Martina Finds a Shiny Coin
Author: Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor
Illustrator: Alba Escayo
Book Review by: Beverly Gonzalez
Martina Finds a Shiny Coin is a heart-felt children's book about love and acceptance. It is an adaptation of a Puerto Rican folktale, La Cucarachita Martina also known as Martina y Perez. The main character of the story is a very talented and gifted cockroach-yes a cockroach- whose journey to find beauty, love, and self-acceptance begins with finding a shiny coin. This book is beautifully illustrated, the drawings are rich in color and depicts a detailed portrait of a very real town in Puerto Rico. The center theme of this book authentically teaches any child or adult that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, to look beyond the surface of the skin and embrace the values, gifts, talents and qualities that make individuals unique.
As I read this book to my daughter, it prompted wholehearted conversations about self-esteem. I’m sure that reading this book to your own children or students will also begin in depth discussions. As we all know, many of our students struggle with self-acceptance or may struggle with accepting others’ differences and opinions. This book is an excellent platform to gauge inquiry about tolerance, self-esteem, bullying and basic traits that develop a strong moral character.
On September 9, 2013; I will be having a huge giveaway. Three lucky entrants will win an autographed copy of Martina Finds a Shiny Coin. You will be able to enter on September 9, 2013. The giveaway will end on September 16, 2013. Please enter for a chance to win!
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