Pablo Pineda - Ser Diferente Es Un Valor (Pablo Pineda - Being Different Is a Value) - (Lo Que de Verdad Importa) by Albert Bosch & María Sala

About the Book

Winner at the 2017 Moonbeam Spirit Award and at the 2017 International Latino Book Awards. Pablo Pineda is the first European with Down Syndrome to obtain a university degree. This is his endearing story, which reminds us that the only disability is not understanding that all of us have different abilities.

Medalla de oro en los premios Moonbeam Spirit Award e International Latino Book Awards de 2017. Pablo Pineda es el primer europeo con síndrome de Down en obtener un título universitario. Esta es su entrañable historia, que nos recuerda que la única discapacidad es la de no entender que todos tenemos capacidades diferentes.

Book Synopsis

Winner at the 2017 Moonbeam Spirit Award and at the 2017 International Latino Book Awards. Pablo Pineda is the first European with Down Syndrome to obtain a university degree. This is his endearing story, which reminds us that the only disability is not understanding that all of us have different abilities.

Pablo was born into a family full of love, and when he realized that his baby had different capacities from the rest of the children, he did not hesitate for a second to teach him to be the best version of himself. His parents supported him and helped him become an autonomous person, and Pablo grew up with many dreams to achieve. Although society dictated that Pablo deserved special care, he demonstrated that being different can also lead you to success, and became the first European with Down Syndrome to obtain a university degree.

Pablo has achieved several triumphs throughout his life and has become a popular figure. He is a lecturer, teacher, writer, actor awarded the Silver Shell at the San Sebastian Festival... But his greatest achievement is, without a doubt, setting an example for those children who will follow him.

The What Really Matters Series presents real-life stories of people who realized their greatest potential despite challenges presented to them. Endorsed by the main characters, it benefits the What Really Matters Foundation, which promotes universal human values by showcasing extraordinary achievements by inspiring people.

Medalla de oro en los premios Moonbeam Spirit Award e International Latino Book Awards de 2017. Pablo Pineda es el primer europeo con síndrome de Down en obtener un título universitario. Esta es su entrañable historia, que nos recuerda que la única discapacidad es la de no entender que todos tenemos capacidades diferentes.

Pablo nació en una familia llena de amor, que cuando se dio cuenta de que su bebé tenía capacidades diferentes al resto de los niños, no dudó ni un segundo en enseñarle a ser la mejor versión de sí mismo. Sus padres lo apoyaron y le ayudaron a convertirse en una persona autónoma, y Pablo creció con muchos sueños que alcanzar. Aunque la sociedad dictaba que Pablo merecía unos cuidados especiales, él demostró que no hay una única manera de llegar a la meta y, valiéndose de su propio talento, logró convertirse en el primer europeo con Síndrome de Down en obtener un título universitario.

Pablo ha cosechado varios triunfos a lo largo de su vida hasta llegar a ser una figura muy popular: es conferenciante, maestro, escritor, actor galardonado con la Concha de plata del Festival de San Sebastián... Pero su mayor logro es, sin duda, servir de ejemplo para aquellos niños que le seguirán.

Review Quotes

"Bosch and Sala relate the accomplishments of Pablo Pineda, a white Spanish boy who became the first European with Down syndrome to graduate from university." --Kirkus Reviews

"A life marked by new challenges that he has overcome until reaching notable popularity: lecturer, teacher, writer, actor awarded the Silver Shell at the San Sebastian Festival... His career is a very motivating example for hundreds of children and young people, captured in this new chapter in the What Really Matters collection through charismatic and colorful illustrations that perfectly reflect the eternally optimistic spirit of the protagonist." --Canal Lector

"(...) Recommended for specific topical studies or as general additions to biography collections." --School Library Journal

"Pablo Pineda's life story is remarkable and inspiring, reminding us that anything is possible. This beautifully illustrated biography chronicles his life from birth to success. (...) Álvarez's illustrations echo the depth and vibrancy of Pablo's life." --Booklist

About the Author

Albert Bosch has a long history as an adventurer and entrepreneur, which includes many extreme challenges such as the crossing of Antarctica, climbing Mount Everest, and 9 participations in the Dakar rally, making history when in 2015 he did it in an electric car. He is an ultra-marathon runner and promotes projects in the field of sustainable energy and the environment. This combined with his work as a writer and lecturer, transmitting values associated with sport, responsible leadership, achievements, motivation, and change management.

María Sala is the coordinator of contents at the studio of the illustrator Pilarin Bayés. She has written several children's picture books, and collaborates with different publishers for proofreading and coordinating events for the presentation and promotion of publications. She is founder and coordinator of the association "Mothers Link" (Mares Enllaç) integrating immigrant children into schools and helps the social integration of mothers from the Maghreb.

The award-winning illustrator Silvia Álvarez was born in the tropical coastal city of La Ceiba, Honduras, by a Honduran father and a Spanish mother. At the age of seven, she moved to Spain now living in Seville where she graduated in Fine Arts. She was awarded Gold Medal at the International Latino Book Awards for his artwork in Daisy (Cuento de luz, 2017).