Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring

by Angela Cervantes

A room locked for fifty years.

A valuable peacock ring.

A mysterious brother-sister duo.

Paloma Marquez is traveling to Mexico City, birthplace of her deceased father, for the very first time. She's hoping that spending time in Mexico will help her unlock memories of the too-brief time they spent together.

While in Mexico, Paloma meets Lizzie and Gael, who present her with an irresistible challenge: The siblings want her to help them find a valuable ring that once belonged to beloved Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Finding the ring means a big reward -- and the thanks of all Mexico. What better way to honor her father than returning a priceless piece of jewelry that once belonged to his favorite artist!

But the brother and sister have a secret. Do they really want to return the ring, or are they after something else entirely?

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Art, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Latinx

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Angela Cervantes is the award-winning author of several popular children's novels including Lety Out Loud, which won the Pura Belpré Honor Award in 2020.

Her other novels include The Cursed Moon, which won Florida's Sunshine State Young Readers Award. Angela's other middle grade novels include the Frida Kahlo-inspired mystery, Me, Frida and The Secret of the Peacock Ring; Allie, First At Last; and Gaby, Lost and Found.

Her latest children’s novel is Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows which is book 1 of a two-book series published by Harper Collins.

Additionally, Angela authored the junior novelization for Disney/Pixar's animated-film, Coco and Disney's animated film, Encanto. She also collaborated with American Girl Dolls for the novel Maritza: Lead With Your Heart.

Angela’s short stories have been featured in Chicken Soup for The Latino Soul and the Young Adult anthology Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.

Angela is a daughter of a retired elementary-school teacher who instilled in her a love for reading and storytelling. Angela writes from her home in Kansas City. When she's not writing, Angela enjoys reading, running, gazing up at clouds, and taking advantage of Taco Tuesdays.

To learn more about Angela and her books, visit her website at angelacervantes.com.

Reviews

[Reads With Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My resident county book banner thinks this book is propaganda just for mentioning Frida Kahlo. I read it. Turns out, it’s actually just a cute middle grade book where a girl learns about art history, makes some friends, and learns about her Mexican heritage.

The lesson is: this is a good book. Fascists just hate everything.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this book: 1) Set in Mexico, giving kids a window into another culture, 2) A mystery! 3) Lots of facts about Frida Kahlo. 4) A local author. It did not quite reach the amazing mark for me, though. Although Paloma's sleuthing (inspired by Lulu Pennywhistle) at times reminded me of Nancy Drew, the moving pieces were a bit scattered. I lost my way here and there with the lot developments. It does come together at the end and I will most definitely recommend it to our library patrons. Oh, and that cover -- totally amazing!

[Francisca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected. I became quite annoyed when places I loved as a child where described carelessly and by someone who has clearly never actually visit them.

The mystery at the core of the story didn't grabbed my attention, and I found the main character a little difficult to like. I don't need every character to be a likable one, but turning a character unbearable just because it's not a thing I tend to enjoy.

I think that a person with less knowledge of the places and historic characters presented in the book would enjoy it more than me.

A cozy mystery for children that is cleverly crafted. If that's your cup of tea, by all means give it a try.

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

What I liked about this book: 1) Set in Mexico, giving kids a window into another culture, 2) A mystery! 3) Lots of facts about Frida Kahlo. 4) A local author. It did not quite reach the amazing mark for me, though. Although Paloma's sleuthing (inspired by Lulu Pennywhistle) at times reminded me of Nancy Drew, the moving pieces were a bit scattered. I lost my way here and there with the lot developments. It does come together at the end and I will most definitely recommend it to our library patrons. Oh, and that cover -- totally amazing! *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*

[Lynne Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this middle grade mystery. So happy to find a story with central characters who are smart, fun, interested in and involved with education & art AND Hispanic demonstrating that the Mexican culture is just as diverse and fabulous as any other. Loved the Frida Kahlo information sprinkled throughout.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paloma joins her mom on an art trip to Mexico so Mom can study abroad. Paloma befriends a pair of mysterious siblings (Gael and Lizzie), discovers a love for Frida Kahlo's artwork, and wonders if she herself can utilize the subliminal themes in Frida's art to deal with her own life. Throw in a mysterious stalker, a Russian exchange, a theft, a frame-up, a break-in, a mysterious fortune teller, and the missing iconic Peacock ring and you have a good mystery.

The book keeps the action going. It does introduce Spanish seamlessly and flawlessly . Cervantes' does a great job of describing each of Frida's work, the plot, the food, the characters' appearances, but best of all, the emotions of each of the characters, adult and child alike.

Fun story!

I would make sure that this book is not only on Display for any Art books category or Hispanic Heritage, but it would just be a fun book group read or any diversity read. It's fun and diverse and fast!
Good read alikes would be Francis Hodgen Burnett's A Little Princess and/or Secret Garden, Love Sugar Magic, and Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows.

[J. Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story. My favorite part, in truth, was that one of the characters was a 12-year old female trumpet player in a Mexican mariachi band. LOVE.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this one, a delightful page-turner for middle graders. Although twelve-year-old Paloma Marquez is not particularly thrilled with having to spend part of her summer in Coyoacan, Mexico, while her mother is there on a fellowship, she does value the chance to get in touch with her deceased father's homeland, language and culture. To her surprise, she even becomes fascinated by artist Frida Kahlo when the son of her mother's benefactor, Tavo Faril, introduces Paloma to the artist's work and shares some of her back story. Paloma enjoys spending time with Tavo, but she is also caught up in a mystery at the behest of Gael and Lizzie Castillo who offer to tutor her in Spanish. However, there is more to the siblings than meets the eye, and they ask for Paloma's help in finding a missing peacock ring belonging to the artist. While the mystery itself is fun and its unraveling takes some sophistication on the part of all the involved parties, what really stands out here is the fascinating details about Kahlo and the museum dedicated to her. It probably won't take too much work on the part of observant readers to figure out what's going on, but I was curious that there was no mention of the corrupt Mexican law enforcement officials, something I often hear discussed by others. I really enjoyed how this bored, sullen girl comes alive and is excited to try new things and embrace a new world. I also liked the author's little touches such as how Paloma is inspired by her favorite spy series featuring a girl protagonist and how she takes notes on clues as well as on important memories of her father as shared by her mother. The Author's Note, which shares Angela Cervantes' own interest in Frida Kahlo and describes the inspiration for the story, is a nice addition. The author continues to impress this reader with her sure-handed handling of all sorts of stories and some complicated characters.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paloma is forced to stay in Mexico with her mother for 4 weeks over the summer. The only thing keeping her happy is reading her favorite fictional sleuth Lulu Pennywhistle. But one day, she visits La Casa Azul—the famous artist Frida Kahlo’s house—and finds herself pulled into a mystery of her own. This book was an absolute delight. I was hooked from the beginning. Paloma is such an strong, amazing character. You can’t help but root for her and for her friends. Parts of this actually creeped me out and I thought the mystery was wrapped up nicely. Not super predictable, and the story was full of art. My favorite. I can’t say enough great things about this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so, so dry. I'm a bit surprised by the high reviews here, because of the 10 kids in my book club, four said they couldn't finish it--it just didn't grab them. There is some excitement toward the middle, and the end is fun, but it's a slog to get there.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving it 5 stars because I love Mexico City...other than that it's more of a 4. The story was good, the mystery was good, the writing was good, but nothing was out of the ordinary. I appreciated how the author used her experiences and those of Frida Kahlo to craft a story that not only paints Mexico City in a good light (doesn't happen too often, so I appreciate it a lot!) but introduces children to Spanish language and Mexican culture. Overall a good choice for a children's read.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An exciting middle grade mystery also filled with lots to learn about Frida Kahlo, but in a way that feels fun and not just rattling-off information. Wonderful upcoming diverse book that I highly recommend for readers both young and old to get lost in case of Frida's missing peacock ring!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great Jr detective novel.
Written to capture the young readers mind for sure, as well keep the adults interested also. Would love to hear more from Paloma

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a fun book recommended to me by a friend.  Filled with culture, intrigue, and Frida Kahlo, this novel was a whirlwind of emotion, mother-daughter relations, and fun summer adventures.  It's vibrant, fun, and wholesome.  

I learned so much from this book--I learned more about Mexican culture and the Spanish language, as well as art history and Frida Kahlo herself.  There was just the right amount of mystery and action, and going behind parents' backs.  As Paloma learns to love Mexico and a new side of her family history, the more I loved this book.  

It's overall fun and enjoyable and a great summer read.  Well worth the time!

Review cross-listed here!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book. It’s a great mystery for elementary aged kids. I love the way all the pieces fit together.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first third moved pretty slowly but the rest of the books was entertaining and interesting. A fun read.

[✧~grey~✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book! It took me a while to read with my best friend in our book club, but the mystery itself was fun. <3

[priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars just for the vibes tbh, happy fun times kids book!

[bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

my boss hired me to tutor her son for battle of the books but it’ll get me 6 books closer to my goals so

[Jo Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOB 2022. A fun mystery set in Mexico.

[Christina McK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made for a great read a loud with the kids (10+12)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. This book is so fun, and brilliant, and such a wonderful addition to the middle grade mystery genre!

The problem with MG mysteries is that they’re all about peppy upper-middle-class blonde girls who can do things no regular kid could do. Or dogs. I loved that this book is 100% genuine. It’s about a Latina girl going to Mexico for summer vacation, and while she’s there she just happens to get involved in a big mystery. And this mystery requires no special tricks from her, everything she does is something an average 12-year-old could do if they had the guts. Nor does she make observations like “that footprint looks exactly 2.3 hours old”. It’s done in a way that lets the reader play along without making anything too obvious.

And it’s not diverse for diversity’s sake. As you can probably tell from the title, Mexican culture (especially Mexican art) plays a pivotal role in the story. I loved that Cervantes took the time to explain Frida’s art to the reader. She doesn’t assume the kids already know the purpose of Frida’s art, but she doesn’t talk down to them or over simplify it either. I love the idea that kids can understand even the deeper meanings behind of work of art. Plus, I learned something! My only complaint would be that I could have used images of the Frida paintings described. I had to google them, which is fine, but not all kids have access to the internet 24/7.

Paloma is a fantastic main character. She’s just a normal kid. She gets embarrassed by her mom, loves taking selfies, thinks that boy over there is super cute. But she also misses her dad (who died when she was a toddler), which forms a major part of her character. And she doesn’t know how to feel about her Mexican heritage. Because her mom isn’t Mexican she hasn’t been raised with it, but it makes her feel closer to her dad. So she wants to learn more, but at the same time she misses her friends and just wants to be normal. I love how much inner conflict is in this character, but it’s all done while keeping the book light.

I also want to say thank you to Cervantes for having the character not be in touch with her heritage. We don’t get that a lot in books, but I think a lot of kids can relate to that and often feel left out. I think it’s important to validate those feelings and experiences, and let them know that they can still claim their Latinx identity even if they weren’t raised speaking Spanish.

I didn’t really talk much about the plot or the mystery. I’ll just say that it is good. EXPERTLY crafted, so much fun to read, page turny, very gender non-specific. (meaning that I think boys and girls will both like it)

If you’re a librarian or teacher, I can’t recommend this book enough. It would make a great alternative to The Westing Game for a mystery genre-study with more diversity, or just have it in your library for a pleasure read. Your kids are going to LOVE it.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of "Lety Out Loud," I was pleased to see that an Angela Cervantes book was placed the 2019-2020 Texas Bluebonnet Award list of nominees, but was leery of its content as neither I nor many of my patrons really enjoy mysteries. Happily, I give this particular mystery a thumbs up and believe that many of my students who enjoy a little drama in their realistic fiction reading will also find that this one fills that niche nicely. Paloma and her mother are heading to Mexico for an extended stay with mom doing a university research/grant program and Paloma participating in a summer culture and language program. Paloma is quite irritated that her more enjoyable sounding summer plans with her two best friends have been replaced with classes that she is absolutely sure are going to be horrendous. But Mexico is the birthplace of her father and she is always seeking connections to the man who passed away when she was only three, and two very attractive boys just keep popping into the picture, and a mystery surrounding artist Frida Kahlo fits right into Paloma's wheelhouse. Solving the mystery is only one aspect of this title. Readers will be immersed into Kahlo's art and the culture and beauty of Mexico while also wondering whether Lizzie will ever warm up to Paloma, if Paloma will figure out who is stalking her, or if there is a little something-something developing between her and one (or both) of the young men! Librarians trying to place this into the hands of the right crowd do not need to automatically exclude boys from the list of possible readers as the possible romance is subtle and Paloma is not a girly foo-foo main character and both Gael and Tavo are prominent male characters. Diversity in ethnicity, economic status and educational background abound in this title and there is no profanity, violence, or sexual content. Recommended for readers in grades 4-8.

[Alba Arango · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun mystery!

After her mother is awarded a fellowship for the summer, Paloma Marquez finds herself on an airplane, flying to Mexico City, wishing she could stay home and spend the summer reading her favorite mystery books instead. But soon after arriving, she meets a brother and sister who beg her to use her powers of perception to solve a mystery of her own—help them find a valuable peacock ring that belonged to Mexico’s most famous artist, Frida Kahlo. Paloma soon discovers they are not alone in the search for the ring, and not everyone is who they seem to be, including her new friends. But Paloma cannot resist the temptation of solving a mystery, even if it means potentially putting herself in danger.

What I liked: GREAT characters. The main character is fun and very likable, quirks and all. Her friends and the adults in the book are unique and believable. There’s lots of information about Frida Kahlo, some of which I did not know. It’s also a great introduction to Mexican culture.
What I did not like: the beginning is a bit slow, it took me a while to get into it. But, once I did, it was a fun read.

4.5 out of 5 stars

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little bit of a slow starter for me, but once I got into it and warmed up to the main character, Paloma, I really enjoyed it. I was an avid Nancy Drew fan as a kid, and this book has a similar feel, albeit appropriately modernized. There seems to be a sub-genre of mysteries that deal with art. Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald and Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer series come to mind, and in the more distant past, From the Mixed Up Files of Miss Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg and The Court of the Stone Children by Eleanor Cameron. Come to think of it, Nancy Drew's mysteries very often had something to do with art or historical relics. Cervantes also brings in some things that Nancy Drew never had; grief and loss, search for identity, conflict of interest. Face it, Nancy never had to worry about how her work might affect Ned Nickerson's family.

I hope we see more of Paloma Marquez. Perhaps her mother could get various internships and work-studies near museums around the globe. The possibilities are endless!

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, this book is great.

Paloma is NOT EXCITED to be spending part of her summer in Mexico. Fortunately, when she gets there, she finds herself involved with a mystery involving the artist Frida Kahlo and a missing ring.

I loved the way this book exposed kids to Frida Kahlo's art. I read this with my 4-6th grade book club, and they all loved seeing the images of Frida's work and home on a screen at the club meeting.
At the beginning of our meeting, I asked if any of them had favorite artists. At the end, one of them raised their hand and said "You know that question you asked at the beginning about whether we have a favorite artist? I didn't before, but I think now my favorite artist is Frida Kahlo."
Gah.

I fully intend to booktalk this title in local elementary schools in May/June, and recommend it for the Battle of the Books list next year.

#ownvoices

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so here for these young girls taking leads in these books!!!!

[Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just felt a little meh about this book. It was cute, but I also was reading a few other j-fic alongside it and it seemed like it took forever for the plot to get rolling. The use of Spanish intermingled was a little cringe-y and didn't seem to fit with a more modern take on the use of non-English in books (i.e. that other languages shouldn't be italicized and that you don't have to have characters immediate translate a word right after saying in Spanish/let kids figure it out based on context).

I did appreciate the art history of this novel, and the author's note at the end of the book was cool. You can see that she really wanted to place this book within a historical context and that it was a passion project.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the trickiest experiences for a Mexican American is that first trip into the interior of Mexico, homeland of our ancestors. For Paloma Márquez, staying in Coyoacan while her professor mom is off in Mexico City is especially tough, because it’s the birthplace of her father—who died when she was little. But as she tries to improve her Spanish and remember their brief time together, she finds herself drawn into the mystery of a legendary lost ring. An exciting bit of sleuthing interwoven with cultural discovery.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

mysterious and suspensful. I learned that Frida Khalo was in a wheelchair and that is how she got into painting. This book was definitely suspenseful and full of action. I held my breath a lot and asked myself, Is this character trustworthy? This book sort of made me feel different about mexico. If you think mexico is all beachy and picturesque, then this book will tell you that there are hidden doorways and more adventures than you thought. If you love adventure, seeing different cultures, and mysteries, you would love this book.