Shadow of a Bull (1965) by Maia Wojciechowska follows twelve-year-old Manolo Olivar, who struggles with the heavy legacy of his father, the renowned bullfighter Juan Olivar, who died in the ring. In Andalusia, where bullfighting is a revered tradition, the townspeople expect Manolo to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he lacks the passion for the sport. As he is pushed towards bullfighting by his family and the aficionados, Manolo grapples with fear and his own sense of identity. Eventually, he decides against becoming a bullfighter, choosing instead to pursue a different path as an apprentice to a doctor, demonstrating the courage to follow his own path rather than fulfill others' expectations. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, personal courage, and resisting societal pressure. It won the 1965 Newbery Medal.
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