Benjamin And The Word/ Benjamin Y La Palabra
Contributors: Don Dyen (Illustrator)
Edition: Bilingual edition
Publisher: Pinata Books
Published: April 30, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 32
ISBN-13: 9781558854130
Subjects: Racially mixed people; Sportsmanship; People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino; Children: Kindergarten; Juvenile Fiction; Children's Books/Baby-Preschool; Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism; Religious - Jewish; Prejudices; General; Fiction
Description: Kirkus Reviews: When Benjamin defeats his friend James in a game at school, James calls him a name, the "word" of the title. While the name itself is never mentioned, Benjamin's talk with his father about his hurt feelings makes it clear that James has insulted Benjamin because his heritage is mixed: half-Russian Jew, half-Mexican. The father-son relationship and their discussions-coming only as Benjamin is ready to talk-are warm and open, and Benjamin's conclusion that he still wants James to be his friend is encouraging and believable. Dyen's illustrations feature background washes, small and large, overlain with penciled details and outlines, creating an expressive realism. A quiet look at prejudice, forgiveness and friendship. (Picture book. 6-8)