The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía

Reach for this book when your child feels their personal interests are being overshadowed by your own expectations or when they are struggling to bridge the gap between who they are and where they come from. It is a perfect choice for the child who values logic and tangible reality but finds themselves surrounded by traditions or stories they do not quite believe in. Valentina is a grounded twelve year old artist who views her father's obsession with Colombian legends as a distraction from her real world goals. The story takes an adventurous turn when Valentina and her brother are pulled into the Tierra de los Tesoros, the very land of myth her father has spent his life studying. This journey is an exploration of cultural identity, family legacy, and the balance between skepticism and wonder. It is highly appropriate for middle grade readers who enjoy fast paced quests and rich world building. Parents will appreciate how the book models sibling cooperation and the eventual realization that a parent's passion and a child's ambition do not have to be in conflict.