Jimmy the Greatest!
Listed as one of the Best Children's Books of 2012 by Kirkus, honored with the Horn Book Fanfare, and selected for the School Library Journal's 100 Magnificent Children's Books of 2012
Jimmy lives in a small town by the sea where there is just one tiny gym. The owner of the gym suggests that Jimmy start training, and to inspire him, he gives Jimmy a box full of books, as well as newspaper clippings about Muhammad Ali - "The Greatest." Jimmy is swept with admiration for Ali. He begins to read and run and box like crazy, even though someone at the gym has taken his shoes. And as he does so, he makes a great discovery: you don't have to leave home to be "the greatest."
Unlike many stories about emigration, Jairo Buitrago's simple, profound text is about someone who decides to stay in his small remote town in Latin America. Combined with Rafael Yockteng's humorous illustrations, this book will be especially appealing to boys and boxing aficionados.
The Spanish edition, ¡Jimmy, el más grande!, was recently nominated for one of "Los mejores libros del año" (Best Books of the Year) by Venezuela's Banco del Libro.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
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Rafael Yockteng was born in Peru, but has lived in Colombia for most of his life. He has illustrated many highly acclaimed children's books, including Sopa de frijoles / Bean Soup by Jorge Argueta (USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List) and Mandaderos de la lluvia / Messengers of Rain, a bilingual anthology of Latin American poetry selected by Claudia M. Lee. He also won (with Jairo Buitrago) the "A la Orilla del Viento" contest, organized by Fondo de Cultura Econo´mica de Me´xico.
This is a genuine, bighearted picture of life in a Third World village that neither romanticizes poverty nor evokes pity--and it packs a powerful punch.-- "Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW"
A subtle, cheering story that celebrates community spirit and action.-- "Toronto Star"
This gentle tale of self-fulfillment and acceptance will be a winning addition to collections.-- "School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW"
In a world where so many must leave their homes to find work, it's inspiring to see Jimmy able to do a truly great thing, right where he wants to-- "Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW"
. . . quietly powerful title.-- "Booklist, STARRED REVIEW"
A splendid example of the power of showing rather than telling.-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, STARRED REVIEW"
"Jimmy the Greatest! is a compelling story containing many layers of significance and understated wisdom."--Aileen Wortley "CM Magazine"
