J.D. SmithAuthor
J.D. Smith
Author
Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, J. D. Smith has lived, worked and studied in Washington, DC, Chicago, Houston and Ottawa, Ontario. He holds degrees in Latin American Studies from American University and the University of Chicago and speaks Spanish as his second language. Smith has traveled in Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Spain and Venezuela, as well as in Brazil, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Greece and the United Kingdom. His poetry and prose reflect the wisdom that comes from traveling the world. And J. D. Smith loves to share that wisdom with children and adults alike. His poetry for adults has appeared in a wide range of publications including The Los Angeles Times and The Bark. In 2007 this amazing poet was awarded a a Fellowship in Poetry from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Smith has read and signed his work for children at events including Book Expo America, the National Cinco de Mayo Festival, and the San Antonio Mariachi Festival. He has also read his children's work at Barnes and Noble and Borders locations in New York City and San Antonio, as well as at the Brooksfield School of McLean, Virginia. He has read for adults at venues including the District of Columbia Arts Center, the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in New York, and the Library of Congress.
For Children:
ISBN: 0977090612 (bilingual hardcover)
ISBN: 0979446244 (bilingual paperback) 
ISBN: 1887744991 (English hardcover)
ISBN: 1887744983 (English paperback)
ISBN: 1887744975 (Spanish hardcover)
ISBN: 1887744967 (Spanish paperback)
Everyone in Gustavo's family is in a mariachi band ... Everyone except Gustavo, that is. They all play VIOLINES, TROMPETAS and GUITARRONES. Gustavo would love to join the band, but he can't play any of the instruments. What's a wannabe mariachi to do? Follow Gustavo as he finds his place in the family mariachi band.
Reviews:
. . . Beautifully illustrated with bright, vibrant colors, this is a charming tale about finding one's own talent, which also incorporates the cultural tradition of the mariachis. Available in Spanish, English, and bilingual (English text sprinkled with Spanish terms) editions, this is a great addition for public and school libraries, as well as bookstores. - Criticas
. . . Many young readers will relate to Gustavo's feelings and to his yearning for a unique talent. The vivid illustrations show the boy, accompanied by his canine buddy, visiting the desert near his home in the early mornings. Gustavo finds the cacti and the sky's "black bowl of stars" so beautiful that he just has to sing - and in so doing, recognizes what he can best contribute to the band. Written in English, with concept words in Spanish, this charming story introduces young English speakers to another language and culture, while the simple vocabulary and short sentences will help young Spanish speakers develop a better understanding of English. - Washington Parent, http://www.washingtonparent.com/articles/0809/books.php
. . . The story itself is simplistic. Young readers will have no trouble navigating the words alone. The illustrations are simply gorgeous, with a blend of warm and cool colors splashing across each page. Each image tells such a strong story, . ... I look forward to more books from Raven Tree Press. - http://www.bookscentral.com
What a sweet story. Gustavo is a wonderful character that kids can relate to, and the illustrator did a beautiful job capturing his feelings. As novice Spanish speakers, books that embed the language and use repetition to demonstrate context and vocabulary are easier for us to read. The illustrations are a wonderful complement to the story and while colorful, do not overwhelm the reader. - The Reading Tub
I can't tell you, Amigas, how MUCH we thoroughly enjoy this book. If you have children, we highly recommend it. If you have little boys, it is a "must read." My son is two, and I think we have read this book almost every night for the last month. As soon as we lie down on the bed, his little hand reaches for it. my daughter favors this story over others. -Latin Book Club
This story is for every child searching for his unique talents and for how these talents fit into the world around him. The bold illustrations and placement of the Spanish terms help children follow the book with ease and increase their Spanish vocabulary. Gustavo's dog mirroring his emotions only adds to the joy this book brings. My favorite part of the story (and my favorite illustrations) is when Gustavo feels the beauty of the desert in the early morning and begins to sing his heart out. - Jan Haines Library Consultant State Library of Ohio
.....The illustrations are very beautiful. It reads well and is a good book to read to children. I highly recommend it. The Library Thing http://www.dk.librarything.com/work/6362663/38125727)
. . . the author has built a Spanish lesson into the book. Key words throughout the text are highlighted and written in Spanish-it's pretty easy to figure out what they mean given the context of the story but there's also a handy guide at the back of the book with definitions and a little background information on Mariachi music. The reader gets a great story, some cultural references and a language lesson all rolled into one! Definitely a worthwhile read. -Children's Book Review, http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2008/12/the-best- mariachi-in-the-world.html
I found that the book was a good read aloud book, with nice illustrations and a good moral about not giving up and trying to find your best role in life. Gustavo was an appealing character who you really wish the best for and are happy to find can do something really well. My kids let me know that the story is sticky and that there are parts that small children will remember for a long time. Weeks after reading this book my son (four) remembered that the book was called the "Best Mariachi. This book also introduces children to Mexican culture and teaches them a few Spanish words. ... I would recommend this book to any children from around 4 to 7, especially little boys. - Mary Calarco http://marycalarco.blogspot.com/2008/12/book-review-best-mariachi.html
This is a terrific book which can serve a variety of purposes. It would work well in a early grades or preschool classroom studying multi-cultural themes, Mexican culture or Spanish language. The story itself has lessons of trying hard, finding your own way and family. I would recommend this book for pre-k through 1st grade teachers, families looking to introduce some Spanish or anyone looking for a good story. Reading it to my active 3 year old, he was interested in the story but did not care as much about the cultural lessons - which is why I think it might be more interesting to a 4, 5, 6 aged child. Coupled with some actual music and other development, this could be a great title to use in a library story time as well.- Megastore Customer Review http://www.megastoregroup.com/catalog_meg/product_info.php?cPath=350&products_id=-1&asin=0977090612&select=Libros
As Smith demonstrates in his charming book, no fiesta is complete without mariachis, a band that includes a singer backed by musicians who play Spanish guitar, a guitarron (a small bass guitar with a rounded back) a vihuela ( a high-pitches guitar with five strings), violins, and at least two trumpets. Sadly, young Gustavo belongs to a family of mariachis and he cannot seem to find his place. When he tries to play his brother's violin, he's met with: "Don't touch the bow of my violin, You might break it." After much contemplation, Gustavo starts to sing. The townspeople awaken to his magnificent voice and discover he would make a wonderful mariachi singer. This story of youthful triumph is perfectly matched with bold and vibrant illustrations. Not only do children learn about mariachis, but they're also encouraged to search for their own special talent.
Multicultural Review
Awards:
1. Selected as one of the Best Children's Books of 2008, Criticas Magazine.
2. Second place, Spanish Children's Picture Book, International Latino Book Awards.
For Adults:
Settling for Beauty (poetry)
by J.D. Smith (author), Paperback: 80 pages, Publisher: Wordtech Communications (August 30, 2005)
ISBN: 1933456051
A collection of free verse poems that moves from loss to recovery and then to wonder, addressing both the human and natural worlds.
Reviews:
"A true master of the art form, Smith easily shifts from style to style and from one theme to another. Settling for Beauty is full of surprises and rewards. A dedicated student of human nature, Smith has his own unique way of looking at the world, and through his insights and his marvelous wordplay he cajoles, convinces, and compels us to take a long look at our own lives." Henry Perez, Amazon. Com
School Presentations: (include Fees and Number of Sessions)
$400 for two sessions of 90 minutes each (half day), $600 for four of 90 minutes each or equivalent (full day), plus travel and lodging if necessary.
Expense-sharing arrangements among schools, libraries and other institutions are welcome. Please contact for additional information regarding other signings, readings and lectures, as well as appearances at music and literary festivals.
I can read and present in Spanish as well as English, and I can offer programs for both children and adults on the same day.
J. D. Smith
476 M Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone (202)554-2411
Website: http://jdsmithwriter.blogspot.com
To return to state page click HERE. 06/24/09 date last edited
