Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale

Deedy, C. A., & Austin, M. (2007). Martina, the beautiful cockroach: A Cuban folktale. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree. Martina a beautiful cockroach is finally 21 days old and ready to get married. The family is so excited she received so many gifts to help her find the perfect husband! However, her grandmother only gifted her with some crazy advice on how to choose the perfect husband. She advises Martina to do a “coffee test” spilling coffee on her prospective husband. Martina’s abuela informs her that by making them angry their true colors will be revealed.Martina is nervous and hesitant, but she obeys her abuela. She tested 3 bachelors: the conceited rooster, lazy pig, and the creepy lizard. They all got angry when Martina spilled the hot coffee on them and revealed who they really were. Martina was just about to give up, but with a surprising twist at the end she learns that abuela’s advice wasn’t so crazy after all and meets her perfect squeaky husband.Martina the Beautiful Cockroach is a Pura Belpre Award winning book that will have readers laughing out loud! Spanish speaking students will definitely connect with this book because of the Spanish phrases and vocabulary words. However, the author creatively translates making this a recommended read for English speaking students too.This book would be suitable for young readers in grades 3 and up.   Click here for the book trailer! More books by Carmen Agra Deedy If you like Michael Austin’s illustrations check out his website! http://www.austinillustration.com/ Lessons and Activities that go along with this book! http://www.vaasl.org/pdfs/Conference_Handouts/2010/Raspen%20-%20VRC%20Extensions%20part%203.pdf