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.

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