When a mysterious box containing two purple sneakers with silver wings is left at Freddie's door, he's sure that it's a gift from Uncle Jorge. Since Freddie's own sneakers are worn out, he tries them on, but he soon discovers they aren't any ordinary shoes. These shoes make him able to run faster than the train that he races every day. Just like the strange note in the box says, the shoes really do have Zapato Power!
When Freddie calls Uncle Jorge to thank him for the present, he finds that it isn't from his uncle after all. His father is a soldier who didn't return after his tour of duty in another country, and his mother doesn't know anything about the shoes. Who could they be from?
With Zapato Power, Freddie decides he can be a super hero and help his friends and neighbors. He begins by getting the book his classmate Jason left behind and cleaning up the graffiti on Mr. Vaslov's shed, all in super-fast time. He's even almost able to recover Maria's forgotten lunch, but his biggest challenge is yet to come. Maria's puppy has disappeared, and she can't find him anywhere. Will Zapato Power help him save the puppy before it's too late? Will Freddy discover who gave him the amazing shoes with Zapato Power?
Written by Jacqueline Jules and illustrated by Miguel Benitez, Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off is an exciting story for children who are ready for chapter books and are fans of mystery and mild science fiction. Winner of the 2010 Cybil Award for Short Chapter Books, you can find it locally at the Gail Borden, Schaumburg, Poplar Creek, or Batavia public libraries so you can experience some Zapato Power for yourself!
Jacqueline Jules is a teacher and librarian who fulfilled a lifetime dream when she became an author. Having written over twenty children's books, she loves to capture the ideas in her mind with words that she will share with the people who read them. Drop by her website to find out more about her books, poetry, events, and more.
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 978-0-8075-9480-3
Source of review copy: Gail Borden Public Library
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