Alebrijes

Donna Barba Higuera's "Alebrijes" plunges readers into a dystopian future where Earth is a barren wasteland. Thirteen-year-old Leandro, a pickpocket from the harsh city of Pocatel, takes the fall for his sister's theft and is exiled. His consciousness is transferred into an ancient drone, forcing him to confront a perilous wilderness teeming with monsters and pirates. This action-packed novel explores themes of survival, family loyalty, justice, and the search for belonging, as Leandro discovers others like him striving for a better world. It's a compelling read for middle-grade adventurers, offering both thrilling escapism and thoughtful reflections on humanity's future.

For 400 years, Earth has been a barren wasteland. Surviving humans ban together in the cruel city of Pocatel or go it alone in the wilderness. Thirteen year-old pickpocket Leandro and his sister Gabi try to survive in Pocatel. When Leandro takes the blame for his sister's theft, he is exiled by having his consciousness placed inside an ancient drone, left to fend on its own. But beyond the walls of Pocatel lie others like him who seek a better world, as well as monsters, pirates, and more.