The Little Doctor / El Doctorcito
I believe in the need for diverse role models for children of all ethnicities. And the book The Little Doctor / El Doctorcito offers just that! Keep reading to learn more about this book.
The Little Doctor / El Doctorcito
In the engaging and inspiring bilingual picture book, The Little Doctor / El Doctorcito, a young Salvadoran boy dreams of becoming a doctor so that patients, like his beloved grandmother, feel seen and heard by the medical community. Dr. Juan Guerra highlights the importance of patient advocacy and cultural diversity through the eyes of a child.
Salvador raced home from school to share exciting news with his abuela: he made an A+ on his science test! But at home, he learns that his grandmother needs his help. She is going to the doctor and wants her grandson to interpret for her. Abuela is nervous because she has never been to a doctor in the United States. In El Salvador, she either saw a curandera or drank te de manzanilla when she felt sick.
When he learns that none of the physicians speak Spanish, the boy realizes that he is completely responsible for making sure the doctor understands his grandmother and that she understands his instructions! But in spite of his help, the visit does not go well. The doctor rushes in and out. He doesn’t listen to Abuela. And he tells Salvador that she should not eat so much Mexican food! Abuela is so upset that she threatens not to take the medication the doctor prescribes! What can Salvador do to help her?
In this engaging bilingual picture book for children ages 4-8, a young Salvadoran boy dreams of becoming a doctor who speaks both English and Spanish so that patients like his beloved grandmother aren’t afraid to visit the doctor. Paired with lively, colorful illustrations by Victoria Castillo, this book will encourage children to think about their own futures as well as the role their culture can play in helping the community.
The Little Doctor / El Doctorcito is available on Amazon and from your favorite bookseller.
About The Author
Dr. Juan Jose Guerra is an OB/GYN at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and is co-founder of Kaiser Permanente’s Salud en Espanol, a multi-specialty clinic designed to meet the health care needs of Latino patients.
Born in El Salvador, Dr. Guerra immigrated with his family to Los Angeles when he was four. As a young boy, Dr. Guerra, like many young immigrants in America, found himself serving as a language broker for his grandparents. These experiences with his grandmother Conchita are the genesis for his debut children’s book, The Little Doctor / El Doctorcito. His enduring dedication to bringing quality health care to patients from culturally and linguistically diverse populations continues to drive his passion for medicine. Outside of the health care setting, Dr. Guerra spends time with his wife and two boys.