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The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía
“An exceptionally well-crafted story brimming with mythological creatures, captivating characters, and non-stop adventure.” —Christina Diaz Gonzalez, bestselling author of Invisible
Encanto meets The Chronicles of Narnia by way of Colombian folklore in this “fast-paced…thrilling” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review) middle grade fantasy adventure. To save their father’s life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of mythical creatures and find the most powerful and dangerous of them the madremonte.
Twelve-year-old Valentina wants to focus on drawing the real world around her and hopefully get into art school in Bogotá one day, but Papi has spent his life studying Colombia’s legendary creatures and searching for proof of their existence. So when Papi hears that a patasola—a vampire woman with one leg—has been sighted in the Andes, Valentina and her younger brother Julián get dragged along on another magical creature hunt.
While they’re in the Andes, a powerful earthquake hits. Valentina and Julián fall through the earth…and find an alternate Colombia where, to Valentina’s shock, all the legends are real.
To get home, Valentina and Julián must make a treacherous journey to reach this land’s the madremonte, mother and protector of the earth. She controls the only portal back to the human world—but she absolutely hates humans, and she’ll do anything to defend her land.
Encanto meets The Chronicles of Narnia by way of Colombian folklore in this “fast-paced…thrilling” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review) middle grade fantasy adventure. To save their father’s life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of mythical creatures and find the most powerful and dangerous of them the madremonte.
Twelve-year-old Valentina wants to focus on drawing the real world around her and hopefully get into art school in Bogotá one day, but Papi has spent his life studying Colombia’s legendary creatures and searching for proof of their existence. So when Papi hears that a patasola—a vampire woman with one leg—has been sighted in the Andes, Valentina and her younger brother Julián get dragged along on another magical creature hunt.
While they’re in the Andes, a powerful earthquake hits. Valentina and Julián fall through the earth…and find an alternate Colombia where, to Valentina’s shock, all the legends are real.
To get home, Valentina and Julián must make a treacherous journey to reach this land’s the madremonte, mother and protector of the earth. She controls the only portal back to the human world—but she absolutely hates humans, and she’ll do anything to defend her land.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
16 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Alessandri
7 books98 followersAlexandra Alessandri is the author of several books for children, including Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School, The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, Our World: Colombia, Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas, and Grow Up, Luchy Zapata, which is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her books have gone on to receive numerous distinctions, including the Florida Book Award, International Latino Book Award, Américas Award Commendable Title, and the ILA 2022 Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award in Primary Fiction.
The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Alexandra is an adjunct professor of English at Broward College and an instructor at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. She received her BA and MA degrees in English from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fiction Writing from UCLA Extension.
Alexandra’s experience growing up straddling both cultures often influences her children’s fiction and poetry. When not writing or teaching, Alexandra spends her time planning the next great adventure with her husband and son, with whom she lives in South Florida. For more about Alexandra, visit http://alexandraalessandri.com.
The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Alexandra is an adjunct professor of English at Broward College and an instructor at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. She received her BA and MA degrees in English from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fiction Writing from UCLA Extension.
Alexandra’s experience growing up straddling both cultures often influences her children’s fiction and poetry. When not writing or teaching, Alexandra spends her time planning the next great adventure with her husband and son, with whom she lives in South Florida. For more about Alexandra, visit http://alexandraalessandri.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 17, 2022
Excellent action-adventure for middle grade readers who love mythology, this time set in Columbia, South America and featuring Madremonte, and a host of magical beings that may be familiar to readers of Loteria, the Charlie Hernandez series, Paola Santiago and others. Valentina and her brother are searching the mountains to validate a reported sighting of a patasola (one legged, small but powerful, evil woman) when an earthquake traps her father and sends the siblings into a mirror image of their Columbian home. Their only hope lies with the protector and mother of earth but she has cut herself off from the human world when her son was kidnapped years before and has decreed that any humans discovered must be, at the very least, imprisoned. Vivid descriptions of the jungle and fantastic beings bring the setting and fantastic beings to life. Great characters, fast-paced action, and love of family join the Latinx folklore and make this a must have for libraries serving grades 4-7. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence is minimal.
Thanks for the print arc, Alexandra Alessandri.
Thanks for the print arc, Alexandra Alessandri.
September 8, 2024
3.50 ★
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Colombian cast & setting
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Colombian cast & setting
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
April 25, 2023
Oh, god, this book was INSANELY good!!! I love that the characters are from Colombia, as my Mami's family is from there as well! I hope there's a sequel to this! MUST-READ! <3
November 6, 2024
The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía tells the story of Valentina Mejía, a twelve-year-old girl growing up in the Andes in Colombia. Valentina’s life is soon turned upside down when she discovers she, and her family, are connected to an ancient, magical legacy after finding an ancient artifact. With this, she discovers her magical powers. At first, her powers are unpredictable and she has to learn to manage them while also confronting a powerful enemy, the madremonte, in order to save her father’s life.
There are many important themes that are woven throughout the novel. Identity, family, and responsibility are three of the main ones. These themes also connect to her cultural heritage. The reader is on a journey with Valentina as she develops as a character. Her growth is largely about learning to accept herself, both as a girl with unique abilities and as a person balancing two worlds—one magical, one not. Valentina’s relationship with her mother and grandmother is central to her development, and shows the importance of family. As Valentina discovers her magical powers, she also learns the responsibility that comes with them. The narrative encourages readers to embrace their potential, while recognizing the importance of using their abilities to help.
The story has elements of magical realism, a key literary element in Latinx culture, where everyday life is intertwined with enchantment and the supernatural. Along these lines, her Colombian culture plays a key part in the story and adds depth to the story. Valentina navigates the duality of being raised in a bicultural environment and must understand her roots in order to defeat the enemy. Her relationship with her mother and grandmother also includes authentic cultural elements. Spanish words are also included throughout the book, especially in naming of characters. For example, using “bruja” instead of witch.
This novel would be best for middle school students. Teachers could use this book to focus on theme and also to teach about magical realism. This book also includes a lot of rich, descriptive language and teachers could utilize this novel as a mentor text for writing. For example, students could practice using the author’s style in their own writing, while also incorporating elements of magical realism.
I read an ebook on Libby. I found this book from the Wakelet. It was from the Publisher’s Weekly article titled, “Myth and Middle Grade: Exploring the Books.” It is a Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2023 and also a Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Top Pick.
There are many important themes that are woven throughout the novel. Identity, family, and responsibility are three of the main ones. These themes also connect to her cultural heritage. The reader is on a journey with Valentina as she develops as a character. Her growth is largely about learning to accept herself, both as a girl with unique abilities and as a person balancing two worlds—one magical, one not. Valentina’s relationship with her mother and grandmother is central to her development, and shows the importance of family. As Valentina discovers her magical powers, she also learns the responsibility that comes with them. The narrative encourages readers to embrace their potential, while recognizing the importance of using their abilities to help.
The story has elements of magical realism, a key literary element in Latinx culture, where everyday life is intertwined with enchantment and the supernatural. Along these lines, her Colombian culture plays a key part in the story and adds depth to the story. Valentina navigates the duality of being raised in a bicultural environment and must understand her roots in order to defeat the enemy. Her relationship with her mother and grandmother also includes authentic cultural elements. Spanish words are also included throughout the book, especially in naming of characters. For example, using “bruja” instead of witch.
This novel would be best for middle school students. Teachers could use this book to focus on theme and also to teach about magical realism. This book also includes a lot of rich, descriptive language and teachers could utilize this novel as a mentor text for writing. For example, students could practice using the author’s style in their own writing, while also incorporating elements of magical realism.
I read an ebook on Libby. I found this book from the Wakelet. It was from the Publisher’s Weekly article titled, “Myth and Middle Grade: Exploring the Books.” It is a Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2023 and also a Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Top Pick.
October 12, 2022
If you want a book full of love and wonder, The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejia is for you. If you want a protagonist who is both sweet, and spunky, this is the ticket. If you want Latinx boogeymen and women who redeem themselves, look no more. The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejia is . . . enchanting. Valentina tells the reader that some people believe that witches and fantastical beings abound and that they were bad. Valentina’s father had a different idea, he painted them as kind, helpful and always having candy for the kids. Valentina believes neither. She’s believes in science, like her mother, although her fingers are always itching to paint whatever beautiful thing pops in front of her eyes. And do they ever. When an earthquake happens and Valentina’s father falls into a crevasse, Valentina and her brother, Julian, need to find help. After a fall of their own, the only way open to them is through a yawning cave which opens mysteriously in front of them. At the end of the tunnel, a beautiful world emerges. A mirror image of her Colombia, except this one is lush, and unharmed by draughts and natural disasters. But Valentina and Julian are intruders. They are seen with distrust by the magical creatures of the realm who want to keep their home free from the devastating effects of humans. In order to free their father, the must meet the witch, MadreMonte, who holds the only way to get back to the Colombia of human beings and save their father. Adventures abound, some exhilarating, some petrifying. And of course there’s sibling strife and then Valentina is left alone to save not only her father, now, but also her brother. The ending is a sweet surprise. I didn’t see it coming, and I loved it. Middle graders will too. Valentina Mejias does indeed have an enchanted life.
April 29, 2024
An engaging, action-filled look into some of the mythical creatures in Colombian folklore. Human characters are believable and relatable, and even the non-human characters have distinct personalities and attributes. Vivid imagery, good descriptions of the non-human characters, and an adventurous storyline with a hopeful ending.
My only concern is the occasional use of Spanish, simply because readers who are unfamiliar with the language may not understand what is being said. The author usually provides enough context for readers to figure it out, though.
My only concern is the occasional use of Spanish, simply because readers who are unfamiliar with the language may not understand what is being said. The author usually provides enough context for readers to figure it out, though.
April 12, 2023
An absolute gem of a book that kept me on the edge of my seat! Valentina's journey takes her into the realms of legend where a faithful little brother and new friends lift her up, tickle her funny bone, and help her discover a secret that could save her life. Readers will cheer this plucky Columbian girl as she navigates dangers, learns how the magical world connects to our own, and chooses kindness even at personal risk. The ending made my heart soar! Truly enchanting!
September 25, 2023
Artistic 12-year-old Valentina and her younger brother Julian are on a trek in the Andes mountains with their Papi who is searching for a mythical creature when an earthquake hits, knocking their father unconscious, trapping him in a crevice, and sending the two children down a portal to an alternate Colombia where all their father’s legends are real.
The colorful cover with a mysterious shadowy head and a slinky silver dragon curling around two very determined-looking children accurately conveys the feeling of Alessandri’s story - a fantasy set in a specific real culture. The writing is concise while still balancing the action and dramatic tension of a young person on a life-saving quest - at 213 pages, this is shorter than most of the read-alike Rick Riordan Presents books.
Valentina and Julian’s quest introduces a variety of mythical creatures based in traditional culture, and their modern-day sensibilities give space for skepticism as well as big-perspective empathy. Readers are therefore given an opportunity to fully consider and attempt empathy with these Colombian legendary figures who might at first seem terrifying, good practice for looking at both sides of any living creature’s behavior.
It is a fun adventure to meet all the characters in the magical world - each one is unique and interesting; helpful witch Grucinda, vicious Patasola, gentle, silly Albetroz a river dragon, three noble friends - an ocelot, armadillo, & capybara, and several more. (It feels most similar to the classic children's literature quests like Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, while also providing plenty of what children reach for - wish-fullfilling series such as Rainbow Magic Ruby the Red Fairy & The Fairy Realm The Charm Bracelet series.)
Valentina and Julian are great models of sibling support and mutual encouragement, while still feeling realistically their ages; they bicker off and on, Julian is usually buoyantly energetic but occasionally droops, and Valentina has dramatic emotional swings, like most kids her age.
Frustratingly, there is a crucial section in which Valentina and the duendes (elves) undertake a manhunt for her missing brother (and the capybara who was taking care of him) and then convene a community assembly, while Valentina seems to forget for several hours that she has a magical map that shows exactly where he is!
Unfortunately, Colombian legends that form the basis for the mythic characters Alessandrini describes are not widely available to children. It may be that all the background information readers need is included in the story - but a reading list of published folktales would have been nice to include. ((I’ve ordered a few books of collections of Hispanic and Latino folktales and will update this when I see what children might find.))
Alessandri has kept her audience clearly in mind; I felt a cohesion between the length & reach of the story, the pacing, the characters & their personalities & choices, and the pleasant conclusion - which will be a surprise to many young readers, while older readers can feel the satisfaction of having guessed that something like that was coming.
The colorful cover with a mysterious shadowy head and a slinky silver dragon curling around two very determined-looking children accurately conveys the feeling of Alessandri’s story - a fantasy set in a specific real culture. The writing is concise while still balancing the action and dramatic tension of a young person on a life-saving quest - at 213 pages, this is shorter than most of the read-alike Rick Riordan Presents books.
Valentina and Julian’s quest introduces a variety of mythical creatures based in traditional culture, and their modern-day sensibilities give space for skepticism as well as big-perspective empathy. Readers are therefore given an opportunity to fully consider and attempt empathy with these Colombian legendary figures who might at first seem terrifying, good practice for looking at both sides of any living creature’s behavior.
It is a fun adventure to meet all the characters in the magical world - each one is unique and interesting; helpful witch Grucinda, vicious Patasola, gentle, silly Albetroz a river dragon, three noble friends - an ocelot, armadillo, & capybara, and several more. (It feels most similar to the classic children's literature quests like Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, while also providing plenty of what children reach for - wish-fullfilling series such as Rainbow Magic Ruby the Red Fairy & The Fairy Realm The Charm Bracelet series.)
Valentina and Julian are great models of sibling support and mutual encouragement, while still feeling realistically their ages; they bicker off and on, Julian is usually buoyantly energetic but occasionally droops, and Valentina has dramatic emotional swings, like most kids her age.
Frustratingly, there is a crucial section in which Valentina and the duendes (elves) undertake a manhunt for her missing brother (and the capybara who was taking care of him) and then convene a community assembly, while Valentina seems to forget for several hours that she has a magical map that shows exactly where he is!
Unfortunately, Colombian legends that form the basis for the mythic characters Alessandrini describes are not widely available to children. It may be that all the background information readers need is included in the story - but a reading list of published folktales would have been nice to include. ((I’ve ordered a few books of collections of Hispanic and Latino folktales and will update this when I see what children might find.))
Alessandri has kept her audience clearly in mind; I felt a cohesion between the length & reach of the story, the pacing, the characters & their personalities & choices, and the pleasant conclusion - which will be a surprise to many young readers, while older readers can feel the satisfaction of having guessed that something like that was coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía by @apalessandri is a magical bilingual fantasy story that drew me in from the start.
12-year-old Valentina and her 10-year-old brother Julián live in Colombia in the country. When the story begins, the siblings and their papi are hiking through the Andes Mountains, searching for evidence of the legendary creatures their father is convinced are real, and has dedicated his life's work to proving it.
Suddenly an earthquake opens a hole in the earth, plunging their father into a hole and leading Vale and Julián through a portal into a magical world. The new world looks much like the familiar Colombian landscapes, but in this world, magical creatures abound. The kids interact with a variety of friendly characters: Grucinda the brujita (friendly witch), Doña Ruth the capybara and Don Pedro the armadillo, Albetroz the Dragon of the River, and a group of duendes (elves).
They also are pursued by unfriendly characters such as the patasola (one-legged woman), mano peluda (a living furry hand), el silbón (a man that whistles as he pursues), and other magical creatures who work for the Madremonte: the queen and protector of the land. She is angry that humans have entered into the magical land, which had been sealed after her son Marcos was kidnapped hundreds of years ago.
Will they be able to reach the Madremonte's palace to return to the human world and rescue their papi? What other secrets will be revealed before this is all said and done? Full of luscious descriptions of the gorgeous settings, I found myself wanting to absorb every detail. The magical world and characters make this a future classic to be read multiple times.
This book mixed together some of my favorite genres: I love the Narnia books and this had definite Narnia vibes. In addition, I loved the way Spanish was worked into the text in context, in a way that an English-only reader could understand. However, a bilingual reader would find even more nuggets of details that added to the richness of the descriptions and dialogue. I can only hope that Alexandra Alessandri makes this into a series!
12-year-old Valentina and her 10-year-old brother Julián live in Colombia in the country. When the story begins, the siblings and their papi are hiking through the Andes Mountains, searching for evidence of the legendary creatures their father is convinced are real, and has dedicated his life's work to proving it.
Suddenly an earthquake opens a hole in the earth, plunging their father into a hole and leading Vale and Julián through a portal into a magical world. The new world looks much like the familiar Colombian landscapes, but in this world, magical creatures abound. The kids interact with a variety of friendly characters: Grucinda the brujita (friendly witch), Doña Ruth the capybara and Don Pedro the armadillo, Albetroz the Dragon of the River, and a group of duendes (elves).
They also are pursued by unfriendly characters such as the patasola (one-legged woman), mano peluda (a living furry hand), el silbón (a man that whistles as he pursues), and other magical creatures who work for the Madremonte: the queen and protector of the land. She is angry that humans have entered into the magical land, which had been sealed after her son Marcos was kidnapped hundreds of years ago.
Will they be able to reach the Madremonte's palace to return to the human world and rescue their papi? What other secrets will be revealed before this is all said and done? Full of luscious descriptions of the gorgeous settings, I found myself wanting to absorb every detail. The magical world and characters make this a future classic to be read multiple times.
This book mixed together some of my favorite genres: I love the Narnia books and this had definite Narnia vibes. In addition, I loved the way Spanish was worked into the text in context, in a way that an English-only reader could understand. However, a bilingual reader would find even more nuggets of details that added to the richness of the descriptions and dialogue. I can only hope that Alexandra Alessandri makes this into a series!
September 17, 2023
Adventure mixes with rich legends to create an engaging read.
Valentina follows her brother and father on one of their family's crazy quests to discover legends, while their mother is away, continuing her studies of a volcano. When an earthquake catches them off guard, the family is separated and left in danger. With her brother at her side, Valentina struggles to rescue her father, but instead, runs into the creatures behind the legends her father has chased for years. These powerful beings are not pleased, but somehow Valentina is going to have to steer through them as she learns to deal with her own emerging abilities...or everyone is doomed.
From the very first page, this read grabs. Valentina's family comes across extremely realistic...maybe a bit quirky, at times, but that makes them that much more likable. The relationship between Valentina and her brother really shines and gives this entire read a nice family vibe. However, this read isn't as much about emotions as it is adventure, which is great because it makes the pages fly by as the reader gets lost in this world.
The messages hit a varied spectrum from battles with oneself to family to environmental issues and more. These weave into the plot well, allowing the tension to take over. The mythical creatures bring various legends to life and broaden readers' horizons. There's even a bit of Spanish mixed in. So, it's a rich read on several ends.
I do hope the author has more adventures for this family planned, since it was a fun read. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the adventure quite a bit.
Valentina follows her brother and father on one of their family's crazy quests to discover legends, while their mother is away, continuing her studies of a volcano. When an earthquake catches them off guard, the family is separated and left in danger. With her brother at her side, Valentina struggles to rescue her father, but instead, runs into the creatures behind the legends her father has chased for years. These powerful beings are not pleased, but somehow Valentina is going to have to steer through them as she learns to deal with her own emerging abilities...or everyone is doomed.
From the very first page, this read grabs. Valentina's family comes across extremely realistic...maybe a bit quirky, at times, but that makes them that much more likable. The relationship between Valentina and her brother really shines and gives this entire read a nice family vibe. However, this read isn't as much about emotions as it is adventure, which is great because it makes the pages fly by as the reader gets lost in this world.
The messages hit a varied spectrum from battles with oneself to family to environmental issues and more. These weave into the plot well, allowing the tension to take over. The mythical creatures bring various legends to life and broaden readers' horizons. There's even a bit of Spanish mixed in. So, it's a rich read on several ends.
I do hope the author has more adventures for this family planned, since it was a fun read. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the adventure quite a bit.
December 31, 2022
I had the opportunity of reading an advance copy of this book and really enjoyed it. From the very beginning this story is filled with action, surprises and magic. It was a quick read, since I kept wanting to know what would happen next.
The book follows Valentina, a 12 year old girl, who's always heard unbelievable stories of legendary Colombian creatures told by her father, who is obsessed to prove their existence. The story begins when an earthquake strikes while Valentina, her father and brother Julián were exploring the Andes Mountain following a lead on a sighting of a creature. As a result of the earthquake Valentina's father gets hurt so it's up to the kids to go get help. However, as they try to fulfill their mission, they found themselves lost in a magical world in which all the fantastic creatures from the legends do exist.
With their father's time running out and trapped in a world of enchantment, Valentina and Julián will have to overcome many obstacles and magical encounters with Colombian folklore characters in order to be able to go back their own world. However, the only way to achieve this is to convince the Madremonte, ruler of the magical land, to send them home. The problem is she hates humans and she'll do everything she can to capture Valentina and Julián. How will the kids be able to succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I particularly enjoyed the twists at the ending. It was very exciting and unexpected and I found it satisfying. Getting to know about Colombian folklore and legends through this book was very interesting and a big plus for me.
The book follows Valentina, a 12 year old girl, who's always heard unbelievable stories of legendary Colombian creatures told by her father, who is obsessed to prove their existence. The story begins when an earthquake strikes while Valentina, her father and brother Julián were exploring the Andes Mountain following a lead on a sighting of a creature. As a result of the earthquake Valentina's father gets hurt so it's up to the kids to go get help. However, as they try to fulfill their mission, they found themselves lost in a magical world in which all the fantastic creatures from the legends do exist.
With their father's time running out and trapped in a world of enchantment, Valentina and Julián will have to overcome many obstacles and magical encounters with Colombian folklore characters in order to be able to go back their own world. However, the only way to achieve this is to convince the Madremonte, ruler of the magical land, to send them home. The problem is she hates humans and she'll do everything she can to capture Valentina and Julián. How will the kids be able to succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I particularly enjoyed the twists at the ending. It was very exciting and unexpected and I found it satisfying. Getting to know about Colombian folklore and legends through this book was very interesting and a big plus for me.
December 14, 2024
A book about Colombia folklore of mythical creatures, which were vividly described enough so that I could understand what it is they're supposed to be. As someone who knew nothing about the legends because I grew up in America, thank you to the author for allowing my imagination to picture them perfectly. I had no trouble at all while reading this book because of it.
As two children stumble into a different world filled with mythology, they are told the queen of the land hates humans because her son was kidnapped by humans. So they have to find their way back home and to save their father who was badly hurt in an earthquake before arriving in the mythical world.
Full of adventure and likeable characters, I found this story to be very charming, despite the constant peril the children tend to find themselves in. There are dark moments and redemption moments. Moments of pain and of glory. Of friendship and of family. It was very well written and I enjoyed my time learning about the mythology of Colombia. And this does have a happy ending. A solid 4/5.
As two children stumble into a different world filled with mythology, they are told the queen of the land hates humans because her son was kidnapped by humans. So they have to find their way back home and to save their father who was badly hurt in an earthquake before arriving in the mythical world.
Full of adventure and likeable characters, I found this story to be very charming, despite the constant peril the children tend to find themselves in. There are dark moments and redemption moments. Moments of pain and of glory. Of friendship and of family. It was very well written and I enjoyed my time learning about the mythology of Colombia. And this does have a happy ending. A solid 4/5.
December 19, 2022
A delightful adventure story full of magic, folklore, and heart
THE ENCHANTED LIFE OF VALENTINA MEJIA follows twelve-year-old Valentina and her younger brother from their regular life, where the mythical creatures of Colombian folklore are just fanciful stories their father tells, into a realm where these creatures live in cottages, haunt the forests, and seek revenge on the humans who’ve wronged them. In a quest to save their father, the plucky young heroine and her brother must find the madremonte, a powerful Earth spirit who rules this magical realm, and somehow convince her to help them—even though the madremonte views humans as her greatest enemy.
At its heart, this is a beautiful story about family (with surprising twists and turns that kept me guessing!) that feels perfectly paced for its middle-grade audience. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author for this advance reader copy.
THE ENCHANTED LIFE OF VALENTINA MEJIA follows twelve-year-old Valentina and her younger brother from their regular life, where the mythical creatures of Colombian folklore are just fanciful stories their father tells, into a realm where these creatures live in cottages, haunt the forests, and seek revenge on the humans who’ve wronged them. In a quest to save their father, the plucky young heroine and her brother must find the madremonte, a powerful Earth spirit who rules this magical realm, and somehow convince her to help them—even though the madremonte views humans as her greatest enemy.
At its heart, this is a beautiful story about family (with surprising twists and turns that kept me guessing!) that feels perfectly paced for its middle-grade audience. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author for this advance reader copy.
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January 12, 2023This book was WONDERFUL.
If you know my reading tastes, then you know adventure stories don't tend to be my favorite middle grades, but wow wow wow, I would recommend this one to any and all kids 3rd grade and up! Big time Narnia vibes mixed with Colombian folklore, and I loved the cast of characters and the "twist" I was hoping with all my heart would happen 😅❤️.
THE ENCHANTED LIFE OF VALENTINA MEJÍA comes out next month (Feb 21) & it's a 5 star recommendation from me for sure.
P.S. This cover was made using paper art and is *gorgeous*. Check out the artist's instagram to see how it was made: @danasanmar
If you know my reading tastes, then you know adventure stories don't tend to be my favorite middle grades, but wow wow wow, I would recommend this one to any and all kids 3rd grade and up! Big time Narnia vibes mixed with Colombian folklore, and I loved the cast of characters and the "twist" I was hoping with all my heart would happen 😅❤️.
THE ENCHANTED LIFE OF VALENTINA MEJÍA comes out next month (Feb 21) & it's a 5 star recommendation from me for sure.
P.S. This cover was made using paper art and is *gorgeous*. Check out the artist's instagram to see how it was made: @danasanmar
January 30, 2023
Was lucky to read an advanced copy of this magical book. Alexandra weaves a gorgeous fairytale of story set in the lush Colombian jungles. Valentina and her little brother Julian are endearing protagonists and the plot is a page turner. As a bonus, the values of protecting our planet are scattered throughout.
Highly recommend this book to young and older readers! Can picture this story on the big screen one day.
Highly recommend this book to young and older readers! Can picture this story on the big screen one day.
January 11, 2023
One word: enchanting!
This was a fast-paced, beautifully-written middle grade story full of magic and heart. A portal fantasy unlike any I've read before, this book featured Colombian folklore, highlighting the different magical creatures the main character meets along the way. Valentina herself is brave and compassionate, and I found myself rooting for her from page one. The sibling relationship is well-done, and there are a few surprising plot twists near the end. Recommended for anyone who enjoys magical adventure stories.
This was a fast-paced, beautifully-written middle grade story full of magic and heart. A portal fantasy unlike any I've read before, this book featured Colombian folklore, highlighting the different magical creatures the main character meets along the way. Valentina herself is brave and compassionate, and I found myself rooting for her from page one. The sibling relationship is well-done, and there are a few surprising plot twists near the end. Recommended for anyone who enjoys magical adventure stories.
March 15, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
A run middle grade, which taught me a lot about Columbian folklore, which I knew nothing about before I read this book.
The plot twist I guessed early on, and the ending was a bit quick and cheesy, but still an enjoyable read!
TW for missing children, kidnapping, grief, imprisonment, flooding/near drowning, minor injury detail.
A run middle grade, which taught me a lot about Columbian folklore, which I knew nothing about before I read this book.
The plot twist I guessed early on, and the ending was a bit quick and cheesy, but still an enjoyable read!
TW for missing children, kidnapping, grief, imprisonment, flooding/near drowning, minor injury detail.
May 10, 2024
Kept me turning pages all the way through! This story incorporates the unique folklore and animals of Colombia in a way reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's magical realism. I loved the way the author painted the setting in the Andes so beautifully. It made me homesick for that region. Awesome read for all kids!
January 9, 2023
I read this to my middle grade students for first chapter Friday and they didn't want it to end! Such lyrical writing while at the same time including adventure and humor. We all loved the cultural and environmental aspects as well. Definitely recommend.
February 15, 2023
This book was great filled with latino folklore and so much adventure! Valentina goes on an adventure that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Totally recommend for the young and young at heart!
April 17, 2023
I enjoyed this book, the main character does a good job of working through other peoples perspectives and the pacing for the plot felt like a nice steady clip. On the younger side with a message about the environment and the importance of family.
April 26, 2023
Magical adventure awaits you in The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía! This enjoyable book is a page turner with culture, folklore, family, friends, and lots of twists and turns. I highly recommend and look forward to sharing it with young readers.
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May 17, 2023Predictable (to me, as an adult), but fast paced and filled with interesting and at times creepy mythology. While some of the Spanish words scattered in may be challenging for some readers, I think many will like that this is a shorter, stand alone fantasy book.
April 18, 2024
A fantasy set in Colombia with traditional Columbian myths and monsters. Fast paced, high action, but not too long (210 pages).
Girl and her little brother fall into the earth after an earthquake and encounter the stuff of legends in order to save their father.
Girl and her little brother fall into the earth after an earthquake and encounter the stuff of legends in order to save their father.
July 2, 2024
A thrilling ride! Alessandri expertly weaves in Colombian mythology with universal and timely (as well as timeless) messages of family connections, empathy, and environmental stewardship. A must read!
January 14, 2025
This was a cute and simple middle school age read. It’s a little cheesy, but the Colombian folklore adds a fun twist to the adventure. For being a short read, the author packed a lot of Colombian history and mystery into this book!
January 3, 2023
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Do appreciate the different cover style on this one, and the Colombian representation.
Do appreciate the different cover style on this one, and the Colombian representation.
February 23, 2023
This title is as great as its cover art. I love it!
March 31, 2023
'It's a long story. The stuff magic's made of."
April 17, 2023
cool-ish concept, very poor execution, even for a middle grade novel.
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