Make sure you've read the book before attempting to answer the questions. Print a copy of this assignment when you are finished.
Here's an excerpt to help with your review of the story.
Shadow of a Bull
Wojcieshoswaka, Mair
Readability: 7
Newbery Award Winner
Setting: Spain
Main Character: Manolo Olivar
The bull seemed nailed to the sand, but suddenly it charged fast, too fast for Manolo to warn
Juan, his friend. It happened in an instant. Juan was tossed in the air and landed with a thud on the ground. The bull stomped the earth and moved his horns toward Juan, who stood with both arms thrown over his head.
This story told of a boy's struggle with himself as he tried to battle his fears and fulfill the
expectations other people had for him.
Manolo Olivar lived with the memory of his father, who was one of the greatest bullfighters
Spain had ever known. His father was killed fighting the bulls, and the town remembered and
expected that Manolo should follow in his father's footsteps and provide the town with a bullfighter they could be proud of once again.
Manolo found the courage to be himself.
Questions:
1. What is the theme of the story?
2. What is Manolo's greatest problem?
3. How does he solve his problem?
4. Who was Juan Olwar?
5. How can you retain your pride and independence in the world you live in?
