Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Carmen Agra Deedy

Cover of Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Cuban Folktale

by Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrated by Michael Austin

Reading Level 2 Gentle (Lvl 1) Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

What if a tiny, beautiful cockroach named Martina had to figure out what love really means? Imagine suitors bringing gifts, but none passing the tricky coffee test her Abuela gives her. Will Martina find someone who can handle a little spilled coffee and a lot of love?

Themes

Fairy Tales & FolkloreHumorous StoriesAnimals - InsectsFamilyComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This charming retelling of a Cuban folktale follows Martina, a young cockroach exploring love and marriage with the help of her wise grandmother. Suitable for early readers ages 5 to 8, it blends humor and cultural folklore while gently introducing themes of relationships and problem-solving. The story contains no content concerns and celebrates family support and cleverness.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 1 — Gentle
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

32 pages
ISBN
9781561453993
Pages
32
Publisher
National Geographic Books
Published
September 1, 2007
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Fairy Tales & FolkloreAnthologies4-8 YearsAnimalsInsects Spiders EtcAdaptationsHumorous StoriesCockroachesCubaFolkloreSpanish Language MaterialsCucarachasFairy Tales

Places

Cuba