Shadow of a Bull facts for kids
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| Author | Maia Wojciechowska |
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| Original title | Shadow of a Bull |
| Illustrator | Alvin Smith |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Atheneum Books |
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Publication date
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1964 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 155 |
| ISBN | 0-689-30042-5 |
| OCLC | 14079307 |
Shadow of a Bull is an exciting novel written by Maia Wojciechowska. This book won the famous Newbery Medal in 1965. This award is given to the best children's book in the USA. The story is about a young boy named Manolo who has to decide if he will follow in his famous father's footsteps.
Manolo's Big Decision
The story is about twelve-year-old Manolo Olivar. His father, Juan Olivar, was a very famous bullfighter. Sadly, his father died in the bullring when Manolo was only three years old.
The people in Manolo's town, Archangel, Spain, expect him to become a bullfighter too. They believe he will be just like his father. Manolo's best friend, Jaime, has a brother named Juan. Juan really wants to fight bulls, just like his own father did. But Manolo feels very scared about bullfighting.
Facing His Fears
Many people in town pay a lot of attention to Manolo. They often compare him to his famous father. They even take him to bullfights to show him how it's done. Through all this, Manolo tries to learn more about his dad. Everyone says how great Juan Olivar was. But Manolo wants to know the real truth.
Manolo heard that his father first killed a bull when he was twelve. Manolo wonders, did his father, Juan Olivar, ever feel afraid? After seeing a bull goring someone, Manolo feels even more discouraged. He sees an old doctor cleaning the wound. This doctor was the only one who would help with such an injury. Manolo then thinks he could become a doctor instead. But he still has the problem that everyone wants him to be a bullfighter.
Manolo feels he should follow his father's path. So, he secretly trains to be a matador with Juan, his friend's brother. The more he practices, the more Manolo realizes he feels like a coward. The day of the annual fiesta, his first bullfight, is getting closer.
Manolo is good friends with Count De La Casa. The Count is very famous and knew Manolo's father. Manolo feels sure the Count would give him anything he asked for. Manolo meets with Juan and promises to ask the Count to invite Juan to the party. Manolo does not tell Juan that he hopes Juan will fight Manolo's bull. This would give Juan a chance for the Count to see him fight.
A New Path
The day of his first bullfight finally arrives. Manolo does well in the corrida. He knows all the moves and has practiced every day. But when it's time for the final act, Manolo realizes he does not have the spirit of a bullfighter. He finally offers Juan a chance in the ring.
The doctor Manolo met earlier offers Manolo a job as his assistant. This allows Manolo to follow his own dream.
Who's Who in the Story
- Manolo Olivar (son)
- Juan Garcia (father)
- Mrs. Olivar (mother)
- Count De La Casa
- Old Doctor
- El Magnifico
- The Six Men (aficionados)
