Wonderful! There are so many things I love about this series -- the humor, the fantasy, the mythological creatures, the collaborations between authors that brings authenticity and most of all, the ability to talk about real world problems and history in a way that kids can relate to. As a vehicle for big topics, it's hard to improve on, and it's an added bonus that the characters are gaining dimension as the series continues.

This is a particularly bright spark in the series -- illustrating perfectly the struggle of border families to work around imposed divides despite centuries of life before the border existed. It also illustrates one of the huge problems of physical barriers in destroying the ability of endangered species to thrive. Most importantly, it calls out the horrific removal of children from their families and the detention of beings who should have every right to flourish. I also really appreciated the message that people who disagree on one issue can still come together to help their communities. It's a ton of excellent messaging in a silly adventure package. Awesome.

Also partially in Spanish. ( )

Elliot and Uchenna are whisked off to the Texas/Mexico border to investigate a possible chupacabras sighting. In Laredo, Elliot and Uchenna meet Lupita and Mateo and their parents, Dr. Cervantes and her curandera husband, Israel. Together, can they find the chupacabras and discover what is causing it to act so strangely? (Indeed they can.) ( )