LOS MONSTRUOS

Twelve-year-old Rooster faces the reality of his monstruo heritage in this sequel to Los Monstruos: Felice and the Wailing Woman (2023).

Readers return to the magical town of Tres Leches, which doesn’t appear on any maps of Texas and where there’s even more danger and adventure to come. In the previous installment, Felice made peace with her mother, La Llorona, and saved the town from a curse; now it’s her friend Rooster’s turn in the spotlight. Each night, the children of Tres Leches are lured to El Camarón Dance Hall & Arcade, where they’re greeted by Rooster’s father, Cayetano, who’s a devil. But lately, some of the young people who’ve gone to El Camarón haven’t made it back home. When the townspeople begin to blame Rooster and his father for the disappearances, Rooster stands up for himself and his family by promising to bring all the kids home. Along with Felice, Ava (who’s the daughter of La Lechuza), and Paco, the trio’s squirrel friend, Rooster sets out to find the missing children. When the answer to the disappearances proves to be uncomfortable, Rooster must confront his identity head-on. This story steeped in Mexican folklore emphasizes the importance of being true to your values, while exploring bullying, family, and one’s sense of self. Readers don’t need to be familiar with the first book to follow the plot.

A quick-paced, magical mystery.