LOTERÍA is a fantastical and deeply philosophical middle grade debut by Karla Arenas Valenti inspired by the traditional Mexican card game la Lotería.
Unbeknownst to her, Clara has been marked by Life and Death for la Lotería, a perilous game of chance that will determine her destiny—a long and prosperous life or an untimely death. As the cards are dealt, each one reveals a new twist in Clara’s fate: a tree, a scorpion, a fateful arrow, a mermaid. But all she cares about is the disappearance of her cousin Esteban, and she’ll do whatever it takes to save him, even traveling to the mythical Kingdom of Las Pozas in her search. And although it seems her fate was sealed as soon as the cards were dealt, Clara just might have what it takes to shatter the game and choose a new path.
Complete with whimsical illustrations from Dana Sanmar, LOTERÍA brings to life a vibrant fantasy centering an empowered Latinx cast. Readers of Rick Riordan’s mythology-inspired series and fans of books like Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Echo, Meg Medina’s Merci Suárez Changes Gears, and Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon will find themselves bewitched and beguiled by this instant classic that interweaves the extraordinary adventure of a brave heroine with fascinating conversations between Death and Life as they share their differing philosophies on fate and free will. Complete with back matter that explores the real-life locations and traditions that inspired the story, LOTERÍA is both a stunning homage to author Valenti’s Mexican heritage and culture and a fantastical and immersive escape for young readers.
About the Authors
Karla Arenas Valenti writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas she’s picked up in her many travels around the world. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. Karla writes picture books (she is the creator of the My Super Science Heroes series). Lotería is her debut middle-grade novel. Visit her at karlavalenti.com, and follow her at @KV_writes.
Dana Sanmar is a Colombian illustrator and graphic designer currently living in Atlanta. Her passion for illustration started from an early age due to her parents’ love for books. Her early exposure to arts and crafts by her mother nourished her joy in 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 BFA in graphic design in her home country. She recently earned an MFA in illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design and works as a freelance illustrator.
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