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Shadow of a Bull Paperback – February 27, 2007

4.4 out of 5 stars 104 ratings

Manolo was only three when his father, the great bullfighter Juan Olivar, died. But Juan is never far from Manolo's consciousness -- how could he be, with the entire town of Arcangel waiting for the day Manolo will fulfill his father's legacy?

But Manolo has a secret he dares to share with no one -- he is a coward, without afición, the love of the sport that enables a bullfighter to rise above his fear and face a raging bull. As the day when he must enter the ring approaches, Manolo finds himself questioning which requires more courage: to follow in his father's legendary footsteps or to pursue his own destiny?
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is a must.... Anyone who starts Shadow of a Bull will finish it in a single sitting."
--
New York Times

"It is hard to imagine a child...who would not be enthralled by this book."
--
New Yorker

About the Author

Maia Wojciechowska's family fled Poland during World War II and emigrated to the United States after the war. She worked as an undercover detective, a motorcycle racer, a translator for Radio Free Europe, and a bullfighter before turning to writing. She was a friend of Ernest Hemingway, who said she knew more about bullfighting than any other woman.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1416933956
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aladdin
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 27, 2007
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reissue
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781416933953
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416933953
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.99 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.5 x 7.63 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 740L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 104 ratings

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Maia Wojciechowska
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
104 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2013
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book is directed at 11-14 year olds but I just gave it to an eighteen year old as a HS graduation present. It is well told and the wisdom it has to pass on is of value to a person of any age struggling to make the transition to maturity. It is also a nice inside view of the culture around bull-fighting.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Used the book to teach middle school students about bullfighting before traveling to Spain. It was perfect.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really thought the book was interesting. I loved how Manolo got what he wanted and Juan got what he wanted as well.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My kids read this book for school and loved it . I had to rder a copy for each of them for their own personal library. Hopefully they will share itcwith their own kids.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2014
    Format: Paperback
    At the young age of 12 Manolo Olivar is battling his private demons; he Knows he is not brave—that he lacks the courage, skill and AFICION to face down bulls the way his famous, dead, father, Juan Olivar, did with bravado. The region of Andalusia in Spain, near the Guadalquivir River, boasts having bestowed a famous bullfighter on all Spain. But his father’s famous destiny was prophesied at his birth by an old gypsy woman; the man, who died at 22, barely had time to be a husband and father. Although Manolo resembles his father in build and features, he does not burn to die in the bullring. He suffers grave self doubt but must hide his terror, as each year brings him closer in age to follow in his father’s footsteps—literally. Worst of all, having inherited a kind of debt to society, he dares not confess his fears to anyone. Everyone assumes that he is eager to continue the legend of his father, while he secretly dreads being cursed by the shadow of a nameless bull.

    There are six men, bull fighting aficionados, who have been closely watching the boy mature—ready to pounce on him and start his training--at least with their words and by dragging him to see local bull fights. Putting immense pressure on Manolo to learn and fire him with a dream—a dream which is clearly theirs but not the boy’s. Meanwhile his mother says very little until the story’s end. How can Manolo avoid facing the bulls he dreads—without dishonoring his father’s name? Perhaps disappointing his own mother? He learns lessons about being honest to himself, as well as showing generosity to a worthy other. But the day of his testing, LA TIENTA, looms as his birthday draws near; a day when he will be forced to face a bull--raised especially for his inaugural fight--to reveal his cowardice publicly. In desperation he prays for guidance and help from the Virgin of La Macarena.

    Accompanied by stark B/W pen and ion sketches this Newbery winner studies the art of bullfighting in depth; a glossary of the many Spanish words associated with this dangerous sport, where men ritually cheat death, follows the story. Readers will gain insight into this Mediterranean pastime, transmitted to Spain from ancient Crete. Will Manolo risk showing cowardice or ineptitude at this enforced, public display against a noble beast? Is it better to die with honor than to live merely maimed but branded a coward? Why do they all Assume he b urns to emulate his father? How can he dare disappoint the frenzied crowd while remaining true to himself? How much will he sacrifice for a talented, deserving friend? A rather grim psychological novel for a YA audience--about self testing and familial duty.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    needed for fifth grade reading project and arrived in great shape
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2008
    Shadow of a Bull demonstrates the need for young people to follow their own dreams rather than the dreams placed on them by parents or other adults.
    This has been a favorite of mine for many years.
    --Marge
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a well written and interesting book. My fifth graders enjoyed it.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jo
    1.0 out of 5 stars Book looks old and folded.
    Reviewed in Singapore on December 25, 2020
    The book is very old. If you look at the picture, the top right corner has several folds. It was supposed to be a gift and now I have to buy another new book instead.
    Customer image
    Jo
    1.0 out of 5 stars
    Book looks old and folded.

    Reviewed in Singapore on December 25, 2020
    The book is very old. If you look at the picture, the top right corner has several folds. It was supposed to be a gift and now I have to buy another new book instead.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Jill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A very interesting short story with a thought-provoking ending.