Summary

The Dente family had a thriving pasta business and loved pasta so much it became an integral part of their lives. The grandmother even used spaghetti to knit sweaters. Al Dente wanted to choose a different career but unfortunately integrated his pasta inclusive culture into everything he did and was not successful in his different pursuits. After being expelled from automotive school because he installed pasta into a vehicle instead of car parts, Al resorted to join the family business in the town of Durum. There was a big problem however as the people of the town had fallen in love with pizza delivery and were no longer interested in fresh pasta. Al came up with an idea to invent a machine that can make fresh pasta on the spot and to start doing pasta delivery. However each day Al went out he still was unable to sell fresh pasta. However he always used his pasta machine to solve a problem. Al soon became known as the noodle man. Eventually when Al used his machine to solve the town's biggest problem, the townspeople started buying fresh pasta again. Ál Dente and his family experienced a rapid increase in sales and the family business was saved.

Critique

This is an entertaining book about a man who became a town people's superhero by just using what he knew to help others. Al had ideas about what he wanted to do and he was not successful the first time. He kept trying until he succeeded at something that opened a door for both him and his family to have a great business. Many lessons can be learned from Al and his persistent attitude.

Prompts

P15, P19 - What are the ways Al helped people in his community? In what ways can you help people in your school or community?

P25. Al told Uncle Orzo, "Quick, use your noodle!" What did Al mean? Where else have you heard anyone say, "Use your noodle?" What did they mean. Suggest some ways you can "use your noodles."

Mini Lesson

Draw a picture of a community helper and write a paragraph telling us why he/she is important to the community.

This book,though told in comical style, informed me about pasta because the superhero Al Dente was a pasta fanatic. This is a superhero comedy about a pasta-powered superhero. Lots of fun with an endnote about pasta that makes it educational at the same time. ( )