Module 5: My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Book Summary:

This picture book tells the story of the life of Colombian author, Gabriel Marquez. It is told in English and Spanish and chronicles his childhood. He had a vivid imagination, including not sitting in a rocking chair because he might sit on the ghost. Marquez would make up stories and tell them to his family. He spent most of his time exploring his home town with his grandfather who taught many things.  As an adult he turned his love of stories into a career and became one of Colombia's most famous authors.

APA Reference:

Brown, M. (2007). My name is Gabito: the life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Flagstaff, AZ: 
     Luna  Rising.

My Impressions:

I enjoyed the dual language aspect of this book. I work at a school where most of the students are bi-lingual and it is good to see a book that reflects that. I like knowing about the early life of famous people and this book gives insight into how Marquez thinking was shaped as a child. In later life he includes what he learned on those walks with his grandfather. I enjoyed reading this book 

Professional Review:

This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the creativity of Gabriel García Márquez and asserts that what he saw and heard as a boy became part of the books he wrote as an adult. The vivid, lyrical text introduces the boy as Gabito, who views the world as a magical place and, though he sees the poverty in his Colombian town, also imagines a world full of wonders and tells his tales to others. The book concludes that he grew up to be a great storyteller. Colón’s artwork interprets the story with verve. Glowing with rich, subtle colors on rounded forms, the illustrations recreate real and imagined scenes with equal conviction. An appended note provides more information about the life and achievements of Márquez. Like Brown’s earlier picture books about Celia Cruz, My Name Is Celia/Me llamo Celia (2004) and My Name Is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela (2005), a story about Gabriela Mistral, this is available in a bilingual edition (not seen): My Name Is Gabito/Me llamo Gabito (0873589084).

— Carolyn Phelan  

Phelan, C. (2008, February 1). [Review of the book My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez,by Monic Brown]. Booklist. Retrieved from: http://booklistonline.com/My-Name-Is-Gabito-The-Life-of-Gabriel-Garc-a-M-rquez-Monica-Brown/pid=2388170?pid=2388170

Library Uses:

I would use this book in a display of Honor books.