Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina
By Monica Encarnacion,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Biracial girl embraces her uniqueness in charming story.
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What's the Story?
MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH / MARISOL MCDONALD NO COMBINA is a relatable story about a Peruvian Scottish American, polka-dot wearing, pirate-soccer-playing girl who doesn't mind acting or dressing differently than other kids. Everyone is always telling Marisol she doesn’t match. Her cousin points out that she doesn't match because she is brown like him, yet her "hair is the color of carrots." Her brother tells her that her outfits don't match. Her teacher tells her that her writing doesn't match because she uses cursive and print at the same time. Even her favorite lunches of peanut butter and jelly burritos don't match. During art class, Marisol paints pictures of polka-dotted pink elephants wearing eyeglasses. Marisol doesn't match! And that's just fine with her until a friend challenges her to match for one day. The day Marisol decides to match is her most miserable school day, but with the help of her teacher, Marisol learns that it's best to be yourself.
Is It Any Good?
Colorful illustrations and short sentences draw readers into this fun bilingual picture book with a powerful message. The simple vocabulary in Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina makes the story easy to follow in either English or Spanish. Palacio's detailed and playful illustrations beautifully depict diversity on each page and make it easier for readers to follow along if reading in a new language. Additionally, each page includes at least one image constructed from newspaper clippings, further engaging curious readers.
Kids who belong to multiple cultures will identify with Marisol and may find comfort in knowing that there are book characters who also do not fit into a specific box; it's alright to be brown and have red hair. This book's message is important: Be who you are without fear of being different. Marisol teaches us that seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their own background and identify which language or languages they speak at home and school. What are some experiences you can relate to in Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina?
What are some of your favorite things, outfits, foods, games? Do they match? Why or why not?
What are some things you really like about yourself? Your family? Your friends? How are you the same or different from others around you?
Book Details
- Author: Monica Brown
- Illustrator: Sara Palacios
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Lee & Low Books
- Publication date: September 27, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: June 25, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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