Deedy, C. (2007). Martina The Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. Atlanta,GA: Peachtree Publishers.
In a world where cockroaches are considered beautiful, a story is shared about finding a soulmate who is truly kind inside and out. Martina, the cockroach, is twenty-one days old and is of marrying age. She is ready to screen suitors to find her mate. Her grandmother gives her some advice on how to find a suitable husband with the coffee test. Abuela understands that finding a mate is not a problem, but finding a mate who will still respect you when angry is challenging. So she instructs Martina to spill coffee on the shoes of each suitor. Then the cockroach will need to pay attention to how he speaks to her. This will help Martina decides who to marry. Well Abuela was correct. The rooster, pig, and lizard did not respond well to having coffee spilled on them. Martina sent them all on their way. She then meets a mouse who turns the tables on Martina. He spills coffee on her to test her. They realize they are meant to be.
This story is set in Cuba. The beautiful illustrations bring Havana alive to the readers. The story is a sweet message on finding a partner with a good heart and how to treat others even when we are angered. Carmen Deedy includes the Cuban culture with the vocabulary she uses and some of the traditions Martina's family follows. I would suggest this to be included in classroom libraries just for the pictures alone. The story only adds to the the merit of this book
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