Yo, Juan de Pareja

by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino, Enrique T. Borton (Translator)

Overview

Juan de Pareja, the slave who prepares the paints and canvases of the artist Velâazquez, describes his work with his master and the climate of Spanish court life.

I, Juan de Pareja is the winner of the 1966 Newbery Medal.

Spanish Edition. Latino Interest.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374492922
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Publication date:	10/24/1996
Edition description:	Spanish Language Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.09(w) x 7.61(h) x 0.55(d)
Language:	Spanish
Lexile:	1110L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Elizabeth Borton de Treviño (1904-2000) was the highly acclaimed author of many books for young people. Born in California, it was her move to Mexico in the 1930s that inspired many of her books, including El Güero: A True Adventure Story and Leona: A Love Story. She won the Newbery Medal in 1966 for I, Juan de Pareja.

Editorial Reviews

An excellent novel, written in the form of an autobiography, about the painter Vel†zquez and his Negro slave and assistant, Juan de Pareja...[who] was legally prohibited from painting because he was a slave.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

From the Publisher

Gr 5-9An excellent translation from English, this Newbery Award winning title will be a great addition to Spanish language collections. Using the few facts known about the great 17th-century painter Diego Velasquez, Trevio weaves a wonderful tale told by Velasquez's slave, Juan de Pareja. He becomes the artist's assistant, quietly observing and learning the art of painting. He also becomes familiar with the royal Spanish court and travels throughout Italy. Juan describes in great detail how Velasquez goes about creating his finest works. Eventually he is granted his freedom and the two men remain good friends until the artist's death. An epilogue explains how different events in the story were based on particular works of art, or on real events in the painter's life. This fascinating novel will enable readers to envision the life of a slave in 17th-century Spain.Manuel Figueroa, New York Public Library

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