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Henry Berry
Young Pedro works in a mining town high in the mountains in the American Southwest so he can send money home to his family in Mexico. Besides his uncle, Pedro is closest to his burro Donkeeta who is also involved in the work at the mine. Every day, Pedro and Donkeeta carry supplies to the miners. One day, there is a cave-in at the mine with a number of miners, including Pedro's uncle, trapped inside. It is Pedro and Donkeeta who discover the accident and alert others to rescue the trapped miners. Pedro and Donkeeta help support the hungry and fatigued Uncle as he makes his way home after the rescue. A few weeks later, an annual festival of the mining town is held in honor of Pedro for his quick thinking and action to get help for the miners. The other youngsters who had made fun of Pedro for his different language and way of life embrace him. Besides offering a tale of accomplishment and acceptance, "Pedro and Donkeeta" offers young readers a simple lesson in Spanish with its Spanish phrases spoken by Pedro followed by the English in parentheses. Wilkinson's watercolors correspond to the warmth of the relations between Pedro, Donkeeta, and the Uncle and the tale's lesson of inclusion. With its relation to the social topic of multiculturalism and the educational value of its simple Spanish lesson, the book offers much to young readers.—The Small Press Book Review
Overview
Pedro and his uncle are not accepted by the people of their small mining town because they look different and speak Spanish, but when tragedy ...