Alessandri, Alexandra. Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, The. Atheneum, 02/2023. 224pp. Fiction. GRADES 3 – 7. $17.99. 978-1-6659-1705-6. ADDITIONAL.
Valentina, her brother Julian, and her Papi are on a hike in the Andes Mountains in search of Colombia’s mythical creatures, when an earthquake strikes. Papi falls into a crevice, and on the way to get help, Valentina and Julian are transported to an otherworldly place. The siblings must traverse this magical land filled with creatures determined to catch them, and reach madremonte, mother of the Earth. Only madremonte can release them back into their world and save their Papi. Alessandri’s book is filled with mythical beings and fast-paced action. The novel keeps the reader engaged, and the twist at the end is unexpected. Spanish words are peppered throughout, but their meaning can be gleaned by the context. An excellent pick for fractured fairytale enthusiasts.
Yesica Hurd—Berkeley Public Library