Shadow of a Bull is an intense coming of age story about a boy growing up in the shadow of his dead father, a famous Spanish bullfighter. Both Shadow of a Bull and Call It Courage (Newbery Medal, 1941) share the theme of a boy becoming a man by facing his fear. This was known at one time as a "boy book," much as domestic novels were "girl books." However, both girls and boys face fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt on the uneasy ascent into adulthood; and both will benefit from the depth of feeling that Maia Wojciechowska brings to this work. ( )

This book won the Newbery Medal and is a chapter book that gives great insight into the world of bullfighting in Spain. Themes are coming of age, overcoming inner fears and being true to oneself.

"When Manolo was nine he became aware of three important facts in his life. First: the older he became, the more he looked like his father. Second: he, Manolo Olivar, was a coward. Third: everyone in the town of Arcangel expected him to grow up to be a famous bullfighter, like his father."

This is an exceptionally well-written book, a more mature novel on the theme of Call It Courage. ( )

The story follows Manolo as he tries to grow up in the shadow of his famous father. Beautifully written so that you can feel the pressures, the worries and all the fears that Manolo has to go through. You also get a look into the world of bullfighting. And although you may want to flip to the glossary in the back once in a while it never leaves you lost nor do the unfamiliar terms interrupt the flow of the narrative. It is a unique and touching coming of age story. ( )

This one's the tale of a matador in the making. Manolo Olivar is nine years old, the son of a famous bullfighter who was killed when Manolo was three. Everybody in his town is expecting him to follow in his father's footsteps, to bring glory back to his community. A group of bullfighting experts take him under their collective wing and start preparing him for his first match, to be held when he's twelve--just like his father. The question is, does Manolo want to be like his father? To the book's credit, it is not an easy question to answer. Manolo struggles with the question, all the while as he is being pushed along to a future others have chosen for him. It's a well written book that does a good job of expressing the thoughts and feelings of the characters and making the art of bullfighting come alive. My kneejerk reaction is to consider the sport cruel and bloodthirsty, but the story made me understand and halfway appreciate the views of the aficionados. It's a book y'all should check out.
--J. ( )