El Chino

by Allen Say

A true story of Billy Wong, the first Chinese bullfighter.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Childrens, Cultural, Nonfiction, Asian American, Asian Literature

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Allen Say is one of the most beloved artists working today. He is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal for GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, and also won a Caldecott Honor and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (written by Dianne Snyder). Many of Allen’s stories are derived from his own experiences as a child. His other books include THE BICYCLE MAN, TEA WITH MILK, and TREE OF CRANES, hailed by The Horn Book in a starred review as “the achievement of a master in his prime.” Allen’s recent book, ERIKA-SAN, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this picture-book biography Allen Say explores the life story of Bong Way Wong, a Chinese-American man raised in Arizona and known to his siblings as "Billy." A natural athlete, Billy had hoped to become a great basketball player, only to find that he was barred by his lack of height from playing in college. Eventually settling for a more conventional path, he studied engineering and found a 'safe' job as a highway engineer. But on his very first vacation, a trip to Spain, Billy discovered bullfighting, and realized that this was what he truly wanted to do. But how could a man of Chinese ancestry become a matador, and would the Spaniards ever accept him...?

Although a great fan of Allen Say, whose many wonderful picture-books never fail to deliver both engaging stories and beautiful artwork, I did have some mixed feelings about El Chino. On the one hand, I appreciated the fact that Billy Wong persevered in following his dream, never letting the obstacles of national and racial background stand in his way. His father had always said he could be whatever he wanted, and he lived out that maxim. I also appreciated the illustrations, which were just lovely, capturing a sense of light and of motion in each scene. On the other hand, as someone who abhors blood sports - although not a vegetarian, and therefore not opposed to either animal husbandry or subsistence hunting, I think the idea of killing for entertainment is morally indefensible - I had trouble sympathizing with the idea that becoming a matador was a desirable thing, regardless of who so desired. Recommended primarily to admirers of Allen Say's artwork, and to those looking for biographies of Chinese-American trailblazers, with the proviso that the should be aware of the animal welfare issues raised (but unresolved) within the story.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book biography of Billy Wong, the first matador of Chinese descent.

I really wish that there had been more information about Billy Wong in the back of the book. I want to know more! A fascinating picture book biography. I can safely say I've never read a biography of a matador before. The cover doesn't give a ton of clues as to what this is about, so I was quite surprised at where Billy's life went. May be a good choice if you're looking for a book about making predictions or Chinese Americans in sports.

[Billy Noecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tale of the first ever Chinese born bullfighter. Billy, a native of Canton, China, believes that he become anything he wants in America. Unfortunately, he is just too small to do well in American sports. On a trip to Spain, he finds himself enamored with bullfighting sets his sites on being a bullfighter. Of course, many believed you could only be a true matador if you were Spanish, but Billy doesn't believe this and sets himself into achieving his goal.

[Ezekiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm conflicted about this book. On the one hand I'm really excited to get a book with a Chinese-American protagonist. On the other, it glorifies bull-fighting, which is a pretty screwed up thing. Anyone else's thoughts?

[Shaeley Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

American-born Bong Way "Billy" Wong visits Spain and decides to become a bull fighter. In spite of tradition that only Spaniards can become bull fighters, Billy successfully pursues his dream and becomes known as "El Chino," the Chinese.

holiday #bookaday

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'd have given this four stars if i thought there was anything positive about bull fighting.

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

El Chino is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Allen Say. It chronicles the story of a Chinese-American bullfighter – Bong Way "Billy" Wong.

May, at least in my part of the world is Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.

The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Say's text renders Billy's complex story with simplicity and grace, presenting Billy as an endearing, determined hero. Say's watercolors are luminous, filled with harmonious detail with sepia tones which bursts into full colors.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As Billy grows up, his father tells him, over and over again, that in America one can be anything. This advice stands Billy in good stead as he faces one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after another on his triumphant way to the ring. Though bullfighting is hardly everyone's favorite sport, this cross-cultural story of perseverance is an unusual, authentic bit of history, told with simplicity and grace.

All in all, El Chino is a somewhat well done biographical picture book about the perseverance of following one's dream. However, a note telling more about this unusual figure would have been enlightening and appreciated.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy was one of six children to immigrant Chinese parents who came to Arizona to start a new life. Dad was a grocer but he told all his children that they could grow up to be anything they want. Excelling in basketball, Billy wished to make it his career, but being four inches too short, his dream ended with high school basketball instead. Becoming an engineer, he traveled to Europe and one day sat in on his very first bull fight. This was the beginning of what would become a completely new trajectory in life for Billy. He became known as "El Chino", the world's first Chinese matador!

I really enjoyed this picture biography of Billy. Embracing his Chinese roots, he had the courage to enter a whole new world, breaking boundaries and stereotypes. I do wish there was more information in an author's note in the back though.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

El Chino is the story of a Chinese American who travels to Spain and attends his first bullfight where he then becomes determined to become the first Chinese matador. Basketball was his first true passion but he couldn't continue in college due to his short height. He then went on to become an engineer but still wasn't satisfied until he finally went to Spain. Through determination and acceptance of his heritage, Bill goes on to become the first Chinese matador in history, aka "El Chino". Great story and I see there is also a documentary made on him as well.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Say creates a story (I think based on real events because of the dedication) that is a different theme from his usual books (he usually concentrates on the Japanese-American immigrant experience). This book is about an American born/Chinese descent man who moves to Spain and decides to become a matador. This is a book about being dedicated towards your goals and not giving up on your dreams. Beautiful artwork, as always.

[K8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my class every year. It is a story of perseverance, determination and very hard work against all odds. The bull fighting is a cultural issue being revised. But I focus on the willpower and the pursuit of a dream when I review the book with the children. That is the message with which I want to empower the class.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little torn on teaching my children about bull-fighting, but this book followed our theme of bulls while studying Spain. We've read other Allen Say books and enjoyed them. This book has a good message of hard-work and overcoming adversity, we focused on those aspects of the book rather than the bull-fighting part.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Allen Say. His illustrations are gorgeous. We can learn so much from these stories of immigrants.

[Amanda Walz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about fighting for your dreams.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great picture book about never giving up on your dreams! Fascinating, and makes me curious about the rest of the story...

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

We both loved this true story of a Chinese matador. We also appreciated both his courage and persistence in pursuing his dreams.

[Ashleigh]

True Story about the first Chinese bullfighter that moves to Spain from American to pursue bullfighting.

Lexile level: 600L

Grade level: 3rd to 5th

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was good and I liked the illustrations, but I really don't like bullfighting.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL! Although I am not a fan of bullfighting the message of the story is a positive one. I like the author's story telling style.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Allen Say's true story of the first Chinese bullfighter. The son of Chinese immigrants, Billy Wong grew up in Arizona. His father is a grocer who tells Billy "In America you can be anything you want to be". Not wanting to be a grocer like his father, Billy dreams of becoming a basketball player. When his height becomes an issue, Billy becomes an engineer like his brother. Billy goes to Spain on vacation and discovers his new dream is to become a bullfighter. He is told over and over again that only Spaniards can be real Matadors. Billy does not let his dream die and he becomes El Chino, the Chinese Matador.

El Chino deals with overcoming stereotypes. Billy doesn't let the Spaniards squash his dream of becoming a Matador. This is also a book about pride. Billy is proud of his Chinese heritage. He high self esteem and hard work lead Billy to become the first Chinese matador.

El Chino would be a great book to use in an author study. Allen Say has written several books about Asian immigrants in America. His books deal with cross-cultural experiences.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story, one I had never heard before. I liked how the man in the story never gave up on his dreams. There were a couple of illustrations among the first several pages that I thought were absolutely amazing, I loved how Allen Say drew the people's faces. I would probably recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Courtney Sharpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because students see that even if they have to give up a dream another door will be opened. It also shows students that being proud of your heritage instead of ignoring and attempting to change it is a good thing. Love who you are and embrace what you are and someday you will get to where you are trying to go. I also love the way say structure some of the sentences in this book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by this book. I expected it to be very historical as Allen Say's books tend to be. This book was about a man who believed that he could do anything, even though he doesn't achieve his first dream, he comes upon another one that he loves even more.

[Ebony Hargett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great multicultural book with lessons on accepting your background and passions in life. I would use this book for grades 3-5. Also good for creating discussions on "what it means to follow your dreams and still know where you come from".

[KarenMLISt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allen Say is a master storyteller with such lovely simplicity. This book is an inspiration and it may be because I'm a sucker for a good true story with a happy ending. Fabulous book to share with anyone but especially children who need to be reminded to hold on to their dreams!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because it tells u how the boy became to have faith in himself.

[Hosea.victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that you can be whatever you want to be even if you're Chinese and you want to be a spanish matador

[S10_Abby Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of Billy Wong, the first Chinese bull fighter. Appropriate for grades 2-6, depending on how it is used.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good biography of El Chino. I liked how the illustrations went from black and white to color once Billy found his purpose.