Too Many Tamales

Monday, January 14, 2008

Too Many Tamales

Author: Gary Soto

First line: Snow drifted through the streets and now that it was dusk, Christmas trees glittered in the windows.

Why you should read this book: Although she knows better, Maria can't help trying on her mother's beautiful diamond ring as they make tamales for the family Christmas feast. When she loses track of the ring, she can only assume it's hiding inside one of two dozen tamales, and immediately enlists her cousins' help in recovering the lost property. A happy, if slightly bloated ending brings the entire family together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You are a member of the International Federation of Competitive Eating and you consider two dozen tamales chump change.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

Too Many Tamales

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