Middle-grade fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s will already know her hugely popular books Esperanza Rising and Echo, which received the Newbery Honor Medal. Ryan’s latest magical tale, Solimar, introduces young readers to a new Mexican heroine. Infused with magic, adventure, and a sprinkle of danger, Solimar follows the young princess-to-be just weeks before her Quinceañera and official coronation. Solimar makes her annual journey to visit the oyamel forest and sit among the monarch butterflies as they arrive. What she never expected with the magic that would follow when the sunshine hits her through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder and the butterflies swirl around her.
Following this magical moment, Solimar discovers the gift, and burden, upon her. She’s been tasked with protecting the young and weak butterflies, but this responsibility also allows her to foretell the near future. When a neighboring king invades their kingdom while the King and Prince are away, it falls to Solimar to warn them and save the kingdom. The task sets her on a dangerous and magical journey wherein she meets new friends and fights to save the future of the monarchs and her kingdom.
Solimar radiates magic and mystery as Solimar journeys through her kingdom to warn her father and brother of the evil king’s plans. Ryan brings Solimar and her travel companions to life with every word, creating a captivating tale sure to enchant her readers and remind them the power of fighting for good, trusting others, and believing in yourself. The story reads like an adventure movie, and the vibrant writing easily brings every moment to life. Young readers won’t want to miss this beautiful tale!
Solimar hits shelves February 15, so make sure to grab a copy for the young reader in your life online or in stores today!
