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Description
Charlie Hernández has always loved the Hispanic myths and legends his abuela told him. But when he starts growing horns and feathers, he discovers those stories might be more real than he ever imagined, thrusting him into an ancient battle between good and evil.
Charlie has always been proud of his Latin American heritage, especially the myths. Thanks to his abuela's stories, he knows all about the monsters and ghouls that have haunted imaginations for centuries. Even though his grandmother hinted the tales might be more than myth, Charlie has always been a pragmatist, sure they were just make-believe.
But when Charlie begins to experience freaky bodily manifestations, he's swept into a world where the mythical beings from his grandmother's stories are walking straight into his life. And stranger still, they seem to know more about him than he knows about himself.
Soon, Charlie finds himself in the middle of an ancient battle between La Liga, a secret society of legendary mythological beings sworn to protect the Land of the Living, and La Mano Negra, a cabal of evil spirits determined to rule mankind. With only the help of his lifelong crush, Violet Rey, and his grandmother's stories to guide him, Charlie must navigate a world where monsters and brujas rule and things he couldn't possibly imagine go bump in the night. He'll have to learn fast if he has any hope of discovering what’s happening to him and saving his missing parents... and maybe even the world.
Publication date
October 23, 2018
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781534426597
Lexile Measure
780
Guided Reading Level
R
Publisher
Simon & Schuster
Series
Charlie Hernández
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure JUV011030 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Hispanic & Latino JUV012070 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Caribbean & Latin American
Library of Congress categories
Folklore JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United S Missing persons Good and evil Shapeshifting Hispanic Americans JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy & Magic Secret societies Latin America
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
This magical adventure brings the Hispanic mythologies . . . to life . . . "the detailed attention to various Hispanic folkloric and mythological traditions is accessible to readers new to the legends as well as old hands, and this multicultural story proves to be a satisfying read for anyone interested in fantasy action."
School Library Journal
The story is fast paced and jam-packed with many encounters with mythological creatures loosely based on folklore from around the Spanish-speaking world. The glossary at the end is helpful with a description and country of origin for each mythological being. VERDICT A great start to a new series that will be devoured by fantasy fans who enjoy action with ample doses of mythological inspirations. Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
Starred Review
He's not the "chosen one"—but the bad guys think he is. Mexican-born, American-raised Charlie Hernández just grew horns. And feathers. It's inconvenient. All of a sudden, all the Hispanic (both Latin American and Iberian) myths he learned from his abuela leave the world of legend and reveal themselves in Miami—and everyone, good and bad, seems to be after Charlie. A winner for all kids, but it will be especially beloved by Latinx and Hispanic families who may recognize some of the characters.
ALA/Booklist
Starred Review
Filled with action with fast-paced chapters, 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.
Ryan Calejo is the author of the Charlie Hernández series. He was born and raised in south Florida, where he graduated from the University of Miami with a BA. He teaches swimming to elementary school students, chess to middle school students, and writing to high school students. Having been born into a family of immigrants and growing up in the so-called "Capital of Latin America," Ryan knows the importance of diversity in our communities and is passionate about writing books that children of all ethnicities can relate to.
