Sofia and the Purple Dress / Sofia y el vestido morado
The “quinceañera” theme has been used frequently in Latino children’s literature, but this story has a twist that addresses a modern day reality: childhood obesity. Sofía, a third grader, who lives with her mother and sister, receives an invitation to her cousin’s “quince” along with a box of hand-me-down clothing. She gets excited about wearing a purple dress from the box, and decides to wear it to the party. However, she feels like a “purple sausage” when she squeezes into it. Sofía’s mother comes up with a plan to make healthier food choices, and to do more exercise. The story ends at the party, where a beaming Sofía dances in her purple dress and tells her cousin that her life has changed for the better. This book will surely encourage discussions concerning benefits of healthy living and includes a bilingual extension activity. Recommended.
Sofia and the Purple Dress / Sofia y el vestido morado. Diane Gonzales Bertrand. Illus. by Lisa Fields. Houston,TX: Pinata Books, 2012. Unpaged. $ 17.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-1-55885-701-8. Grades K-3. Bilingual English and Spanish.