La Mala Suerte Is Following Me

Description

In this fun picture book romp about superstitions, can Miguel learn to make his own luck—and be rid of La Mala Suerte—before it’s too late?

Miguel’s abuelita warned him that opening an umbrella in the house will bring La Mala Suerte (Mrs. Bad Luck) who will follow him wherever he goes, and now Miguel’s life is ruined! He trips, fails an exam, and he can’t block a shot to save his life at soccer practice. Nothing he tries works to get rid of Mrs. Bad Luck—looking for a four-leaf clover, his aunt’s “existential” oils… Now what? Using integrated Spanish words and playful language, La Mala Suerte Is Following Me takes a silly and heartfelt look at superstitions.Misfortune follows when La Mala Suerte comes into Miguel’s life.

Once the “luckiest boy in town,” Miguel invites La Mala Suerte by opening his umbrella inside the house. Abuelita cautions Miguel that Mrs. Bad Luck—cheekily depicted here as a grinning shadow—is “invisible and follows you wherever you go.” The young soccer player brushes off her warning but subsequently slips and falls as he attempts to outrun his bad luck. Uh-oh. And at school, La Mala Suerte trips him up during a math exam and fútbol practice. ¡Ay, no! Miguel tries everything to get rid of his bad luck before his upcoming soccer tournament, including sweeping away the bad luck, seeking a four-leaf clover, and using his tía’s “existential” oils. Nothing works until Mami encourages him to make his own luck. Can it really be that easy? Written in first person from Miguel’s perspective, Siqueira’s humorous take on superstitions balances zaniness and sincerity with ease, complemented by Aguilera’s vibrant, expressive artwork. The text incorporates Spanish words throughout. An appendix on common superstitions and their origins in different countries provides intriguing background information, with a brief activity and research prompt. Miguel and his family are brown-skinned and Latine, while secondary characters are racially diverse.

Good, clean superstitious fun. 

—Kirkus Reviews

This charming story introduces young readers to the concept of superstitions in a lighthearted and positive way. When Miguel’s abuela mentions that his opening up an umbrella inside the house will bring La Mala Suerte into his life, Miguel starts to sense bad luck creeping into all of his actions and decisions. Aguilera’s illustrations of La Mala Suerte herself as an ominous black cloud out to get Miguel provides readers with a tangible depiction of this idea, and the otherwise gorgeous, color-filled panels breathe life and movement into Miguel’s vibrant energy. When Miguel’s mother insists that he makes his own luck, Miguel decides to take matters into his own hands and turn his topsy-turvy week right side up again, acing his examen and excelling at his fútbol game. From the cleverly and consistently implemented Spanglish storytelling to the glossary of Spanish terms at the back of the book, along with some additional resources on international superstitions, this book will help dispel readers’ worries and help them be inspired by Miguel’s new proactive path in life.

—BooklistAna Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher and an award-winning Brazilian children’s author. Her books include Bella’s Recipe for Success and If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja. Besides writing, Ana loves to read, teach, and play with her Cuban-Brazilian-American grandchildren.

Carlos Vélez Aguilera is an award-winning illustrator from Mexico City, Mexico, who has a degree from the National University Autonomous of Mexico. He has illustrated more than twenty children’s books, and he’s the author/illustrator Salón Destino. Carlos has been recognized with two illustration awards from the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair in Mexico.
yeonagency.com/carlos-velez-aguileraCN

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