Looking for a way to add some more culture to your child's reading? Today I get to share a great new middle grades novel that introduces Mexican mythology. The book is the first in the Legendarios series. The book is Wrath of the Rain God by Karla Arenas Valenti and illustrated by Vanessa Morales. It is recommended for ages 7 to 10.
From the Publisher:
Twins coping with moving to a new city get swept back in time by a magical book in this first book in the Legendarios chapter book series that’s Magic Tree House meets Heroes in Training!Nine-year-old twins, Emma and Martín, couldn’t be more different in their personalities, interests, and even their looks. But one thing they absolutely agree on is that moving from Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Illinois is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, they’re not given a choice when their dad lands his dream job as a middle school principal in Chicago. To help the twins stay connected to their Mexican heritage, their abuela gifts them a book of Mexican legends. The book turns out to be more than a going away present…it’s a magical item that transports them directly into the legends!
In the first legend, Emma and Martín encounter Tlaloc, the god of rain. Tlaloc is angry because his lightning bolt has been stolen, and his rage is manifesting as a torrential downpour over the ancient city of Texcoco. The rain won’t stop until the lightning bolt has been returned, so Emma and Martín set out to recover it.
Will they find Tlaloc’s bolt in time to help the people of Texcoco save their home? Or will the wrath of the rain god mark the end of this legendary city?
From Me:
This book is interesting. The twins have been living in Mexico close to their mother's family. Their white father gets his dream job in Chicago. The family gets ready to move there. The twins are miserable. They don't want to leave Mexico. Their grandmother gives them a gift of a book of Mexican legends and calls it magical. She also gives each of them a small gift. When they are completely bored in Chicago they decide to check out the book and magic happens. They discover a passage way back to an Aztec village that is being flooded by rain due to the anger of the rain god. They get to experience and help solve the problems for the Aztec village and the rain god. The experience makes them realize how good things are in their lives as well and realize that maybe Chicago won't be so bad.
Things I like about the book are that it teaches different cultures. I love that the twins are upset about leaving Mexico since often we hear about people trying to escape Mexico over the border. I love that it ties the modern world with telling an Aztec legend. And that seeing how the Aztecs lived helps the kids realize how good their life actually is. This is a story that will entertain and keep the readers engaged. It is a great way to talk about Mexican culture, Aztecs, and/or mythology. I personally think it is great that we are seeing some of the mythology from other cultures be shared since most people learn about the Greek and Roman and not much else. I hope you will check it out!
