Skip to main content

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears


 

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears 
By Tehlor Kay Mejia 
Rick Riordan Presents, Disney Hyperion, 2020. 350 p. 

Paola lives in Silver Springs, Arizona with her mother. Dante, one of her best friends lives in the same apartment complex with his abuela. Emma, the third friend in the trio, lives nearby. When Emma suddenly disappears Paola and Danta try to figure out what has happened—only to discover that the crazy stories that Paola’s mom and Dante’s abuela have told them about La Llorona (a scary legend mother that killed her own children) are true and that is probably where Emma has gone. Of course Paola and Dante can’t stop trying to save Emma, even if it means Paola must confront her own monsters and feelings inside herself. 

This is a thrilling adventure story that has just enough horror and monsters (like chupacabras and disembodied hands) to keep readers on their toes. Kids who like an adventure with Latina-based legends will cheer along with Paola as she figures out just what her flashlight and Florida water can do—along with who she is and what she is willing to do to save her friends.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Painting for Peace in Ferguson

Painting for Peace in Ferguson By Carol Swartout Klein Treehouse Publishing Group, 2015. Nonfiction. When the city of Ferguson was overrun with so much hate and despair that homes and businesses had to be boarded up to protect property, citizens of the community decided to bring a message of hope by painting the boarded windows. Klein’s rhyming text supports the photographs of the hundreds of artists and volunteers and their artwork as they bring the messages of peace, hope, love, and that by being united they can make a difference. A great book to show children how a community rallied to make a positive change and that even a small gesture can make a huge difference. A great discussion opener on how we should treat each other.

Dragon Run

Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews Scholastic, 2013.  336 pgs.  Fantasy      Al Pilgrommor is excited for Testing Day, when he will receive his rank, a tattooed number on the back of his neck, and a path forward to his future occupation and life.  He feels confident because his parents were fours on a scale of seven, but he is worried for his friend Wisp who doesn't have much of a chance of scoring above a two at best. But when Al is scored a zero, he not only has no prospects, he may lose his life as the dreaded Cullers are unleashed to kill him and his family to purify the land's bloodlines.  Al's world is ruled by dragons--the lords and supposed creators of humankind--so he thinks that even if he survives, he will have to make his living as a beggar or thief. But when Al sticks up for his Earther friend in front of Magister Ludi, he is drawn into the struggle of a secret organization hoping to destroy the Cullers, and perhaps the dragons them...

From Story Time: Summer Week 5

  Stories in the Park Mousterpiece: A Mouse-Sized Guide to Modern Art By Jane Breskin Zalben New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2012. Picture Book. Janson the mouse, who lives in a museum, becomes an acclaimed artist by copying the styles of paintings she sees there. Includes notes about the artists and works featured. --Editor Stories in the Park Gray Written by Laura Dockrill Illustrated by Lauren Child Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture Book. Some days you may feel sunshine yellow or orange-balloon bright. Other days you're gray, or even night-sky black-like a dark scribble on a page, a storm in the clouds, or a puddle in the road. Gray is when you don't feel like yourself, or like you don't belong. But however you feel, there are big hugs (red) and loving lullabies (blue) waiting, and even the grayest sidewalk is a canvas for you to fill with the colors you choose. A tender narration from British spoken-word poet Laura Dockrill and subtle, spare artwork from fo...