the age of five. As he grew, teachers and friends made sure his education was not limited in any way, and, but for a few high-school bullies, Pablo's life was happy and free. Bolstered by the support of his loved ones, Pablo studied hard in school and went on to get a university degree and a job in City Hall. Now, as an adult, he has given presentations for the What Really Matters Foundation and TED Talks, in addition to starring in a movie about his life. Alvarez's rich pastel illustrations echo the depth and vibrancy of Pablo's life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)