Paletero Man
By Monica Encarnacion, Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Refreshing tale celebrates Chicano culture and community.
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What's the Story?
PALETERO MAN serves up nostalgic childhood memories, while celebrating the vibrant Chicano culture of Los Angeles. Dreaming of his favorite paleta flavors and excited to cool off with a refreshing treat, the main character sets out to find Paletero José. It's the best way to cool off on a hot summer day! But will he have his favorite paleta flavors today? Determined to find Paletero José, the boy bypasses familiar street vendors -- running past Tío's tamale cart, the flower stand, Ms. Lee's Korean BBQ, and the local bike shop. When he finally catches up with Paletero José, the boy finds that his pockets are empty. What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get him his tasty treat. This fun story celebrates vibrant Chicanx culture with pride and joy, and stirs up cultural nostalgia. With universal appeal and lively art, even the youngest of readers will be able to relate to this story
Is It Any Good?
This vivid picture book illustrates a colorful community in which the paletero man is the unsung hero. Paletero Man is a beautiful story that teaches lessons of kindness and goodness. A story as delightful as a juicy paleta de "chocolate, elote, sandia, o fresa, arroz con leche, miel, o cereza." It's worth noting that the characters in this story are also as diverse and colorful as the variety of paleta flavors -- Latino characters, Mexican street food vendors, Ms. Lee, who sells Korean BBQ tacos, black and brown children who play together in the park. If you look carefully you'll even spot a child running through the park wearing a hijab.
An author's note at the back of the book reveals Diaz's inspiration for Paletero Man -- the book and song. Read it to learn about Eighth Street -- a stretch of vendor-lined streets (like the one in the book) that is the birthplace of immigrant street food vending culture in Los Angeles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their own childhood memories and identify their favorite childhood experiences. What are some experiences you can relate to in Paletero Man?
What are some of your favorite street foods? Is there a food you've never tried but would like to? How do these foods connect to culture or a favorite childhood memory?
Who are some of the people that make up your community? What local shops or street vendors do you like to visit? How do they help you or your community?
Book Details
- Author: Lucky Diaz
- Illustrator: Micah Player
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date: June 1, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: May 27, 2021
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Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Bilingual Books (English/Spanish)
Books with Latino Characters
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