Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great art shows quest of quirky Peruvian potato scientist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A serious game of hide-and-seek launches ALBERTO SALAS PLAYS PAKA PAKA CON LA PAPA. Salas searches the Andes for potatoes in all their thousands of shapes and colors. Different varieties have different super powers, some to promote survival (e.g., they are disease and insect resistant) and some to promote good health (e.g., they have vitamins and iron.) Scientists study different super powers to create hardy and healthy varieties. Salas has a goal: to protect potato diversity in a world of changing climate. His quest is arduous. He pays close attention to the land, records his findings, and asks locals for help. He carefully transports plant samples to the International Potato Center genebank, a living library of potatoes that scientists use to develop stronger varieties to help feed the world. The story concludes with Salas making a new discovery and winning another round of "paka paka con la papa" (potato hide-and-seek). Extensive back matter includes a cultural dictionary, additional information about Salas and potatoes, an author's note, and an illustrator's note.
Is It Any Good?
Amid climate change, protecting potato plants from extinction and feeding a hungry world are the heavy subjects handled with a playful touch in Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru's Famed Scientist and Potato Expert. A lively narrative meshes with quirky art to offer totally approachable entrée into contemporary issues. The book also offers an admiring intro to a Peruvian potato scientist, dedicated to both science and humanity. And along the way, kids will get some on-the-ground insights into Peru. Recognized as the most distinguished informational book of 2025, this 2026 Sibert Medal winner is accurate, artful, relevant, and engaging; exemplary nonfiction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main character's curiosity in Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa. Alberto Salas was curious about Andean potatoes. What are you curious about? How do you find out what you want to know?
Alberto Salas is a scientist. What steps does he take to make and record his discoveries? How does he persevere? Have you ever made a discovery in nature—in a backyard or park or wild area?
Salas is concerned about how climate change will lead to greater hunger in the world. He is empathetic toward people faced with hunger. Have you ever done anything in your everyday life to minimize climate change and/or reduce hunger in your community? If so, what?
Potatoes are an important food in South America and around the world. Do you like potatoes? What kind and how do you like them prepared?
In the story, there are many Spanish and Quechua words. Could you understand what the words mean because of the story context? Did you need to use the Cultural Dictionary at the end of the book?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Juana Martinez-Neal
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism ( Climate change ) , STEM ( Nature )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : March 18, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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