Martina, The Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C. A. (2007). Martina, The Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree. 

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach was turning 21 days and in a Cuban family, that only meant she was ready to look for a husband. Her aunt gave a peineta, mother gave her a mantilla, and her grandmother gave the most shocking advice. She said that the only way to truly meet the one, was quick difficult. So, she told her that when she met someone, to throw coffee and their feet and wait for their reaction. Their reaction and how they handled themselves would truly show how they would treat her after marriage. Martina followed her grandmother advice and went along with several suitors. The rooster, pig, and lizard couldn’t contain themselves and showed their true colors. So, Martina decided not to accept their offer to marriage. However, she met a mouse at the end that played the trick on her because he also had a Cuban grandmother. They both found each other to be adorable and married. 

The author portrays the Cuban culture and customs. I really liked how the author used several Spanish words throughout the book, to have readers exposed to the native language of the Cuban. Overall illustrations are quite captivating and breathe taking. Excellent book to use for Hispanic Heritage Month and to promote Latino writers.

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x24kj8FwLBQ

Additional Resources: https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/YHBA/Martina.pdf