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2010 Cybils Literary Award, Short Chapter Books Category

“Designed for early readers, this chapter book includes frequent black-and-white cartoon illustrations . . . . The few Spanish words establish the boy’s ethnicity but will be understood in context. . . . An unusually appealing early chapter book.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“The setting for Freddie Ramos opens up possibilities for subtly engaging with experiences that are relatively neglected in the sunny tales targeted at the primary grades. Despite the fact that many students live in apartments and know some financial hardships, the vast majority of books for children feature middle-class families living in single-family homes. It is refreshing, then, to follow the escapades of Freddie Ramos and his friends at the Starwood Park apartment community.”

—Latin@s in Kid Lit

Freddie Ramos Takes Off (Freddie Ramos #1)

Written by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Miguel Benítez
Published by Albert Whitman & Company

One day Freddie Ramos comes home from school and finds a strange box just for him. What’s inside? ZAPATO POWER-shoes that change Freddie’s life by giving him super speed! But what will Freddie do with his fast new skills? Weird things are happening at the Starwood Park Apartments where he lives, and his friends at school need his help. Is Freddie Ramos ready to be a hero?

In this imaginative new story by Jacqueline Jules, an ordinary boy in a city neighborhood learns how to use his new-found powers for good. Illustrations by Miguel Benitez lend just a touch of comic-book style to this chapter book adventure.

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Primary ISBN: 9780807594803
Publication Date: March 2010
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Early Chapter Book, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York City NY)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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Engagement Projects & Resources:

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Engagement Materials:

Book Trailer

Zapato Power – Activity Guide

Zapato Power – Vocabulary Guide

Source: Albert Whitman & Company