Rick Riordan Presents: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears-A Paola Santiago Novel Book 1

My 11yo enjoyed this series. This has peaked her interest in cultures and history/historical events as well as always increasing her vocabulary and her understanding of the world. We appreciate Rick Riordan as a mentor and supporter of writers with diverse backgrounds.

This is an engaging book about friendship, family and culture. It explores Latinx folklore in a modern setting, keeping it relevant and accessible to readers. Good story, well-developed characters by an #ownvoices author.

12-year-old Paola, or Pao as her friends call her, is a scientist. She relies on facts and science to explain the universe, and has no time (or patience for that matter) for her mom’s ridiculous superstitions. But when her best friend disappears, and a strange magical mist appears filled with not-so-human creatures, Pao finds herself confronting the monsters of her nightmares, and the reality that all her mom’s superstitious nonsense is real. She must race against time to save her friend from an evil even her mom’s stories couldn’t have prepared her for.What I liked: entertaining story! The plot kept my attention, and the glimpse into Mexican folklore was fun and educational. The protagonist was great—a real spit-fire with a temper! The other characters were unique and total assets to the story.What I didn’t like: The beginning was a little slow, and I found myself waiting for something more exciting to happen. There were also a few scenes in the middle that felt just too long. But, I’m glad I held in there, because it was definitely worth the read.4 out of 5 stars

"Never underestimate a mother with a grudge"- PaoI thoroughly enjoyed this month's read for the #we❤mglit book club. I haven't read midweek grade books in so many years that I had forgotten how magical they could really be. This book was so nostalgic because it made me think about all the Latinx foklore and stories I grew up hearing as a little girl. It made me reminisce about all the monsters and magical creatures that I grew up hearing about and wanted to capture myself. The fact that La Chancla was a magical super weapon had me grinning from ear to ear like nobody's business.Paola was a fantastic protagonist. She was fierce, spunky, and had the biggest "don't quit" attitude. She was loyal and honest and would do anything for her friends. She was also ahead of her time and challenged societal norms about femininity. I loved that she was fascinated with science and space and tried to make sense of the world in her own unique, unapologetic way. She reminded me so much of my younger self, always pushing boundaries and thinking outside of the box.Although this was a fun, magical, supernatural tale it tackled some serious issues such as immigration, tradition vs. assimilation, feminism, racism and classism, medicine vs. natural alternatives, spirituality and the supernatural, missing children, mother-daughter relationships. These topics were weaved into the story so seamlessly that if you weren't paying attention you missed the bigger message. For me the biggest issue it shed light on is the fact that brown children disappear every day for unexplained reasons and no one really pays attention or goes searching for them. My heart just danced reading this one. I cannot wait for Paola's next adventure. This book dragon rates it 🔥🔥🔥🔥.

This was a fun MG book and I think a really good edition to our legends and lore collection. This is my first read of the Rick Riordan Presents books. I've had a few on my shelf for years, I just haven't gotten around to any because I haven't really been in the mood for MG, but this was perfect for Spooky Month, lightly creepy, still fun and goofy like MG usually is, with a sweet message about love and family and forgiveness.

Prepare to be immediately sucked under! Mejia does an incredible job of introducing readers to the fascinating world of Hispanic Folklore.Paola and her friends face not only La Llorona, but also crash through barriers of class, and culture in subtle, yet authentic ways. Paola is relatable, endearing, strong and just enough sassy for her to stand out as a great protagonist. I have no doubt that she will be a favorite among my middlers!

I read about the author and the book in he local newspaper,. Because I was familiar with the tradition of La Llarona, I ordered for myself...then, ended up giving it to my middle school age niece. Looking forward to more diverse story themes, especially, for Pre-K - 12 readers.

Picked it up for myself and couldn’t put it down. Enjoyed every minute spent reading it!