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El Barrio
Join a young boy as he explores his vibrant neighborhood. The city shimmers with life--at once a party, a waltz, and a heartbeat. El Barrio is his sister preparing for her quinceañera , his grandfather singing about the past, and his cousins' stories from other lands. The city is alive with the rhythms of the street. Told in lyrical language and through bold, colorful illustrations, this celebration of Hispanic culture and urban life is sure to fire children's curiosity about where they live and what they can discover in their own neighborhoods.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2009
35 people want to read
About the author
Deborah M. Newton Chocolate
19 books4 followersDebbi Chocolate is the author of numerous popular and award-winning books for young readers, including Talk, Talk, for which she received the Parents CHoice Award; On The Day I Was Born, a Children's Book Council Notable selectiom; and Neate to the Rescue!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 16, 2017
Summary: This book is an easy read for younger children and will help them see the importance of their own culture, while learning about a different one. The illustrations helped the tell the story, helping the reader understand the excitement behind the boy and his neighborhood. Multiple roles were portrayed throughout the story.
Evaluation: I gave this book a 5. The book has a positive tone throughout and helps teach about the different traditions of the Hispanic culture. It portrays all characters and cultures as equal. Even though the reader can clearly distinguish who the sister and dad are based on the sister in her dress and the dad having on a tux, none of the characters in the illustration look completely different than the others. There are a few characters that could be portrayed as a different culture, but they are not avoiding those characters throughout the story. The character is clearly proud of her culture.
Teaching Idea: I would use this in a language arts/reading setting. After reading this book outloud to the class, I would have a discussion on traditions. I would have the students write a response about traditions they may have in their lives, and if they don’t have any of those traditions, they can come up with some traditions that they would like to do in the future!
Evaluation: I gave this book a 5. The book has a positive tone throughout and helps teach about the different traditions of the Hispanic culture. It portrays all characters and cultures as equal. Even though the reader can clearly distinguish who the sister and dad are based on the sister in her dress and the dad having on a tux, none of the characters in the illustration look completely different than the others. There are a few characters that could be portrayed as a different culture, but they are not avoiding those characters throughout the story. The character is clearly proud of her culture.
Teaching Idea: I would use this in a language arts/reading setting. After reading this book outloud to the class, I would have a discussion on traditions. I would have the students write a response about traditions they may have in their lives, and if they don’t have any of those traditions, they can come up with some traditions that they would like to do in the future!
October 30, 2017
Summary: "El Barrio" tells the story of young boy that explains the aspects of his culture. Throughout the book, he explains his home, holidays and other aspects that make him proud to live in his neighboorhood.
Evaluation: This book portrays the culture to be equal to any other culture and allows other students to see the importance and aspects of a culture different than their own. It is extremely detailed and has great illustrations, which allows the reader to picture what is happening in their own mind.
Teaching: I would use this book to teach about culture. All students should see the importance of their own culture and others. After reading the book aloud, I will allow the students to discuss how this is similar or different to their own beliefs and culture. I will emphasize the importance of each student and those individual events that make them special. As a class, I would let students share and then discuss the Hispanic culture.
Evaluation: This book portrays the culture to be equal to any other culture and allows other students to see the importance and aspects of a culture different than their own. It is extremely detailed and has great illustrations, which allows the reader to picture what is happening in their own mind.
Teaching: I would use this book to teach about culture. All students should see the importance of their own culture and others. After reading the book aloud, I will allow the students to discuss how this is similar or different to their own beliefs and culture. I will emphasize the importance of each student and those individual events that make them special. As a class, I would let students share and then discuss the Hispanic culture.
March 2, 2013
El Barrio is a delightful story made magnificent by David Diaz's beautiful illustrations. A young boy describes for the readers his life in the barrio. He describes the music, beaches, bodegas and a place where "cousins come from lots of different lands- Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Cuba". The unifying thread is his descriptions of his sister's quinceanera. Great detail is given to the desciption of that day and the role he and his family play in it.
While at times disjointed (the quinceanera is introduced early on, seemingly forgotten and then brought back up later in the story), this book invites children into the world of the barrio. They are able ot experience the sounds, smells and celebrations of urban Latino culture. Diaz uses vivid colors that immediately grab the readers attention. Older readers will notice the details in the pictures. Each picture is framed by real images of stones, beadwork, tiles and gems. Also, within some of the painted images, pictures of actual cloth or stones can be found.The pictures perfectly complement the lively and descriptive language used by chocolate. The barrio is filled with "silver-streaked tenements" and "shimmering cold hydrant spray on a hot summer day".
El Barrio is a appealing book for grades K-3. It would serve as a great mentor text when teaching descriptive language as well as writing about ones own community. It would be a great addition to a primary classroom library.
While at times disjointed (the quinceanera is introduced early on, seemingly forgotten and then brought back up later in the story), this book invites children into the world of the barrio. They are able ot experience the sounds, smells and celebrations of urban Latino culture. Diaz uses vivid colors that immediately grab the readers attention. Older readers will notice the details in the pictures. Each picture is framed by real images of stones, beadwork, tiles and gems. Also, within some of the painted images, pictures of actual cloth or stones can be found.The pictures perfectly complement the lively and descriptive language used by chocolate. The barrio is filled with "silver-streaked tenements" and "shimmering cold hydrant spray on a hot summer day".
El Barrio is a appealing book for grades K-3. It would serve as a great mentor text when teaching descriptive language as well as writing about ones own community. It would be a great addition to a primary classroom library.
November 22, 2017
I would recommend this book for the primary grades, second through third grade. I would categorize it as contemporary realistic fiction.
The colors and the illustrations are fantastic. I picked up this book because the bright colors grabbed my attention. I love how there are murals and graffiti throughout every picture. I have never seen something like this in a children's book before, and I absolutely loved it! The best thing about this book, is that there are words in Spanish on every page. This is a great way to introduce students to Spanish, and have English Language Learners read as well. The glossary in the back is really helpful as well. This book focuses on Latino culture, but can be read by anyone.
The colors and the illustrations are fantastic. I picked up this book because the bright colors grabbed my attention. I love how there are murals and graffiti throughout every picture. I have never seen something like this in a children's book before, and I absolutely loved it! The best thing about this book, is that there are words in Spanish on every page. This is a great way to introduce students to Spanish, and have English Language Learners read as well. The glossary in the back is really helpful as well. This book focuses on Latino culture, but can be read by anyone.
September 14, 2018
This picture book had very colorful, rich illustrations, and was written in English with some Spanish words embedded. It taught a lot about the Mexican culture and represented a sense of community in small village neighborhoods.
February 21, 2018
Cute book for culture of Mexico/Latin America and how they celebrate.
October 17, 2019
Grade: 3rd
Genre: Fiction
Review: I like how the book emphasizes a few words in Spanish. The back of the book tells you what they mean. The illustrations are also very good. I enjoyed this book
Genre: Fiction
Review: I like how the book emphasizes a few words in Spanish. The back of the book tells you what they mean. The illustrations are also very good. I enjoyed this book
September 8, 2019
I loved the illustrations in this book. I would read to this book to my students during a cultural unit on Mexican culture.
January 28, 2016
A young Mexican boy goes around “el barrio” explaining different aspect of his culture. He starts by describing how his home city looks like. Then he proceeds to explain the different holidays and celebration they have throughout the year for example “Cinco de mayo” or “quincianera” parties. The young boy’s sister is turning fifteen which means they are having a “quincianera” party to honor her turning into a women. At the end the story gives the reader a better understanding of the Mexican culture and traditions.
The major theme in this book is the Mexican culture. The book gives the readers a general understanding of the Mexican traditions such as their celebrations and religious practices.
Since I am Hispanic this book reminded me of my hometown since it is very similar to what the young boy described in the book. We have similar traditions like attending to mass on Sunday and celebrating “quincianera” parties when a girl turns fifteen.
I would recommend this book to teachers who are trying to teach about different cultures in this case Mexican traditions. The books does a great work in explaining the traditions and how the Mexican culture is different to others.
The book also provides a small dictionary of Spanish words that are translated to English. The small dictionary can help children learn a few words in Spanish like: fiesta, salsa, and barrio. The book could also be used for students who are learning Spanish because it provides translation between this words.
The major theme in this book is the Mexican culture. The book gives the readers a general understanding of the Mexican traditions such as their celebrations and religious practices.
Since I am Hispanic this book reminded me of my hometown since it is very similar to what the young boy described in the book. We have similar traditions like attending to mass on Sunday and celebrating “quincianera” parties when a girl turns fifteen.
I would recommend this book to teachers who are trying to teach about different cultures in this case Mexican traditions. The books does a great work in explaining the traditions and how the Mexican culture is different to others.
The book also provides a small dictionary of Spanish words that are translated to English. The small dictionary can help children learn a few words in Spanish like: fiesta, salsa, and barrio. The book could also be used for students who are learning Spanish because it provides translation between this words.
March 26, 2009
Take a trip through Spanish Harlem with a young boy who is very proud of his neighborhood. Glimpse holiday parades and a quinceanera party. Slurp ice cold popsicles. Hear quiet guitar music and blaring trumpets. This book presents a neighborhood using all of the senses, immersing the reader directly into this urban spicy mix. A lovely celebration of not only this neighborhood but everyone’s.
Diaz’s illustrations, done in mixed media, glow on the page. Evoking stained glass, the colors are so deep you could believe the sun shines through them. The paintings are framed by photographs taken in David’s own barrio and add interesting textures and patterns to the book. Chocolate’s verse is just as vibrant and alive as the illustrations, evoking sounds, sights and tastes in a series of impressions. It all adds up to a true celebration of a culture that we all get to participate in.
Bright illustrations and text that dances make this a great book to share. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Diaz’s illustrations, done in mixed media, glow on the page. Evoking stained glass, the colors are so deep you could believe the sun shines through them. The paintings are framed by photographs taken in David’s own barrio and add interesting textures and patterns to the book. Chocolate’s verse is just as vibrant and alive as the illustrations, evoking sounds, sights and tastes in a series of impressions. It all adds up to a true celebration of a culture that we all get to participate in.
Bright illustrations and text that dances make this a great book to share. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
October 22, 2013
Why this book? Reflects the type of neighborhood that many of the students in the classroom are from.
Genre: Informational
Theme/Keywords: Barrio, neighborhood, Latino culture
Characteristics of quality: Reflects aspects of El barrio in a way that shows the main character's pride in his neighborhood.
Special Features: Each page begins “El barrio is…” Very vibrant illustrations
Gender of primary character: Told by a young boy, but includes many different people in each description of El barrio.
Race/ethnicity of primary character: Latino
Cultural considerations: Latino holidays and traditions
Language considerations: Some Spanish vocabulary- not directly translated into English. There is a glossary at the back of the book.
Open Ended Question: Why is the character so proud of El barrio?
Genre: Informational
Theme/Keywords: Barrio, neighborhood, Latino culture
Characteristics of quality: Reflects aspects of El barrio in a way that shows the main character's pride in his neighborhood.
Special Features: Each page begins “El barrio is…” Very vibrant illustrations
Gender of primary character: Told by a young boy, but includes many different people in each description of El barrio.
Race/ethnicity of primary character: Latino
Cultural considerations: Latino holidays and traditions
Language considerations: Some Spanish vocabulary- not directly translated into English. There is a glossary at the back of the book.
Open Ended Question: Why is the character so proud of El barrio?
January 27, 2017
El Barrio written by Debbi Chocolate is a very colorful multi-cultural children's book. Although the reader is never given the main character's name, the reader is still in for a treat by following the little boy all throughout his neighborhood. The last page of the story displays a glossary with a translation of all the Spanish words translated into English. Are you ready to go on this adventure through the El Barrio?
The illustrations in this story are done by David Diaz. Every page, including the cover is fulled with so much detail and vibrant colors. The time spent illustrating each page properly displays the Latin culture.Overall this story is a fun read for children from the ages of 7-11, while appreciating the well done illustrations the children who read this story will also learn quite a lot about the Spanish culture and even some phrases!
The illustrations in this story are done by David Diaz. Every page, including the cover is fulled with so much detail and vibrant colors. The time spent illustrating each page properly displays the Latin culture.Overall this story is a fun read for children from the ages of 7-11, while appreciating the well done illustrations the children who read this story will also learn quite a lot about the Spanish culture and even some phrases!
December 12, 2017
Filled with amazing and creative illustrations, this 2009 realistic fiction book is a fun and authentic way to introduce another culture to many students. The young boy in this book talks about his love of his home town. Through the many events and celebrations his town prepares, he talks about everything that goes on, mainly his sister's Quinceañera: representing many of the unique aspects of Mexican culture. Overall, it is a fun and enthusiastic book that shows the importance of cultural celebrations, traditions, and family.
April 29, 2009
A little brother describes the city and his sister's quinceanera celebration.
Beautiful vibrant colors make you feel the story almost as much as the words.
"This is El Barrio
My home in the city
with its rain-washed murals
and sparkling graffiti."
Christy Ottaviano Books- Henry Holt and Company- New York
Beautiful vibrant colors make you feel the story almost as much as the words.
"This is El Barrio
My home in the city
with its rain-washed murals
and sparkling graffiti."
Christy Ottaviano Books- Henry Holt and Company- New York
August 21, 2009
I would have liked to see a glossary for the spanish words that are included in this book. Other than that, I think it is a nice reflection of Hispanic culture.
A young boy explores his vibrant Latino neighborhood, with its vegetable gardens instead of lawns, Nativity parades, quinceañera parties, and tejana and salsa music. www.hcpl.net
A young boy explores his vibrant Latino neighborhood, with its vegetable gardens instead of lawns, Nativity parades, quinceañera parties, and tejana and salsa music. www.hcpl.net
December 2, 2011
The vivid pictures bring the story to life as a little boy tells of his way of life in his barrio. The reader gets a glimpse of his life. We hear the mariachis play, we feel the excitement of the fiestas, and the beat of the drums, we share the laughter at his sister's quinceanara. The book is very fun. I would recommend it for grades K-3.
November 16, 2015
Summary: A young boy explores his neighborhood while his sister quinceanera is approaching. Told in English and some words in Spanish to learn about his culture, family, and things that take place in his neighborhood.
Activity: Take Spanish words from the book, matching English words, and matching picture and make cards out of them so students can match them in large or small groups.
Activity: Take Spanish words from the book, matching English words, and matching picture and make cards out of them so students can match them in large or small groups.
April 16, 2011
This is a great multicultural book. It's filled with colorful illustrations that can help English Language Learners with reading comprehension. I would use this book to do a lesson on family, community, and different customs and cultures.
April 11, 2012
This book is about a young boy’s cultural neighborhood seen through his eyes. It celebrates the Latino culture by exploring this neighborhood where they celebrate different occasions, holidays, and everyday life.
April 19, 2013
Vibrant, colorful illustrations that communicate the movement and excitement of the urban neighborhood of this young boy. Many less appealing characteristics of urban settings are discussed, but then described with great beauty. The ending is a little bit overly moralizing.
November 25, 2013
The illustrations in this book were amazing. They are so bright and colorful and I think it brings out the culture of the book. I likes being able to read a book as simple as this and feel like I learned a lot about a different place in the world.
April 21, 2009
Cool, El Barrio is in Humboldt Park!
April 28, 2009
I loved the bright illustrations and the description of the Quincero and the El Barrio. Debbie Chocolate is very good at introducing cultures in a fun way. Great read aloud for a classroom. Ages 5+
May 5, 2009
The illustrations are really neat and interesting and seem to bring the culture much more to life than the actual story, which is pretty boring.
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February 9, 2010A nice story that looks at life in a Latino neighborhood and the quinceanera celebration. I especially loved the illustrations.
April 18, 2010
List of things related to life of a hispanic.
January 11, 2015
The illustrations are great. It's a great book to use to introduce Spanish culture.
April 10, 2014
The illustrations are in bold, bright colors with thick outlines; they pop from the pages.
August 15, 2015
This is a good "slice of life" book that showcases one element in the life of some Hispanics. The story itself isn't especially riveting, but the illustrations jump off of the page.
October 27, 2015
A boy describes his neighborhood/city that is filled with different aspects of the Latino culture.
setting- A city
grade-1st/2nd
use- I would use this book to teach my students about diversity
setting- A city
grade-1st/2nd
use- I would use this book to teach my students about diversity
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews