Reflection Two for Chato's Kitchen

Analysis Summary

This book may be considered problematic because of the use of stereotypes when depicting animals who verbally, physically, and culturally represent Latino characters.

Impact Assessment

Despite this book being somewhat problematic, I feel like it would make my focus student and his cultural background feel seen and recognized. From a child’s perspective, I don’t think he would be able to recognize or think too hard about the stereotypes presented in this book. If anything, I think he would find the characters and book very amusing. Despite this, I do think seeing his culture being represented by animals might make him feel perplexed or confused. This is only due to the fact that the characters represent the dramatic stereotype that do not represent the majority of Mexicans, also the majority of people my student personally knows. My focal student’s parents are Mexican immigrants, from this I can imply that my student most likely can associate anyone he knows personally with this stereotype.

Alternative Texts

Alternative books for making new friends:

• Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival
• Micheal Makes Friends at School by Martha Rustad

Alternative books that represent Mexican Culture:

• Pepe and the Prade  by Tracy Kelly
• Isabella and her Colores go to School by Alessandra Alesandri

Guiding Questions

1. What are the differences in Hispanic representation in both “Pepe and the Prade” and “Chato's Kitchen?”
2. Is representation of hispanic culture executed in a more accurate/realistic way in“Pepe and the Prade?”
3. How can younger readers relate to “Pepe and the Parade?”