Title: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia
First published August 4, 2020
350 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781368049177 (ISBN10: 1368049176)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Paola Santiago is a curious and science-driven 12-year-old girl who is always seeking adventure with her two best friends, Emma and Dante. However, there is one place they are forbidden to go: the river.
Following a tragic incident, the town has warned them of the dangers of the river, especially at night when La Llorona, the wailing ghost woman, is said to wander the banks. Paola doesn’t believe in the ghost stories her mother tells her, but when Emma goes missing, and she sees a shadowy figure lurking in the reeds, she starts to wonder if there’s more to the legends than she thought.
To find her friend, Paola must confront her deepest fears and the terrifying world of mist, monsters, and spirits controlled by an unknown force. Will Paola use her scientific knowledge to solve the mystery, or will she have to rely on something beyond science to save her friend?
Find out in Paola Santiago and the River of Tears.
About the Author
Tehlor Kay Mejia is an accomplished author who has gained recognition for her works in young adult and middle grade fiction. Her first young adult novel, WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE, has received numerous accolades, including six starred reviews, the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction, and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner up honor for debut speculative fiction.
It has also been featured in best books lists by Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal. The sequel, WE UNLEASH THE MERCILESS STORM, has also been well-received, and her co-written book, MISS METEOR (with National Book Award Nominee Anna-Marie McLemore), has been honored on the American Library Association’s 2021 Rainbow List for outstanding contributions in LGBTQIA teen fiction.
In addition to her young adult works, Tehlor has also written a middle grade novel, PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS, which was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. The book has garnered four starred reviews and was named Amazon’s best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range.
It is currently being developed by Disney as a television series produced by Eva Longoria.
Tehlor resides in Oregon with her partner, daughter, and two small dogs. She enjoys growing heirloom corn and perfecting the vegan tamale.
You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @tehlorkay.
Editoral Review
Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a captivating story that brings to life the cultural and mythological richness of Latinx folklore. Published on August 4, 2020, the book is a middle-grade fantasy that blends epic quests, supernatural creatures, and coming-of-age themes into a thrilling adventure.
Tehlor Kay Mejia is a Mexican American author who has also written the critically acclaimed YA novel We Set the Dark on Fire. In Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, she creates a heroine who is spunky, smart, and relatable.
Paola is a 12-year-old girl who lives in Silver Springs, Arizona, and has a penchant for science and logic. However, when her best friend, Emma, disappears into the dangerous Gila River, Paola must delve into the mystical realm of La Llorona, the weeping woman of legend, to rescue her.
The plot of the story is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Mejia’s prose is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the arid desert landscape as well as the eerie supernatural world that Paola encounters.
The author weaves in cultural and historical references to Mexican American traditions and folklore, such as Dia de los Muertos and the Aztec underworld, that add depth and authenticity to the story. One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the main character, Paola.
She is a relatable and likable protagonist who is not only brave and resourceful but also flawed and vulnerable. Paola struggles with her own fears and doubts, as well as the conflicts between her rational mind and her intuition.
This makes her journey all the more compelling and satisfying when she learns to trust herself and her heritage. Another strength of the book is its theme of empowerment and identity.
Paola is a young girl of color in a world where she feels marginalized and underestimated. However, through her quest, she discovers her own strengths and talents, as well as the importance of her cultural heritage.
This message is especially relevant and timely in today’s society, where diversity and representation are crucial issues. One weakness of the book, however, is its pacing.
At times, the plot seems rushed, with certain events and characters introduced too abruptly or resolved too conveniently. Additionally, some of the secondary characters are not as fully developed as Paola or Emma, making their motivations and actions less clear.
Overall, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears is a delightful and inspiring read that will appeal to both young and adult readers. It offers a fresh and engaging take on Latinx mythology and culture, as well as a relatable and empowering heroine.
Although there are some flaws in the pacing and characterization, they are overshadowed by the book’s strengths in writing, world-building, and theme. Therefore, I highly recommend this book, and give it a rating of 4 out of 5, based on its quality of writing, character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes.
With its rich and diverse themes of friendship, identity, and adventure, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, mythology, and cultural representation.
