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Edition:	HarperCollins (Paperback)
Author:	Joseph Quincy Krumgold
Published:	April 1984
Pages:	256
ISBN 10:	006440143X
New:	$0.95 (46)
Used:	$0.01 (171)
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...And Now Miguel is a novel by Joseph Krumgold that won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1954. It deals with the life of Miguel Chavez, a 12-year-old Hispanic-American shepherd from New Mexico. It is also the title of a 1953 documentary directed by Krumgold. In 1966, a feature film adaptation was directed by James B. Clark and starred Pat Cardi.

Plot Summary

The story evolves around the life a 12-year old boy named Miguel Chavez from New Mexico. Miguel dreams to be like his father -- a shepherd. He wanted so much to prove that he is a grown up man and can do what the older men can do. Miguel wanted to be part of Chavez business, go up to Sangre de Cristo Mountains with the family and raise the sheeps.

Miguel has a 7 year old brother named Pedro who, at his age, thinks everything that he has is enough. He also has an older brother named Gabriel whom he admired so much. Miguel has always been fascinated how Gabriel make things happen around him so easily. How easy it is for him to be president of the class and be a varsity player at the same time in two sports. Miguel is so envious of Gabriel because he finds it difficult for things to happen for himself and so he just prayed that someday he'll have the chance to prove his worth and have his father see that he is a responsible grown up man.

One day, a draft letter from the US Army arrived in the Chavez's residence -- Gabriel was drafted! Miguel knows how devastated Gabriel was as he has so many plans and dreams ahead of him and all of these has to be set aside for now as he take part in the US Army. Miguel thought his prayers were answered but was so sad that it has to be this way; he doesn't want Gabriel to go but things are happening now.

With the sudden turn of event, Miguel's father could use an extra help to replace Gabriel. It's now Miguel's turn to prove he's a grown man. His heart's desire to prove it prompted him to work hard in all the Chavez's shepherding activities. As he progresses, Miguel realizes that doing what had to be done for himself is a good thing and makes things easier for him to achieve.