This fictional book written by Carmen Tofolla and illustrated by Magaly Morales could be used from Prekindergarten to first grade. This book follows a young girl as she imagines all the uses for a paleta, or Popsicle. She thinks of making a blue mustache, cooling off like Mama, and "helping senora at the food stand get through a long day." The little girl finally decides the best thing to do with a paleta is to lick it and slurp it in her barrio, or town.
We believe this book is culturally authentic for a couple reasons. First, at the end of the story the author has included information about paletas. In Latino barrios, or neighborhoods, the paleta wagon causes a lot of excitement due to it's many flavors of paletas including lime, coconut, pecan, mango, banana, and many more. Another reason we believe this book to be authentic is because the Spanish language is used throughout. Although the majority of the book is written in English, a couple of Spanish words such as paleta and barrio are used in context throughout the book. This makes it easy for students to not only gain knowledge of the Spanish language, but it also allows them to internalize these few terms. Yet another reason this book is authentic is the illustrations. The illustrations are very brightly colored and accurately portray a common Mexican barrio.
This particular book could be used in the classroom in many ways. Before reading the book, the teacher could ask the students what language is being shown and based on the cover, what they think a paleta might be. During reading the students could answer the question in the text: What can you do with a paleta? and they could guess what they think the main character will do with her paleta. After reading, the teacher can read to the students about paletas and bring in different flavors. The students could then discuss what their favorite flavors of paletas are and enjoy a tasty treat.
