The Little Doctor/El doctorcito

BLGr 2–4—A young boy, Salvador, asks his science teacher how to become a doctor, and she encourages him to find out for himself. Salvador has the opportunity to discover the answer to his question when he accompanies his abuela to the local clinic. Abuela does not speak English, and the doctors at the clinic do not speak Spanish, so the grandson must translate. After Salvador and his grandmother wait in the examining room, the doctor rushes in, briefly looks over Abuela, and advises her to stop eating Mexican food and to start a round of medication. Salvador informs him that they are from El Salvador, not Mexico. The doctor exits as quickly as he entered. During the bus ride home, young Salvador ponders how much better things would be if doctors spoke Spanish and begins to imagine himself as a doctor. This is a well-intended story based on the author's childhood experiences. Unfortunately, it ends rather abruptly. The Spanish text is divided from the English by spot art. The cartoonlike illustrations clearly support the text and could lead to vocabulary-building exercises. This title could also be used as a conversation starter for children to share similar experiences or for Career Day curricula or programming.