Karla Arenas Valenti is an award-winning author who writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she’s picked up in her many travels around the world.

NEW FROM KARLA ARENAS VALENTI

★ “Intricate worldbuilding and a cast of complex, memorable characters secure this novel’s place among the best of middle-grade mythological fantasy….Epic, imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining, this standout fantasy will leave readers eager for more. An irresistible adventure that tackles fresh lore.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Arenas Valenti crafts an enthralling fantasy adventure steeped in Aztec lore….captivating.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A heroic journey through the Aztec world that would work particularly well for fans of mythological beings and quests.” —School Library Journal

“A delightful tale about answering a call to action filled with exciting lore. This take on Aztec mythology is sure to enrapture fans of the Riordanverse (with a special shout-out to Percy Jackson).” —Booklist

PURA BELPRE AUTHOR AWARD WINNER
A TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE

★ “A quest undertaken for love and healing, replete alike with astonishing marvels and provocative themes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “The fantasy here is vividly imagined, but the story itself is ultimately real, painful, and achingly beautiful.” —The Bulletin, starred review

★ “Readers will be lining up to get this book. A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.” —School Library Journal, starred review

★ “A truly enchanting adventure that both enthralls and entertains.” —Booklist, starred review

“Valenti skillfully incorporates magical realism into this captivating tale, taking the reader on a memorable journey through a different world.” —The Horn Book

★ “Clara’s unexpected decisions lead to the story’s heart: “Even when you have no choice about what has happened to you, you can still decide what you’re going to do about it.” The tale is a scaffolding for this debate, and what a lush, verdant scaffolding it is.” —The Horn Book, starred review

★ “From the first line of this philosophical debut, Arenas Valenti demonstrates a gift for interweaving immersive, sensory-rich storytelling (“Life sauntered into town on a wave of heat”) with a thoughtful discussion of fate vs. determinism. Fans of Coco will savor this tale and Sanmar’s occasional illustrations, which visualize Clara and Esteban’s journeys and the Lotería cards as the game progresses.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “The magical realism employed adds a warmth and imaginative quality to the world-building that is only enhanced by the rich feast of language Valenti offers up . . . A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore that will hold readers from beginning to end with its verdant language and setting.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“In this marvelous blend of magic realism, suspense, and adventure . . . Valenti seamlessly infuses Mexican culture and myth into a spellbinding story that explores free will through a traditional Mexican game.” —Booklist

“Vibrant and gloriously textured, grounded by Sanmar’s simple, inviting grayscale illustrations . . . [Lotería is] sure to generate discussion about reader expectations and what constitutes a happy ending, as well as spark interest in magical realism.” —The Bulletin

“Valenti whips up a delectable tale of whimsical enchantment, with Spanish sprinkled throughout….Like a dash of sweetened wishes.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Richly ­illustrated with vibrant colors, this picture book is sure to please.” —School Library Journal

“The sweet backgrounds are full of delicious and delightful clues and plenty of other details to keep readers invested as they root for this unlikely heroine.” —Booklist

“This book is sure to satisfy any reader’s sweet tooth.” —The Horn Book