author: René
Colato Laínez
illustrator: Fabiola Graullera Ramírez
Piñata Books / Arte Público Press, 2005
grades
1-3
Salvadoran American
A youngster from
El Salvador whose name is René—“René el valiente, René el fuerte y René el
chistoso”—to his horror, finds out in his new school in the US that Renee, the
homophone of his name, is a girl’s
name! So he goes off to the library and researches his name. When an essay
contest gives René the opportunity to write up his research, he wows everyone
and wins two pizzas, which he, of course, shares with his class.
Ramírez’s
cartoon illustrations are bright and detailed, and will grab young readers.
Although this story is based on the author’s experiences, the story seems
contrived, especially in the level of research (René Descartes the philosopher,
René Magrite the artist) this young child is able to accomplish. Marginally
recommended.
—Beverly Slapin
(published 4/7/13)
(published 4/7/13)
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