What do you think?
Rate this book
Legendarios #1
Wrath of the Rain God (1)
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?
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?
144 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2024
18 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Karla Arenas Valenti
21 books59 followersKarla Arenas Valenti is the Pura Belpré award winning author of best selling middle grade novels, chapter books, and picture books.
Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.
Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.
Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.
Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.
Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.
Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 2, 2025
Book 1 in an exciting new MG chapter book series by KAV.
🌧️
Nine-year-old twins Emma and Martin are very different both in looks and temperament, but they’re can wholeheartedly agree that neither wants to leave Mexico to move to Chicago for their dad’s new job. Before they leave Abuela gifts them a book and each a treasure. When they realize the book is magical and transports them to an Aztec civilization where someone has stolen the Rain God’s lightning bolt, it’s up to Emma and Martin to make everything right again.
⚡️
What a fast-paces fantasy adventure novel perfect for those starting out reading chapter books The text was accessible and the illustrations really added to the story. I loved learning more about Mexican folklore and think this series will be a long and successful one (it’s on book 4 already!)
CW: injury
🌧️
Nine-year-old twins Emma and Martin are very different both in looks and temperament, but they’re can wholeheartedly agree that neither wants to leave Mexico to move to Chicago for their dad’s new job. Before they leave Abuela gifts them a book and each a treasure. When they realize the book is magical and transports them to an Aztec civilization where someone has stolen the Rain God’s lightning bolt, it’s up to Emma and Martin to make everything right again.
⚡️
What a fast-paces fantasy adventure novel perfect for those starting out reading chapter books The text was accessible and the illustrations really added to the story. I loved learning more about Mexican folklore and think this series will be a long and successful one (it’s on book 4 already!)
CW: injury
June 6, 2025
Magic Tree House meets Land of Stories, but with Mexican history and lore. There was a lot packed into this short, accessible read, moving from one action to the next. The story/title interested me...so I picked it up. As far as the audience goes, I think ages 7+ would like the story. Depending on reading ability, I would probably say 10+.
May 3, 2025
Reading novels with my 8 year old now so I think our reads deserve a fair review. :) She really liked this one and asked me to borrow book 2 from the library. It's a story about a pair of twins who are mad at their parents for moving them to the US and forcing them to leave their small town in Mexico. Their abuela gives them some curious, magical items as a parting gift which end up leading them on a great adventure to save an Aztec village. The book introduces readers to Aztec culture, mythology, and lore. The author includes a glossary at the end of the book to explain the various Aztec and Mexican references in the book. My daughter asked me to read these to her and she found it all very interesting.
Read
October 27, 2025this felt so young compared to the usual mcba picks! feel like I can't in good faith rate the reading experience lol, but I would DEFINITELY recommend this series to kids who like magic tree house
March 7, 2024
What worked:
The book’s synopsis reveals most of the entire plot. Martin and Emma do not want to move but gifts from their abuela help them feel a connection to Mexico. Abalone shells and Emma’s obsidian necklace are other reminders. Abuela gives the twins a magical book about Mexican legends although the kids don’t realize its powers until later. Emma’s necklace has powers of its own and it becomes an important piece of jewelry during their adventure.
The plot incorporates elements from the Mexican culture as the family moves from Mexico to Chicago. The book opens with their abuela in the kitchen cooking for the family’s goodbye party. Martin and Emma are eating churros and hot chocolate as their grandmother prepares frijoles in a ceramic pot. Tamales and flan will also be included as part of the family’s comida. Abuela uses several Spanish phrases when speaking to the twins but readers should still be able to use the context to understand them. Transporting back to the time of the Aztecs shares more about the pre-Mexican culture and beliefs.
Martin and Emma have no trouble arguing, just ask Abuela, but the story’s challenges force them to become a united team. Martin isn’t about to let Emma enter the portal alone and he’s always by her side even if he doesn’t fully agree with her decisions. They display great bravery during the adventure as they don’t hesitate to help frightened villagers who’ve fallen victim to torrential rains. It takes guts and brains to face two angry Aztec gods and find a way to make them both happy. The twins’ empathy for the defenseless villagers motivates them to never give up.
What didn’t work as well:
The story doesn’t use in-depth descriptions of the events and characters so more advanced readers will find it lacking. However, the writing style results in a faster pace that will appeal to many readers and keep them mentally engaged.
The final verdict:
The fast-paced narrative includes a good deal of action and results in a wholesome, feel-good story. Overall, it will be enjoyable for young readers and I recommend it to average, intermediate-grade students.
The book’s synopsis reveals most of the entire plot. Martin and Emma do not want to move but gifts from their abuela help them feel a connection to Mexico. Abalone shells and Emma’s obsidian necklace are other reminders. Abuela gives the twins a magical book about Mexican legends although the kids don’t realize its powers until later. Emma’s necklace has powers of its own and it becomes an important piece of jewelry during their adventure.
The plot incorporates elements from the Mexican culture as the family moves from Mexico to Chicago. The book opens with their abuela in the kitchen cooking for the family’s goodbye party. Martin and Emma are eating churros and hot chocolate as their grandmother prepares frijoles in a ceramic pot. Tamales and flan will also be included as part of the family’s comida. Abuela uses several Spanish phrases when speaking to the twins but readers should still be able to use the context to understand them. Transporting back to the time of the Aztecs shares more about the pre-Mexican culture and beliefs.
Martin and Emma have no trouble arguing, just ask Abuela, but the story’s challenges force them to become a united team. Martin isn’t about to let Emma enter the portal alone and he’s always by her side even if he doesn’t fully agree with her decisions. They display great bravery during the adventure as they don’t hesitate to help frightened villagers who’ve fallen victim to torrential rains. It takes guts and brains to face two angry Aztec gods and find a way to make them both happy. The twins’ empathy for the defenseless villagers motivates them to never give up.
What didn’t work as well:
The story doesn’t use in-depth descriptions of the events and characters so more advanced readers will find it lacking. However, the writing style results in a faster pace that will appeal to many readers and keep them mentally engaged.
The final verdict:
The fast-paced narrative includes a good deal of action and results in a wholesome, feel-good story. Overall, it will be enjoyable for young readers and I recommend it to average, intermediate-grade students.
April 10, 2024
There's little room for boredom as the tale heads from one difficult situation to the next, while throwing in insights into Mexican legends and myths.
Twins Emma and Martin are as different as different could be, which can cause tensions, but that's nothing to what they are now facing. When their father lands a dream job in Chicago, that means moving away from their beloved home in Mexico to the United States. To help them keep their ties to Mexico, their abuela gives them a book over Mexican legends. Soon, the twins discover it's actually magical. The book takes them to ancient Texcoco, where the lightning bolt has been stolen from the god of rain. He refuses to stop the heavy rainfall until his bolt is returned, and somehow, the twins need to accomplish this or history will see the end of Texcoco and be radically altered.
This is an exciting beginning to what promises to be a fun series. The twins make a wonderful duo and a pair of heroes, who are easy to connect with and root for. There is little depth to the characters, allowing the plot to push every page forward. The tale races along, making sure something is always happening. The book seems to aim more for the lower end of the middle grade audience and offers a buffer between shorter chapter books and deeper middle grade novels. This makes it a lovely read even for more reluctant readers.
Mexican legends come to life in a fun and adventurous way. While readers learn a bit about history and legends, it's kept light. Descriptions are held to a minimum, which fits well to this younger audience, and while a little more would have added richness, the balance keeps the tale entertaining. There are also nods to a thief, which promises much more to come and adds a clever way to bond the series. It will be fun to see where the twins head next. I received a DRC and can't wait to see where book two heads.
Twins Emma and Martin are as different as different could be, which can cause tensions, but that's nothing to what they are now facing. When their father lands a dream job in Chicago, that means moving away from their beloved home in Mexico to the United States. To help them keep their ties to Mexico, their abuela gives them a book over Mexican legends. Soon, the twins discover it's actually magical. The book takes them to ancient Texcoco, where the lightning bolt has been stolen from the god of rain. He refuses to stop the heavy rainfall until his bolt is returned, and somehow, the twins need to accomplish this or history will see the end of Texcoco and be radically altered.
This is an exciting beginning to what promises to be a fun series. The twins make a wonderful duo and a pair of heroes, who are easy to connect with and root for. There is little depth to the characters, allowing the plot to push every page forward. The tale races along, making sure something is always happening. The book seems to aim more for the lower end of the middle grade audience and offers a buffer between shorter chapter books and deeper middle grade novels. This makes it a lovely read even for more reluctant readers.
Mexican legends come to life in a fun and adventurous way. While readers learn a bit about history and legends, it's kept light. Descriptions are held to a minimum, which fits well to this younger audience, and while a little more would have added richness, the balance keeps the tale entertaining. There are also nods to a thief, which promises much more to come and adds a clever way to bond the series. It will be fun to see where the twins head next. I received a DRC and can't wait to see where book two heads.
July 20, 2025
Emma and Martin are not happy to be moving from Mexico to Chicago even though their parents are excited about the new job her dad will have. The twins do not want to leave their beautiful home near aunts, uncles, cousins, and their Abuela. But Abuela asks them to make the most of it and she gives them 3 gifts when they leave. One gift is a book about the Aztecs, the ancestors of Emma and Martins family. Abuela says the book is magical. And she gives them each an individual gift: an obsidian necklace for Emma and a shell for Martin.
All these gifts become more than Emma and Martin could imagine when once in Chicago, the three objects—book, obsidian, and shell—work together to open a portal to another time and place.
Emma and Martin find themselves in the scientific Aztec land they’ve only heard about. And with the little bit they know of magic, they have to save an Aztec community from “the wrath of the rain God.”
All these gifts become more than Emma and Martin could imagine when once in Chicago, the three objects—book, obsidian, and shell—work together to open a portal to another time and place.
Emma and Martin find themselves in the scientific Aztec land they’ve only heard about. And with the little bit they know of magic, they have to save an Aztec community from “the wrath of the rain God.”
June 9, 2025
Pretty cute little magical adventure story that will make for a nice series. Twins Emma and Martin get a magic book and stone necklace from their grandmother. It takes them on an adventure which draws from Mexican folklore in which they help the angry rain god get his lightning rod back. Good twists and turns, good pacing with a few illustrations dispersed throughout. Will appeal to 2nd-4th graders who like magical adventure and learning about cultures.
March 23, 2024
I received this as an ARC from Simon & Schuster.
This was a fun, action packed adventure story that young readers will enjoy. It does not include a lot of description or character development which may lead some readers to find the story lacking. However, for those transitioning into chapter books and needing a fast paced book to keep them engaged, this would be a perfect fit.
This was a fun, action packed adventure story that young readers will enjoy. It does not include a lot of description or character development which may lead some readers to find the story lacking. However, for those transitioning into chapter books and needing a fast paced book to keep them engaged, this would be a perfect fit.
September 21, 2025
I think this is a great early reader middle grade book. I think this book would great for kids making the transation to chapter books. This book would also be fun for kids that are spanish background. is very must infused spanish mythology. I had fun time with this quick book!! If you have youner reader that really liked mythology or quick books!! this one is a easy rec!!
December 1, 2024
My five year old is obsessed with learning about Mexica (Aztec) mythology and is always excited to learn about her culture but there are very few books out there that are age appropriate.
This was a perfect read aloud book for us to read together now that she's more interested in chapter books.
This was a perfect read aloud book for us to read together now that she's more interested in chapter books.
November 27, 2025
Wrath of the Rain God is a nice little story full of Aztec gods and adventure perfect for younger middle grade kids. The end has a few pages with extra information about the gods and culture. The action is nonstop so it’s fun to read.
June 4, 2024
Huge amount of story in a short, accessible book. I love that they make a new friend who speaks Nahuatl and helps them navigate Aztec deities. Feels Magic Treehouse in a good way.
Read
June 5, 2024Nice, fantasy book for kids not ready for the larger, hardback ones.
June 21, 2024
This is definitely too young for my audience, but it was a fun read and I'd highly recommend it to 7-9 yr. olds! Magic Treehouse meets Percy Jackson, and love the Mexican legends!
January 1, 2025
Good adventure for early chapter book readers. In fact, this is probably the best that this genre gets, on par with the Magic Tree House series but with a Mexican background. Lovely.
April 4, 2025
TBA 2025-2026 Nominee
Read
May 10, 2025Bluebonnet Book 2025-2026 Good book for central theme.
May 25, 2025
I could not suspend my disbelief with the whiny gods.
June 14, 2025
I thought the jaguar was greedy.It was surprising that Emma and Martin agreed since it is very rare that siblings agree with decisions.
September 2, 2025
MCBA 25-26
September 15, 2025
A solid new series for kids that would like Magic Tree House. Action packed, not overly difficult to understand and has lots of Aztec/Mexican lore/culture packed in.
April 7, 2024
Emma and Martin's dad lands his dream job in Chicago as a middle school principal which means moving away from their beloved home in Cuernavaca, Mexico. They'll be moving away from their friends, family, and abuela's delicious cooking. So not fair! Their abuela leaves them with a parting gift - a book of Mexican legends that promises great adventure. Little do they know that this book is magical and they'll have to use their wits to survive the wrath of the rain god.
Wrath of the Rain God is the start of an early chapter book series that introduces Mexican folklore. The comparison to the Magic Tree House series is spot on and this story should appeal to those same readers. Interestingly, the god of rain's thunderbolt was stolen, which may appeal to another group -Percy Jackson fans too young to read the middle-grade series.
The story was fast-paced and perfect for adventure-seeking readers. It had an intriguing thief character who I would love to read more about in the upcoming books. In this story, I would have liked to learn more about Emma and Martin as individuals. We got a taste but there needs to be more character development for readers to want to follow along for years to come. Readers who enjoy magic, adventure, and a little bit of mystery would like this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with a copy of Wrath of the Rain God in exchange for an honest review.
Wrath of the Rain God is the start of an early chapter book series that introduces Mexican folklore. The comparison to the Magic Tree House series is spot on and this story should appeal to those same readers. Interestingly, the god of rain's thunderbolt was stolen, which may appeal to another group -Percy Jackson fans too young to read the middle-grade series.
The story was fast-paced and perfect for adventure-seeking readers. It had an intriguing thief character who I would love to read more about in the upcoming books. In this story, I would have liked to learn more about Emma and Martin as individuals. We got a taste but there needs to be more character development for readers to want to follow along for years to come. Readers who enjoy magic, adventure, and a little bit of mystery would like this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with a copy of Wrath of the Rain God in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2024
A good alternative to the Magic Treehouse series!
I thought it was an informative read - great for kids who want to learn about South America in general.
Could be 1/100? I didn't vibe with it so much, but I think it is because I am an adult reading a first chapter book, lol.
I thought it was an informative read - great for kids who want to learn about South America in general.
Could be 1/100? I didn't vibe with it so much, but I think it is because I am an adult reading a first chapter book, lol.
December 10, 2024
for volunteering but kinda fire...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews