Zapato Power - Jacqueline Jules, Miguel Benitez

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Makes a Splash by Jacqueline Jules, illus. by Miguel Benitez

Freddie's shoes give him super speed. He uses his special ability to protect his community. This time Freddie's zapatos are missing and he encounters an older girl on a green bike who is a bit of a bully. After he overcomes his fear, Freddie once helps out but this time without his super speed. Another big part of this story are Freddie's swiming lessons. He is tenative about getting in the water at first but soon loves it. This is the fourth book in the Zapato Power series, and its as fun as the previous three. The Zapato Power series is an excellent early chapter series. The books are always very close to 100 pages, with short chapters and wonderful illustrations by Benitez. The first three Zapato Power books are available in paperback and possibly your local library.

Zapato Power - Jacqueline Jules, Miguel Benitez

Zapato Power : Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue by Jacqueline Jules illus. by Miguel Benitez
Freddie's specially designed purple sneakers give him super speed and can even out run a train. He keeps his superhero ability a secret and is always looking for ways to come to the rescue. A rogue squirrel that finds its way into the school, is covered in paint. Freddie is determined to find who is responsible. The mystery behind the painted squirrel was fun and I really enjoyed Benitez playful illustrations. This is the third Freddie Ramos adventure and its just as much fun as the last two. Each story works very well as a stand alone. Though together there is a great connection. The author is doing an excellent job keeping the reader interested in Freddie, his super power and his world.

Zapato Power - Jacqueline Jules, Miguel Benitez

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Springs Into Action by Jacqueline Jules illus by Miguel Benitez
Freddie's adventures thanks to his custom made super fast sneakers continues in this second installment. Freddie is always ready to use his Zapato power to help someone in the neighborhood. Though if Freddie can't learn how to slow down at school his secret identity will be revealed. He tells Mr. Vaslov the man who created the sneakers about the problem. Mr. Vaslov quickly begins working on a solution.

This is a great early chapter series. I love Freddie Ramos and the community the author is building around him. The story moves at a great pace and there's a lot of action. Benitez illustrations are wonderful. I love that Freddie's superhero tag line, Zoom Zoom Zapato, it's big bold and pops out. The illustrator also puts a lot of detail into his characters facial expressions.

Zapato Power - Jacqueline Jules, Miguel Benitez

Zapato Power by Jacqueline Jules, illus. by Miguel Benitez
This book was brought to my attention thanks to the Cybils Awards. In 2010 it won the short chapter book category.

Freddie and his mother have recently moved to Starwood Park Apartments. One day Freddie Ramos comes home to find a box with his name on it. Inside is a new pair of purple sneakers. There's no name with the gift, just a note saying Zapato power for Freddie Ramos. With his new shoes, Freddie is very fast, faster than a train. Freddie wants to use his new speed to be a hero. He also knows me must keep is Zapato power a secret.

This was a very fun read. Freddie Ramos is great. He's just an ordinary boy who is given a special gift. This is easily my favorite early chapter books I've read in a while. I love that it features a male protagonist of color.

I checked out the first book from the library. I figured I'd only meet Freddie but now I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. The chapters are only about eight pages long with illustrations. Jules text and Benitez art, make this a very relucatant reader friendly.

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