Nino's Mask

Author: Jeanette Winter

First line: Every year I dream of wearing a mask in the FIESTA - of being something else for just one day.

Why you should read this book: Little Nino is tired of being told he is too young to wear a mask and a costume in his village's yearly planting festival, so he takes matters into his own hands. After watching the mask maker carefully, he cuts his own wood and carves the face of Perro, the dog who catches the despicable Tigre that wants to destroy the village's corn crop. For one day, Nino learns how it feels to be something else, and to contribute to the well-being of his community and his culture.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Masks creep you out.