Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; PG (bullying, monster fighting).
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
12 yo Charlie Hernandez grew up with an abuela who told him all the stories - all of them - he knows every hispanic legend, all the folklore stories, all the mythological characters from his culture. But the stories didn't prepare him for middle school. Middle school is hard - strict teachers, bullies, old friends, new friends - and Violet is finally noticing him! But, when Charlie's body starts changing - I mean CHANGING - like growing horns, sprouting feathers, Charlie finds himself caught in the middle of a war between ancient beings, La Liga (the good guys) and La Mano Negra (the evil creatures out to take over the world) Good thing h knows all the stories, because Charlie is now living them.
Wow! What an amazing debut novel! Ryan Calejo is a great storyteller, masterfully weaving the Hispanic legends together into a gripping adventure, full of danger, monsters and life and death decisions. I was familiar with many of the characters, but I can imagine how much more exciting this would be for a reader with a stronger background knowledge than I have. Drawing from South and Central America, as well is the Iberian Peninsula, Calejo has set up what promises to be an engaging series. Looking forward to book II. Includes a glossary.
Lisa Librarian
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