10/27/2014
Lively main character Sofia keeps herself in the middle of the action in her loving, playful extended family, and her adventures are light and joyful with a touch of mischief. The charming illustrations by Kim Smith will bring giggles to young readers. Suited well to the needs, interests, and sense of humor of early readers, the books will have broad appeal for the K-2 crowd. . . .The production of these books is especially thoughtful. The use of pink for words in Spanish produces an effect much like what Sofia achieves by wearing an enormous bow for her school picture. It marks Spanish as special–and very much part of Sofia’s world.
The author of the popular Zapata Powers chapter book series brings us a new heroine. Meet Sofia Martinez, age 7, whose mission is to stand out, once and for all.
Adventures in Learning PBS Parenting
...an engaging early reader chapter book with a central character of color, and with a narrative that integrates language and cultural nuances wonderfully, making it a great addition towards a diverse bookshelf.
What made this book stand out for my girl, though, was the author’s use of Español throughout the story. By reading about Sofia’s abuela, her Tío Miguel, her hermanas, and the many adventures they share, my princess not only enjoyed a great story, but also got an introduction to another culture and its language as well.
"3 Spunky heroines to share with your daughter for BookTrib
Look at the attitude on that girl! Smith’s art goes a long way towards selling Sofia as a character. You look at this book jacket and you want to know more about her.
Seven-year-old Sofia likes to stand out in her family. She does all sorts of things to get noticed — from wearing a huge hair bow to making her grandmother a piñata for her birthday. This early chapter book is full of charm and kid appeal.
Sofia’s happy, loving Latino family brings smiles, and many readers will relate to her stories.
I love Sofia! Like the Zapato series, this series includes lots of Spanish words that, for the most part, can be easily deciphered by non Spanish speakers, though this series does include a glossary.
The author of the Zapato Power series, featuring Freddie Ramos, here offers another early chapter book with an appealing Hispanic protagonist. . . .Smith’s full-color art appears on almost every page, expressing the energy and emotions of the characters. A final illustration indicates Sofia will return with further adventures; in the meantime, give this to fans of Freddie Ramos...
7-year-old Sofia Martinez is used to fighting for attention in her big family — but fortunately, she always knows they will be there when she really needs them. . . .Her outgoing personality and confidence often result in one part success, one part trouble — but no matter what, Sofia's fiery passion for everything she does makes every day an adventure.
"Top 60 Early Chapter Books Starring Mighty Girls" A Mighty Girl
For me, what really makes these family-focused stories special is author Jacqueline Jules’s fluid peppering of Spanish in the characters’ dialog. It never feels stilted, and it’s a great way to introduce young readers to a new language and culture.
01/01/2015
2014-11-04
