  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 08/01/2018 *Starred Review* Charlie Hernández loves his abuela’s stories, drawn from Latino and Hispanic folklore, in particular legends about supernatural creatures—some good, many evil. When Charlie’s parents go missing, his house burns down, and he starts growing horns and sprouting feathers, Charlie, aided by intelligent classmate Violet Rey, begins to discover that the tales his grandmother passed down to him may not have been fiction after all, and may be more entwined with his destiny than he could have ever imagined. As Violet and Charlie get closer to the secret his family was shielding, they come across brujas, La Llorona, El Sombrerón, Justo Juez, and more, all while Charlie must try to hide his physical transformations from his best friends. Soon Charlie discovers that his life is deeply linked with the balance of peace between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead. In chapters filled with fast-paced action, Calejo’s novel is sure to draw in readers and introduce them to the magic, beauty, and history of Hispanic myths and legends (many of which are elaborated on further in a glossary for those unfamiliar with the stories). This is a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan’s many series, particularly for those eager for mythologies beyond Greek and Roman stories. A cliff-hanger ending only adds to the appeal. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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