A renowned Mexican-American poet writes about his childhood in this bilingual book. When Juanito's migrant worker family settles down in the city so he can go to school for the first time, he becomes the confused "upside down boy" in the English-speaking school. Herrera's poetic prose sings with a unique voice in both languages, and Gómez's illustrations are colorful and ethereal.

Gr 2-5-In rhythmic, flowing language, Herrera uses startlingly apt images to tell the story of a young Hispanic boy's adjustment to an Anglo school. Juanito is worried about entering a new school, afraid that his tongue will "-turn into a rock." Indeed, on the first day, this is what happens. He feels frightened, shy, and "de cabeza," upside down. Fortunately, his teacher recognizes his musical and verbal abilities, and with her encouragement and the support of his family, Juanito not only fits in, but shines. Based on Herrera's own experiences in third grade, this positive look at the process of adjustment is beautifully complemented by G-mez's brilliantly colored, primitive acrylic illustrations. Francisco Jim nez's La Mariposa (Houghton, 1998) and Jane Medina's My Name Is Jorge: On Both Sides of the River (Boyds Mills, 1999) cover similar turf, though in a less upbeat manner. El ni-o is an excellent addition to a growing body of work on the experience of adjusting to life in a new culture.-Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.