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Carmen Agra Deedy
Carmen Agra Deedy
Author Qualification(s): Cuban refugee living in Decatur, GA
Illustrator Qualification(s): has lots of publishing and illustrating experience, but nothing directly related to the Cuban culture
Genre(s)
Genre(s)
Picture Book
Traditional Literature
Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)
Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)
Cultural sameness even with differences
Awards
Awards
Pura Belpre Award (2008)
Plot Summary
Plot Summary
Martina must choose a husband now that she is 21 days old. Her abuela insists that she use the coffee test, whereby Martina must spill coffee on her suitors' shoes. She is first approached by a cocky rooster, then a slovenly pig, and finally, a lizard with bad intentions. None intend to treat her with dignity. She finds out just what they're really about when she spills the coffee. The last suitor, a humble mouse, takes the coffee and spills it on himself to save her from shame.Â
Connections & Representation
Connections & Representation
This would be a great book to read when are several students from the same cultural background (same country, same religion, etc.) in the classroom. This book points out that even though one's cultural experience is the same, they are still very different people.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes
Martina doesn't fit the stereotype of a creature that most would find beautiful. The suitors, however, do fit certain stereotypes: cocky, too bold, and male chauvinist stereotypes.
Conflicts
Conflicts
Martina must choose a suitor to marry, but they all fail her abuela's coffee test!
Insider/Outsider
Insider/Outsider
All the suitor characters in this story are presented as Insiders, as they all speak with the dialect and dress like Cubans.
Teachable Moment
Teachable Moment
This book teaches us that beauty is not just on the outside, and sometimes the most humble are rewarded with those that are beautiful inside and out. It also teaches that just because people come from the same culture, this doesn't mean they will act and feel the same. This discourages stereotyping.
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