Gr 5-9--An 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, Trevino 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

The Spanish translation of the Newbery Medal book 'I, Juan de Pareja' (Farrar), which tells the story of the great painter, Velázquez, and his slave and devoted friend, Juan de Pareja, is beautifully written. The informative, compelling book presents a vivid picture of life in Spain during the seventeenth century and promotes the virtues of friendship, loyalty, and dedication to the development of one's talents.