This book was such a sweet read, the plot was very endearing and I think something very relatable to a boy at that age. I know when my brother was younger, he was obsessed with wrestling at that age…so not only was the book relatable but it contained a cute plot and the pictures were even cuter, the way they were drawn and painted. Very easy, and cute read. ( )

Pasta Blanda

Pasta Blanda

I loved this book and the illustrations that went along with it. I could definitely see 3-5th grade students being interested in this book for free reading, especially boys and Hispanic or ESL students. You could use this book to teach about Mexican culture and wrestling in particular. You could also use this book to teach students about making inferences and predictions based on what the text explicitly says as well as what it doesn't outright say. ( )

Family and young Carlitos attend firs Lucha Libre match. He is mesmerized by the wrestler who fights his nemesis wrestlers The Rudos. The Man in the Silver Mask smiles and looks over to Carlitos way throughout the match while the battle for evil and good occurs in the ring. The images are closely related to true luchador El Santo and the masked wrestlers of Mexico. Fathers, uncles and sons don the mask to become heroes for manso many, and become themselves talk of legend. The artwork is great page after page.
Bilingual book, culture, family, sacrifices and mystery are just a few themes to discuss. ( )