About This Book
Gary Soto's 'Too Many Tamales' is a heartwarming and humorous story about a young Mexican-American girl named Maria who accidentally loses her mother's precious wedding ring while helping prepare tamales for Christmas Eve. Filled with guilt and fear, Maria enlists her cousins in a desperate, funny attempt to eat every tamale in search of the ring. This modern classic beautifully captures the warmth of family traditions, the anxiety of making a mistake, and the relief of honesty and forgiveness. It's a perfect read-aloud for ages 4-8 and an engaging independent read for 7-11, offering rich cultural representation and a gentle lesson on integrity.
Maria tries on her mother's wedding ring while helping make tamales for a Christmas family get-together. Panic ensues when hours later, she realizes the ring is missing.
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Discussion Prompts
1
What was Maria feeling when she realized the ring was gone? Have you ever felt that way after making a mistake?
2
Why was it hard for Maria to tell her mom what happened? What do you think would have happened if she told her right away?
3
How did Maria's cousins help her? What does that tell you about good friends or family?
4
What are some special traditions your family has for holidays or celebrations? How do they make you feel?
5
What does this story teach us about being honest, even when it's hard?
External Reviews
Google Books
5/5 (2 ratings)
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