Fresno State Library
Carla's Sandwich
Warning Sensitive Topics
Story Summary: The book follows a young girl named Carla who every day brings an “odd” sandwich combination to school including the Banana-Cottage-Cheese Delight and Olive, Pickle, and Green Bean.
The book Carla’s Sandwich was written by Debbie Herman and illustrated by Sheila Bailey, and published in 2004. Carla enjoys her delicious-to-her, creative combinations, but faces being teased by classmates and being forced to eat lunch alone. Eventually, her bully Buster forgets his lunch, and Carla thoughtfully offers him her extra sandwich; this helps him realize that “unusual” may actually be good.
This book may be considered problematic because it is potentially not fully addressing the issue of cultural foods in the classroom contributing to bullying and feelings of isolation and “otherness” experienced by students of color. The book could possibly lead to misinterpretations due to oversimplified storytelling of a potentially serious topic.
Alternative Book Choices
An ugly duckling spends an unhappy year ostracized by the other animals before he grows into a beautiful swan.
A young boy grows to manhood and old age experiencing the love and generosity of a tree which gives to him without thought of return.
Reflections and Other Materials
We encourage you to explore our other Critical Literacy Resources .