The turn of a card could change your destiny in this captivating middle grade adventure based on the Loteria card game and perfect for fans of Coco. While searching for her missing cousin, a young girl is transported to a mythical kingdom, becoming entangled in a perilous game of chance.
"A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore." -School Library Journal, starred review
The turn of a card could change your destiny in this captivating middle grade adventure based on the Loteria card game and perfect for fans of Coco. While searching for her missing cousin, a young girl is transported to a mythical kingdom, becoming entangled in a perilous game of chance.
"A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore." -School Library Journal, starred review
In the hottest hour of the hottest day of the year, a fateful wind blows into Oaxaca City. It whistles down cobbled streets and rustles the jacaranda trees before slipping into the window of an eleven-year-old girl named Clara. Unbeknownst to her, Clara has been marked for la Loteria.
Life and Death deal the Loteria cards but once a year, and the stakes could not be higher. Every card reveals a new twist in Clara's fate-ascorpion, an arrow, a blood-red rose. If Life wins, Clara will live to a ripe old age. If Death prevails, she'll flicker out like a candle.
But Clara knows none of this. All she knows is that her young cousin Esteban has vanished, and she'll do whatever it takes to save him, traveling to themythicalKingdomofLasPozas, where every action has a price, and every choice has consequences. And though it seems her fate is sealed, Clara just might have what it takes to shatter the game and choose a new path.
Karla Arenas Valenti weaves an adventure steeped in magic and mythology-gorgeously illustrated by Dana Sanmar-exploring the notion of free will in a world where fate holds all the cards.
The turn of a card could change your destiny in this captivating middle grade adventure based on the Loteria card game and perfect for fans of Coco. While searching for her missing cousin, a young girl is transported to a mythical kingdom, becoming entangled in a perilous game of chance.
"A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore." -School Library Journal, starred review
The turn of a card could change your destiny in this captivating middle grade adventure based on the Loteria card game and perfect for fans of Coco. While searching for her missing cousin, a young girl is transported to a mythical kingdom, becoming entangled in a perilous game of chance.
"A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore." -School Library Journal, starred review
In the hottest hour of the hottest day of the year, a fateful wind blows into Oaxaca City. It whistles down cobbled streets and rustles the jacaranda trees before slipping into the window of an eleven-year-old girl named Clara. Unbeknownst to her, Clara has been marked for la Loteria.
Life and Death deal the Loteria cards but once a year, and the stakes could not be higher. Every card reveals a new twist in Clara's fate-ascorpion, an arrow, a blood-red rose. If Life wins, Clara will live to a ripe old age. If Death prevails, she'll flicker out like a candle.
But Clara knows none of this. All she knows is that her young cousin Esteban has vanished, and she'll do whatever it takes to save him, traveling to themythicalKingdomofLasPozas, where every action has a price, and every choice has consequences. And though it seems her fate is sealed, Clara just might have what it takes to shatter the game and choose a new path.
Karla Arenas Valenti weaves an adventure steeped in magic and mythology-gorgeously illustrated by Dana Sanmar-exploring the notion of free will in a world where fate holds all the cards.
Karla Arenas Valenti is the author of many books for children of
all ages. She grew up in Mexico City in a house that was built
around a tree and surrounded by magic (which has stayed with her
long into her adult years). Her storytelling is seeded in Mexican
culture and lore, and often deals in explorations of philosophical
and identity-based themes (inspiring the mind) while also taking
readers on riveting magical realist adventures (inspiring the
heart). She currently resides in the Chicagoland area.
Dana Sanmar is a Colombian illustrator and graphic designer
currently established in Atlanta, USA. Her love for illustration
started from a early age due to her parents' love for books. And
her early exposure to arts and crafts by her mother nourished her
love for creating things by hand, while her dad showed her how to
work with different materials and the importance of being
resourceful. Following these influences, she got a B.F.A in Graphic
Design in her home country. She recently graduated from her M.F.A
in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design and
currently works a a freelance Illustrator.
Praise for Lotería
“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
“[A] spellbinding story about fate versus free will.” —People
Magazine
“Lotería packs a heavier punch than most middle-grade offerings
with its meditations on the consequences of our choices and the
inevitability of our mortality.” —Entertainment Weekly
“Inspired by the Mexican card game, la Lotería, “Lotería” is a
children’s fantasy book also inspired by the author’s Mexican
heritage . . . With whimsical illustrations from Dana Sanmar,
“Lotería” instills the resilience and the power of having faith.”
—L.A. Parent
“In this unforgettable story, the beauty and mystery of Mexican
lore is put in the spotlight. Clara's strength and care for others
shines through the pages of the story, making Lotería a
heartwarming read that is sure to stay with the readers long after
they've turned the last page.” —Common Sense Media
“Karla Arenas Valenti's debut middle grade novel is packed with
action. Combining Día de los Muertos imagery, Mexican folklore and
the game of Lotería, readers will follow Clara on an adventure of
fate.”—Tiny Beans
“This coming-of-age tale and one of the best kids books . . . . is
a magical and engaging novel that will keep kids eagerly turning
the page.” —Daily Mom
“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 of the Center for Children’s Books
“Rich with Hispanic culture, magical realism, and imagination,
Lotería is a profound story in reminding Hispanic girls of their
power and determination.” —Her Campus
“Combining magical realism and a celebration of Mexican culture,
Karla Arenas Velenti’s novel introduces readers to Clara, a girl
desperate to save her missing cousin and caught up in a game of
fate. If you loved Jumanji or Karuna Riazi’s The Gauntlet, you’ll
love this fantastical middle-grade with dazzling illustrations.”
—The Young Folks
“I clung to every word of Lotería, never wanting this captivating
novel to end. Brave Clara will forever live in my heart.” —Jennifer
A. Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author
“An enchanting story, rich with riddles, fantastic creatures, and
mythical lands, and guided by the magic of hope.” —Aida Salazar,
award-winning author of Land of The Cranes
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