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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

“Benítez’s line illustrations are a delight; even in black and white, they jump off the page, and children will appreciate the characters’ great facial expressions. The use of varying fonts and sizes adds emphasis and is likely to appeal to even the most unkeen readers. The book is peppered with Spanish words and phrases. Engaging and fast-paced, this title will bait many young imaginations, particularly among the Flat Stanley crowd.”

—School Library Journal

Zapato Power (Series)

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 series, an ordinary boy in a city neighborhood learns how to use his new-found powers for good.

VIEW a spreadsheet of all the books in the series.

Primary ISBN:
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:

Zapato Power – Activity Guide

Zapato Power – Vocabulary Guide

Source: Albert Whitman & Company