Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Young boy solves fun mysteries with help from special shoes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Soon after young Freddie Ramos moves into the Starwood Park Apartments in the ZAPATO POWER SERIES, he finds a mysterious gift addressed to him: shoes ("zapatos" in Spanish). And not just any shoes, but shoes that make him run faster than anything, shoes that help him race the train and zip around the neighborhood in a blur. With this secret superpower on his feet, Freddie tries to solve mysteries and help the people in his neighborhood -- all while doing his homework and not being late to recess.
Is It Any Good?
The layered stories in these books are a delight, pulling young readers into the small details of Freddie's life in a way that's rare for early chapter books. The Zapato Power Series has a wonderful set of characters and adventurous mysteries that keep readers engaged. Freddie is always trying to help others and has befriended Mr. Vaslov, who does the same, giving the entire series a sense of warm camaraderie. And the shoes' superpowers are the kind of magic kids dream of having.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Freddie trust Mr. Vaslov so easily in the Zapato Power Series. What is it about Mr. Vaslov that is so relatable? Is there anyone in your life that you've met and trusted like that?
What kind of superpowers would you like to have? What would you use them for?
What would you like to invent? What problems would you like to solve?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Miguel BenÃtez
- Genre : For Beginning Readers
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Albert Whitman & Co.
- Publication date : March 1, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 8
- Number of pages : 88
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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