Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Title: Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
2008 Pura Belpre' Honor Book
Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Published: 2007
Group: Cuban

Cultural Indicators: (1) The species of cockroach called the Panclora nivea or the Cuban cockroach is thought to be beautiful by some for its iridescent green color. In this story, Martina is hailed as the beautiful cockroach. (2)Spanish is the official language of Cuba. Spanish words are diffused throughout the story: abuela, muchacha, senorita, cafe' cubano. (3) Black beans are a staple of the Cuban diet. The story features an illustration of a can of black beans being raided by cockroaches. (4) The tocororo is the Cuba's national bird. In the story, a parrot is the messenger. (5) The butterfly jasmine and mariposa are recognized as Cuba's national flowers. Illustrations of these flowers are intertwined throughout the book. (6) Coffee is the unofficial beverage of Cuba. Much of Cuban social activity is centered around enjoying a cup of coffee. In the story, Martina's suitors must undergo The Coffee Test. (7) The rooster and the pig represent the proud and chauvinistic male archetype. In the story the rooster and pig suitors represent the machismo type. The rooster condescendingly shouts at Martina, "Clumsy cockroach! I will teach you better manners when you are my wife." The pig boorishly shouts at Martina, "When you are my wife, there'll be no end to cleaning up after me." (8) Jose Marti is celebrated as a Cuban martyr during Cuba's fight against Spain for independence. There is photograph of Jose Marti in Martina's home. (9) El Morro castle is a fortress that originally guarded the entrance into Havana, Cuba. In the story, news of Martina's plans to marry was spread, "from the busy sidewalks of El Prado to El Morro castle." (10) Cuban families are traditionally extended and typically include the presence of a grandmother who is the voice of wisdom. The driving voice in this story is Martina's abuela.