STEAM, creep factor, and #OWNVOICES middle grade? Yes please! My middle school patrons will absolutely eat this title up!
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Meet 12-year-old Paola "Pao" Santiago, a lover of anything space-related, non-believer of superstititions, and can't stray from the Gila River. Her two best friends, Emma and Dante, meet her at the edge of the river often because it's the perfect spot to use her telescope to see the stars. Even though this is the perfect spot, they still remember the tragic event that happened in this same spot. A schoolmate, Marisa, drowned in the river and the town believes that the river is beyond dangerous. Since Pao's mom is extremely superstitious, she has told Pao numerous times about all of the terribly legends that surround the river banks. La Llorona is a ghost who screams and cries, looking for another victim to pull into the river to never be seen again. Of course the trio plans to meet again in the same spot, but Emma never shows. Emma' parents are frantic and Pao and Dante know they need to somehow, someway find their best friend. Dante's grandmother is in the middle of this when the two are trying to leave to figure out where she is, but instead of a quick visit his grandmother turns otherworldly and gives them a bag, Pao's old flashlight covered in stickers, and her chancla (slipper). As they free themselves they end up in the cactus field's near the Gila River... From here on out, Pao and Dante expect the unexpected because they run into chupacabras, massive creatures, green goop, a group of lost souls, and so much more. It is going to be a far more tedious journey than they thought. Finding Emma will lead them into chaos, destruction, and pain.

This fantasy novel was so "on-edge" with all of the superstitions coming to life and the "journey" that Pao and Dante go on to try to find Emma. I loved the characters and I think Rick Riordan readers will thouroughly enjoy this one, too. Since this was my first Riordan read, I was not prepared for the length of the story. I think about 3/4th's of the way through I felt like the story dragged on. There were scenes in the cactus field that I felt like could have been cut out, but again, I am not familiar with this kind of series. However, I know my fantasy lovers who do enjoy books like this will want more and more!

Paola Santiago is a science loving girl who lives near the Arizona desert with her Mom. She loves her Mom but not her Mom's superstitious beliefs. The most common one is her Mom's belief in La Llorona, the wailing woman who will pull kids into the Gila River. While Paola and her two best friends Emma and Dante are mostly rule followers, the banks of the Gila are the best place to stargaze with Emma's telescope, so they meet there often. When Emma does not show up at their meeting time one night, Paola and Dante must investigate. They are pulled into a world that has too much in common with the stories of Paolo's mother.

Dante and Paola have to work together and dig deeper to find Emma and save the day. This is complicated by systemic racism of local police, a lack of understanding of the world her mother explained to her, and the fact that they have a little bit of a crush on each other.

This story has action and humour. I enjoyed the way that Paola's flaws and even her strengths can get in her way and how she has to learn and adapt to overcome these and other challenges. I have heard it said that visible minorities have to learn to live in multiple different worlds in order to thrive, and it seems the author knows this and is having her characters learn this, both in the sense of living as a POC and also in the fantasy book sense of adapting to monsters and magic.

Of all the Rick Riordan Presents titles, this one is by far the best so far! Pao is a terrific character that a lot of kids will identify with. I especially appreciated the female STEM representation! The way the author weaved this characters love of science throughout the story was very well done. It was very clear from the character's thoughts and way of processing she was passionate about science. Love to see it!

The relationship between Pao and Dante was realistic and I think middle school readers will very much relate to the dynamics between them. The author did a great job of showing how relationships between friends can begin to change around age 12.

The plot follows a typical Hero's Journal formula, but it's so well written that I didn't mind :) Excellent read! Definitely purchased a copy for our school library!

I really enjoyed this story! It’s refreshing to see more American folklore from different cultures being brought into Riordan Presents. Mejia does a wonderful job painting clear visuals throughout this book. And to me it felt like a fantasy and horror hybrid. The detached hands, La Llorona, gaping mouth like portals, etc. were definitely creepy. I really liked the character of Pao. I will definitely read the sequel.

Thank-you to NetGalley and Disney Book Group for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The creative cover art of Paola Santiago and the River of Tears grabbed my attention immediately. Once I was introduced to Paola, a no nonsense kid who’s belief system is rooted in Science, I was hooked.

Paola hypothesizes, conducts experiments and places rational and logical explanations as to why things happen. Accompanied by her two supportive friends, who love all of her quirks, Dante and Emma, this friendship trio are very engaging as they navigate through growing up. Paola’s scientific mind clashes her mother, who relies on tinctures, tarot cards, candles and stories as solutions to their problems.

Telhlor Kay Mejia has masterfully incorporated all the classic elements of a heroines journey. There is encouraging character development through the complexities of being 12 and how friendships can change, first crushes, learning to look at oneself, and learning that not all things can be explained!

Mejia’s introduction to the cultural beliefs and folklore of Mexican and Mexican American mythology is engaging. The tales of Chupacabra and La Llorona are a fresh and beyond entrancing look at these classic tales.

I would defiantly recommend this book and cannot wait for more adventures with Paola!

If you have read Stephen King's OUTSIDER then you know all about some of the scary monsters of Mexican legend and this story features one of them. La Llorona comes from the dark waters of the river to steal children and drag them down to replace the children she lost. Even though they laugh at the superstition, Paola and her friends steer clear of the river usually but it is the best place to go star gazing. When one of the friends goes missing Paola and Dante fear that she has been taken by La Llorona and set off to get her back. As with all of the Rick Riordan Presents books, there is a fair amount of danger, a lot of fast paced adventure and a country's legends and myths brought to life. The heroes begin as ordinary yet are able to use their wits to defeat pretty scary monsters and do the right thing. Paola is a strong determined young woman who is kind, loyal to her friends and doesn't always see eye to eye with her hardworking single parent mom. This story will appeal to both adventure seeking boys and girls and is a great addition to the popular Rick Riordan stable. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

The Rick Riordan Presents series continues to impress. Paola Santiago is an awesome adventure story that middle grade readers will love, especially those into horror. I liked all of the characters, especially the protagonist, Pao. She is not your perfect unstoppable leading lady. However, her imperfections make her relatable and someone you will want to root for. I especially enjoyed all of the strong female characters in this book; the boys to a backseat to their strength. I am excited that this one is a series and look forward to reading the rest.

This was an excellent story that is based on a Mexican folktale about a mother named La Llorona. Like all folktales, variations exist, but the general outline of the story is that a woman kills her own children and she is now a spirit who mourns their deaths forever; many have her spirit killing other children as a way to save her children. I was not at all familiar with the tale, but I really enjoyed this rendition with Paola as the MC. I love that she is very human and flawed and she learns about how her flaws can be both strengths and weaknesses. Like many people, she goes back and forth between wanting to fix the results of her actions and berating herself for her actions. I love these books in the Rick Riordan presents because the stories are ones that fans of Percy Jackson would enjoy; they often draw on mythology or folklore, they tend to be humorous and full of action, and they target middle school children but contain enough layers that older folks will enjoy them. But best of all, this group of books tends to be about underrepresented cultures and backgrounds and that's made it even more enjoyable for me. I've read quite a few books from this branch of the publisher, and have already added several others to my TBR list. If you're a fan of Percy Jackson and that style of book, you'll really enjoy this one.

Thanks to #TehlorKayMejia, #RickRiordanPresents, and #NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Paola's friend Emma is missing. Did she drown like the girl from last year? Did she get kidnapped like those other kids did in a nearby town? Should Paola and her friend Dante just let the adults handle it? When Paola decides there is not enough time to get the adults up to speed, she pitches her plan to Dante and then unexpected things start to happen. Perhaps the mystical beliefs of her mother are not so crazy after all. Could it be that even science requires an element of faith? This new Rick Riordan series looks promising. I found the whole story to be a bit long with too much wandering in cactus fields for my taste. Kids who love Percy Jackson will want to give this one a try.

Thank you to Disney Book Group and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This book celebrates diversity and courage. Paola's troubled relationship with her mother is dwarfed by the astonishing reality of the tale of La Llorona. Paola is confronted with the realities of her mother's fears when she discovers a dangerous world where humanity's fate will be decided.

Thanks to partner NetGalley for the digital ARC of Tehlor Kay Mejia’s Paola Santiago and the River of Tears in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Paola Santiago is obsessed with the mysteries of the world: how humans can use algae to reduce fossil fuel use, what it's really like in space, why her mother won't let her get a dog, why her family never has enough money. But most of all, she wants to know why she wakes up every night with nightmares about the river.

With Paola, Tehlor Kay Mejia has written an appealingly authentic twelve-year-old protagonist who is anchored firmly in what is objectively real. When her mother warns Paola about the dangers of the river, Paola scorns her fears because they’re not grounded in science--instead, they’re based in ghost stories, like the one about La Llorona.

Much more pressing for Paola is her changing relationship with her best friends Dante and Emma. Dante joined the soccer team and has become increasingly interested in looking cool . . . and in his hair. Paola worries that he is leaving her and Emma behind. So when Paola has a chance for all three of them to spend time together, she ignores her mother’s warnings (as she always does) and plans a meeting by the river. But Emma doesn’t show up.

What begins then is a search for Emma, a test of friendship, and a horrible realization that her mother’s stories may have been true after all.

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, is a compelling tribute to what it feels like to be twelve, to be holding on to childhood and childhood friends while moving inevitably toward adulthood. Tehlor Kay Mejia’s novel is also a great mystery and a brilliant tribute to the power of ghost stories, folklore, and mythology.

Thanks to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for the advance Kindle copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this science fiction/fantasy adventure. Paola has never believed much of what she sees as her mother’s superstitions; she prefers to rely on science. She and her friends have always been warned not to venture to the Gila River in their town, but they think that is because of drowning/kidnapping dangers, not the supernatural. When their friend Emma disappears instead of meeting them at the river too look at stars, Pao and Dante think that maybe there is something to the supernatural claims. They find themselves in a rift between worlds, and have unlikely tools that may save both the living and those in this dark world. Hand to Rick Riordan fans. It is out 8.4.20!

Another good series from the Rick Riordan Presents Imprint. I really enjoyed this one although I was expecting it to be a bit creepier given the source mythology.

The story is told from Paola’s point of view and she was such a great character. She is typical 12 year old with all the complexities that entails. She is both brave and smart, but often doubts herself and her abilities. She is also confused by her feelings for Dante, who has been a long time friend, but that friendship seems to be on the cusp or becoming something more. I also really liked that she was always trying to find some sort of scientific explanation for all of the weird stuff going on around her. But she does also come to accept that some things just can’t be explained.

Dante is also a great character, and I would really like to hear part of the story from his point of view. He is a little bit of a jock, and maybe doesn’t catch on to what is going on as quickly as Pao does, but he is totally willing to do what needs to get done. He is a bit more willing to except all of the supernatural stuff going on more quickly than Pao, but he does have that hero thing going for him, which was awesome.

The story follows the same formula as the others in this imprint, but it continues to be one that works. I enjoyed learning about the La Llorona myth and some of the mythological creatures from this culture. The small town setting in Texas was well done, as was the culture of racism that is pervasive in this time. I would have liked a little bit more of a creepiness factor through out the whole story, but the final show down was well done and scary at times.

The writing was a little bit chaotic and not as smooth as it could be. I kept thinking that I missed something in the narrative and had to go back to see if I could find out what I missed, but I rarely did. This could be because this is an ARC and I am never sure how much more editing will be done before final publication, so hopefully some of the kinks will be worked out.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and it is a nice addition to this imprint. I enjoyed the mythology and the characters and look forward to their next adventure.

At the beginning of the story we meet Pao Santiago and her friends Emma and Dante. Pao is logical and science obsessed. She lives with her mom who is very much into superstitions and Emma, being the logical person she is, does not believe in the things that her mother does. Emma and Dante live in the same apartment complex that can't seem to keep residents. They live near the Gila River, a place they are not allowed to go near. There have been kid who have gone missing in the past and now one of Pao's friends has fallen victim and it is up to her to save them. With some unexpected help she sets off on an adventure that will change her life.

I enjoy the adventures into different culture's folk tales, I've read quiet a few of the Rick Riordan Presents books and have enjoyed all of them. I wanted to love this book, but I had some. I do love Tehlor Mejia's characters. Pao is brave, strong, and smart. I thought the book started off strong but lost something in the middle. Trying to follow all of the plot points it gets a little mucky. I think that if the action in the middle of the book was reworked to make it easier to follow it would be much better.

I thought it was great that Pao finally got her dog though, and its breed will make him useful as it seems Pao's journey with otherworldly beings doesn't seem to be over.

I really enjoyed this book. I went into it expecting more of a Percy Jackson vibe since it is from Rick Riordan presents, but it was different. Paola isn't your typical hero, she's more angsty and selfish in her reasons for saving the day, but no less real. She struggles with the intersection of science and faith, which I think makes her more realistic and made it easier for me to identify with her. I loved the take on traditional Mexican folklore, and it didn't shy away from discussing some of the difficulties Latinx kids face. There were some parts that were a little confusing to me when there was talk of different dimensions, but overall a great fantasy story!

The story of Paola Santiago, a young teenage Latina, along with her friends Dante, a Latino and a privileged white friend, Emma is a quest into the legends told to her by her mother since she was a little girl. Pao is certain that science can explain anything, and doesn't believe the stories she has heard until faced with the characters in a life and death adventure. The author Tehlor Kay Mejia has created Pao as a strong young woman who will not give up on her friends. The length of this narrative is not for the reluctant, but will be sure to engage readers who love the stuff of legends and fantasy.

Paola Santiago is nothing if not logical. Which is why she hates her mother's superstitious nature and stories of ghosts. Especially repugnant to her is the story of La Llorona, the wailing ghost who waits to drag children into the Gila River near their home. Pao and her friends have been forbidden from getting close to the river, even though it is the best spot for stargazing and general hanging out. The warnings don't stop the trio though- after all, they know how to be safe.

Planning to meet to get in some quality telescope time, Paola and Dante wait for Emma to arrive for quite awhile past their scheduled time before calling her parents to find out where she may be. He disappearance kicks off an epic adventure for Paola and Dante- one they couldn't have seen coming, even with all of the ghost stories they've hear all their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really appreciate the Rick Riordan Presents series which features mythology from several different cultures. In Mejia's work, we are introduced to La Llorona and other Mexican folklore. Even without existing schema, I was easily able to follow the story and understand the supersitions and folklore components.

The characters are engaging, though maybe a smidge flat. I also guessed some key details fairly early on, but was also surprised a few times. I highly recommend this for middle grade and older readers.

Paola Santiago and her Friends Dante and Emma are heading into 7th grade in the fall and things are changing. Dante recently joined the popular soccer team and the girls wonder if he's starting to be embarrassed by them. But, right now it's summertime and the three of them have fallen back into an easy routine.

One evening they are supposed to meet down by the river to check out the stars through Emma's telescope. When Emma doesn't show up, Pao and Dante aren't sure what to do. Emma is never late, but they hesitate because they aren't supposed to be by the river - a girl drowned in the river last year so they have been forbidden to hang out there. When they call Emma's parents to check on her, Emma's parents are frantic and they all head to the police station. The author sneaks in (not so subtly) a legitimate political statement about how the police treat "brown" people versus Emma's white parents. This is mentioned a couple times, but the reader isn't beaten over the head with it. When the authorities won't take them seriously, Pao and Dante decide they have to go after their friend.

While there's no "gods hooking up with mortals" like in several of the other Rick Riordan presents series, and which as a mom I appreciate, this story is still rooted in mythology. This time it's with a Mexican-American focus on things like La Llorona and chupacabras. I didn't feel like the magic was very well explained, but that leaves room for a sequel. Entertaining and fun, this one is recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears is a charming middle grade full of heart. Starring Paola, a space obsessed girl, it's a story of friendship, first crushes, and jealousy. It's also a story about the clash between religion and science and between issues of prejudice and privilege. I love STEM girls so much and seeing Paola was wonderful as she deals with new experiences, betrayal, and family conflict.

While Paola's entire story is a non-stop action story about missing children, magical rivers, and mystical creatures, it's also a story about opening our mind. We can be so sure the ground we stand on is flat, and then one day we realize it's been spinning all along. Science and religion, our belief in the stars - infinitesimal points of light - and the legends in the shadows. I was expecting a world full of magic and adventure, but what captivated me was Paola's story mixing adventure and her real life.