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dzٱí
It is the hottest hour of the hottest day in Oaxaca City when Life and Death walk into town, ready to begin a new game of dzٱí. But first, they need a pawn, a child whose fate will be determined by the winner of the game: a long and prosperous life or an untimely death. Fate finds this child in a robin-egg blue house, tucked beneath a massive jacaranda tree. And so, the game begins.
Every card reveals a new twist in Clara's fate: a tree, a scorpion, a fateful arrow, a mermaid, a deer, a treacherous rose. But Clara knows none of this. All she knows is that her cousin Esteban has vanished, and she’ll do whatever it takes to save him, travelling to the mythical Kingdom of Las Pozas in her search. And although it seems her fate was sealed as soon as the cards were dealt, Clara just might have what it takes to shatter the game and choose a new path.
Every card reveals a new twist in Clara's fate: a tree, a scorpion, a fateful arrow, a mermaid, a deer, a treacherous rose. But Clara knows none of this. All she knows is that her cousin Esteban has vanished, and she’ll do whatever it takes to save him, travelling to the mythical Kingdom of Las Pozas in her search. And although it seems her fate was sealed as soon as the cards were dealt, Clara just might have what it takes to shatter the game and choose a new path.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
54 people are currently reading
1,471 people want to read
About the author
Karla Arenas Valenti
19books50followersKarla Arenas Valenti is the Pura Belpré award winning author of best selling middle grade novels, chapter books, and picture books.
Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.
Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.
Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.
Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.
Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.
Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
November 7, 2021
I felt this book was too dark to be appropriate for middle grade readers.
The topics and the way they were handled left me feeling uncomfortable! Not sure a child would understand or even should be exposed to such miserable inevitability.
From the premise, I thought it would be a fantasy read with some serious discussions. It was anything but. Only certain food descriptions and elements of mythology used for the fantasy world were slightly bright spots.
Otherwise I would term this very dark fiction.
The topics and the way they were handled left me feeling uncomfortable! Not sure a child would understand or even should be exposed to such miserable inevitability.
From the premise, I thought it would be a fantasy read with some serious discussions. It was anything but. Only certain food descriptions and elements of mythology used for the fantasy world were slightly bright spots.
Otherwise I would term this very dark fiction.
April 28, 2023
"To believe, despite everything, to have hope- that was a choice."
✧･�: *✧･�:*
Genre: Middle grade, magical realism 🏫🐉
Content Warnings:🚨ٱٳ 🚨
•❅┶┶┶┶┶┶✧❅✦❅✧┶┶┶┶┶❅�
i mean it was pretty good, and i could say it falls under the age range of middle grade, but that ending was most definitely on the young adult side. . .
✧･�: *✧･�:*
Genre: Middle grade, magical realism 🏫🐉
Content Warnings:🚨ٱٳ 🚨
•❅┶┶┶┶┶┶✧❅✦❅✧┶┶┶┶┶❅�
i mean it was pretty good, and i could say it falls under the age range of middle grade, but that ending was most definitely on the young adult side. . .
December 9, 2021
This was a fairly decent book–a solid three stars (and that's as an adult reading it for myself)–until the ending. It was absolutely heartbreaking and the worst part was that it didn't need to be. The pivotal scene that really drove home the messages of the book could have been left exactly as it was without making the ending so horrifying–and the way that sort of situation was treated earlier in the book would have allowed for a genuinely happy ending while being more consistent with the world's rules. Between the fact that the author wrote it like it was somehow a happy ending, the incongruity with the tone of the rest of the book, and the fact that this book is marketed towards middle graders, I was completely blindsided by this ending.
If you're wondering just what made the ending so bad,
I am very glad I didn't read this book at the age it was targeted for. That ending was rough enough as an adult–it would have been really hard on me as a middle grader.
If you're wondering just what made the ending so bad,
I am very glad I didn't read this book at the age it was targeted for. That ending was rough enough as an adult–it would have been really hard on me as a middle grader.
September 28, 2021
There were some very good aspects to this story� very likable characters, vivid descriptions, a magical, adventurous plot line. I loved learning about Clara and her family’s culture and getting a glimpse into daily life in her city. The closeness of her family, especially the bond between Clara and Esteban, is so wholesome ☺️
That said, in terms of description, there were some moments that felt overwritten. It felt distracting at times.
The overall philosophical messaging felt muddled and circular.
The ending was a surprising choice, especially for a middle grade novel. I personally did not enjoy the ending, as I felt that it didn’t follow the established rules of the magical world that Clara’s adventure mostly takes place in. I can’t explain more without spoilers.
That said, in terms of description, there were some moments that felt overwritten. It felt distracting at times.
The overall philosophical messaging felt muddled and circular.
The ending was a surprising choice, especially for a middle grade novel. I personally did not enjoy the ending, as I felt that it didn’t follow the established rules of the magical world that Clara’s adventure mostly takes place in. I can’t explain more without spoilers.
March 30, 2021
Set in a culturally rich Mexican landscape, LOTERÍA follows Clara, a girl who sees other people's talents, but not her own. But Clara is about to discover courage and ingenuity on a fantastical journey to save a loved one. In a place where drawings come to life and ancient places bustle with life, Clara faces challenges as scary as giant creatures and odd as talking plants. Through it all run the myths of Mexico, the archetypes of dzٱí images, and a debate on the power of choice. Valenti has created a fable-like page-turner whose warp and weft is philosophy and magic realism. A joy for the mind and the senses. Highly recommended!
November 18, 2021
This is the heaviest middle grade book I've read. I was stoked to read it because I'm part Mexican and have fond memories of playing Loteria with my family. LOTERIA is played here, but it's a lot more complicated than getting four pictures in a row.
LOTERIA is about a young girl who is caught in a game of the same title, played by Life and Death. Clara finds herself trying to save her young cousin Esteban but it involves magic and choices. No games here.
The illustrations provide a free-spirited feel while exploring Clara's path. I really liked them and thought they added to her tale.
LOTERIA deals with philosophy. What is free will? How do you go about using free will if things have already been ordained to happen? Interesting stuff, and somewhere, a child is going to grasp these things. I don't think many children will though. That's not a slam on children: they are able to understand many things. Don't underestimate someone just because of their age. But I don't think many children are going to be wondering at many of the philosophical topics brought up here. And the way everything all plays out...like I said, heavy.
I'm going to be thinking about LOTERIA for a while, because man oh man, what a journey.
LOTERIA is about a young girl who is caught in a game of the same title, played by Life and Death. Clara finds herself trying to save her young cousin Esteban but it involves magic and choices. No games here.
The illustrations provide a free-spirited feel while exploring Clara's path. I really liked them and thought they added to her tale.
LOTERIA deals with philosophy. What is free will? How do you go about using free will if things have already been ordained to happen? Interesting stuff, and somewhere, a child is going to grasp these things. I don't think many children will though. That's not a slam on children: they are able to understand many things. Don't underestimate someone just because of their age. But I don't think many children are going to be wondering at many of the philosophical topics brought up here. And the way everything all plays out...like I said, heavy.
I'm going to be thinking about LOTERIA for a while, because man oh man, what a journey.
August 17, 2021
Life and Death play a game of Loteria that effects what happens to Clara. Can Clara change the outcome with free will or does fate decide what happens to her? I really enjoyed how each turn of the card showed up in the subsequent chapter, and it was very interesting how it was woven into the tale. I won't reveal what the ending was, but I did not like it. However, overall the story was interesting and exciting.
December 11, 2021
Is it a middle grade book? It takes almost a 100 pages for the main Snow Queen-like plot to start, which called into question the need for the Life and Death chapters, which were often a lot of words about free will vs determinism, which I suppose motivates a true bummer of an ending. The writing was fine, but I felt wearied and had difficulty engaging with this.
June 16, 2022
An interesting game of life and death is in play for young Clara when she’s in the middle of a fateful game of La dzٱí (a Mexican game of chance) that’ll determine her future and her town of Oaxaca City. A- (91%/Excellent)
January 9, 2024
This book was much deeper with more solemn themes than I had anticipated. It is a story that can likely be appreciated in different ways at different ages. The ideas of death and life and free will and destiny are covered in a very unique way and I enjoyed the framing of the loteria as metaphor. Some of the imagery is terrible to think on too long, and Clara’s choice is sad. It may be hard for some children to deal with Clara’s plight towards the end of the book. I wished that there was a way to create a happier ending and I became frustrated with Life and Death that they didn’t see they could have done something differently. The book can spur great discussion about destiny vs. choice. Aside from the main characters and their family most other characters were greedy, impatient, or unhelpful - and sometimes get their due. The author’s note should not be missed. I am impressed with the research that went in to the story. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.
May 30, 2022
Yesterday, my Latin teacher wouldn't let me read this after a quiz, because he said that it did not sound like a good book, and I should try reading the Aeneid instead.
But that's because he's a Latin teacher.
This was a good book. It was arranged nicely, and I liked how the cards would always become something significant in Clara's story. The ending was bittersweet, but I appreciated the epilogue. Overall, this was a very good book.
Thank you Avery!
But that's because he's a Latin teacher.
This was a good book. It was arranged nicely, and I liked how the cards would always become something significant in Clara's story. The ending was bittersweet, but I appreciated the epilogue. Overall, this was a very good book.
Thank you Avery!
May 16, 2021
Ridiculously good--you will just not be able to put this one down. This story is a feast for the senses, vividly weaving together suspense, fantasy, adventure, and magic. Readers will never guess where Life and Death’s friendly game of chance will lead Clara and her family next. It also makes readers think about the meaning with which they imbue their choices. Put on your to-be-read list!
January 18, 2022
Wow what a little gem of a story. This is exactly why I read middle grade - to find books that tackle big issues for a younger audience with creative storytelling.
Seriously, this book deals with big themes: life vs. death, choice vs. destiny, good will vs. expectations. It takes on these questions through the common game of Loteria, played by the characters of Life and Death. Throughout the story, both Life & Death make sure to note that Clara's destiny has already predetermined and they are merely flipping the cards over that reveal her fate. However, things happen during this story that bring that idea into question.
I especially loved the ending - it honestly was not what I would expect from a middle grade read and I think that's why I loved it so much. I like that actions and choices have consequences and I like that this book teaches young readers to make the choices they can live or die with. It also teaches kids to think about seemingly impossible situations with critical thinking. There's a lot of good lessons in here.
I feel like I need to mull this one over for a bit, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I put it right on my Amazon wishlist. I have the ARC from Netgalley, which was downloaded as a pdf in black and white. I can only imagine how beautiful the illustrations are in color. You know, I wouldn't be surprised if I read this again in the near future and bumped it up to 5 stars. We'll see.
Seriously, this book deals with big themes: life vs. death, choice vs. destiny, good will vs. expectations. It takes on these questions through the common game of Loteria, played by the characters of Life and Death. Throughout the story, both Life & Death make sure to note that Clara's destiny has already predetermined and they are merely flipping the cards over that reveal her fate. However, things happen during this story that bring that idea into question.
I especially loved the ending - it honestly was not what I would expect from a middle grade read and I think that's why I loved it so much. I like that actions and choices have consequences and I like that this book teaches young readers to make the choices they can live or die with. It also teaches kids to think about seemingly impossible situations with critical thinking. There's a lot of good lessons in here.
I feel like I need to mull this one over for a bit, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I put it right on my Amazon wishlist. I have the ARC from Netgalley, which was downloaded as a pdf in black and white. I can only imagine how beautiful the illustrations are in color. You know, I wouldn't be surprised if I read this again in the near future and bumped it up to 5 stars. We'll see.
June 19, 2022
dzٱí is the Spanish word for “lottery,� but it’s also a bingo-like game (with pictures instead of numbers) that people play for money, sort of like a running low-stakes poker game or a family keno night. That’s what they’re talking about in Karla Arenas Valenti’s fantasy novel.
Unbeknownst to 11-year-old Clara, her life is now controlled by dzٱí cards. She sets out to find her missing little cousin Esteban and stumbles into a magical but cruel world where she will need every ounce of courage to deliver Esteban. The ending took me completely by surprise.
Valenti’s words, of course, soar on their own, but Dana SanMar’s illustrations really add to that magical realism feel.
One explanation for you gringos out there: You will already be familiar with La Catrina, the grand dame of el Día de los muertos who has been appropriated for Halloween; however, do not confuse El Catrín with La Catrina’s skeletal companion. La Catrina’s usual escort is Don José, so named for the man who first drew her in the late 19th century as part of a satirical cartoon comment on colonialist social climbing. El Catrín is the sophisticated dandy who becomes the symbol of Life in this book. Happy reading!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Random House Children’s and Knopf Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.
Unbeknownst to 11-year-old Clara, her life is now controlled by dzٱí cards. She sets out to find her missing little cousin Esteban and stumbles into a magical but cruel world where she will need every ounce of courage to deliver Esteban. The ending took me completely by surprise.
Valenti’s words, of course, soar on their own, but Dana SanMar’s illustrations really add to that magical realism feel.
One explanation for you gringos out there: You will already be familiar with La Catrina, the grand dame of el Día de los muertos who has been appropriated for Halloween; however, do not confuse El Catrín with La Catrina’s skeletal companion. La Catrina’s usual escort is Don José, so named for the man who first drew her in the late 19th century as part of a satirical cartoon comment on colonialist social climbing. El Catrín is the sophisticated dandy who becomes the symbol of Life in this book. Happy reading!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Random House Children’s and Knopf Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2022
This would be perfect for both middle school students and possibly freshmen in high school (mostly due to the higher-level vocabulary that is present throughout the novel.) I love the take on so many different ideas and concepts that make you think. The short chapters make the story manageable to break up in chunks. For kids that are looking for Mexican representation while adding illustrations that continue to lure you in, this book hits the mark. I did realize about a quarter ish of the way in that this was a little more emotional than I anticipated but if the kids are told ahead of time and are emotionally equipped, the content is not as intense as they might assume. Family, choices, fate, love, and some philosophical ideas are told in a way that is easy to understand. You root for Clara and Esteban throughout the entire story & while the end was bittersweet, you are swept up from beginning to end.
July 17, 2023
Clara visits a whole nother world to rescue her cousin Esteban while Life and Lady Death (aka Catrina) play a game of Loteria and debate whether free will or fate will determine Clara's outcome. Those who like fantasy quest stories (i.e. , , ) will enjoy this.
June 12, 2023
A dark fairytale about life and death, grounded in Mexican culture and stewed in age old philosophical conundrums about free will and predestination.
Clara gets swept up in a bingo-style card game between life and death (Loteria). Hers is the life they are playing with, and as her family begins to crumble to pieces, she follows her grieving cousin into another world. Her bravery shines in the darkness, but the whole story does get pretty dark. Not in a violent way, but in a heavy and sad and grievous way.
Unfortunately, the illustrations suffer in ebook format.
Clara gets swept up in a bingo-style card game between life and death (Loteria). Hers is the life they are playing with, and as her family begins to crumble to pieces, she follows her grieving cousin into another world. Her bravery shines in the darkness, but the whole story does get pretty dark. Not in a violent way, but in a heavy and sad and grievous way.
Unfortunately, the illustrations suffer in ebook format.
September 25, 2021
Pretty much sobbed during the last 5 pages of this book. Absolutely stunning.
June 9, 2023
This book started out like a strange mixture of Like Water for Chocolate, Stepsister, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I loved the structure of the book. Life and Death are playing the game Loteria, which is a like a Mexican version of Bingo. Every certain number of years, they choose a child and play for their soul - each card determines a twist in Clara's life. The beginning of the book started off great, but it soon veered less into magical realism and more into straight up fantasy quest. That is where the book lost me. I wanted more about Clara's family restaurant, the gifted abilities of her cousins, and to see how the Loteria cards would come into play. I didn't love chasing her cousin Estaban into a mythical kingdom and I didn't care for the ending.
October 11, 2021
This spellbinding book reminded me of last year's Newbery Honor-winning A Wish in the Dark with the way it lovingly paints intricate details of its world using lyrical language and how it asks its readers to consider big and weighty topics in an accessible way. I loved how the story is narrated to enhance its themes of fate and free will, with many glimpses into different characters and animals and how their choices affect each other, intertwining. Clara is a relatable protagonist and her relationship with her cousin Esteban is heartwarming, and I loved the portrayal of Death and Life as lovable characters playing a card game toying with people's destinies. Truly spectacular.
December 12, 2021
Thanks to a co-worker who knows about this card game, I was better able to understand the story.
The major complaint I have about the book, is that the illustrations are too small, and too light, to really see the various "characters" the cards portray.
Life and Death come to Oaxaca City, to play the card game that will decide the fate of 11 year old Clara.
As each card is drawn, Clara comes closer to which ? Life or Death?
The major complaint I have about the book, is that the illustrations are too small, and too light, to really see the various "characters" the cards portray.
Life and Death come to Oaxaca City, to play the card game that will decide the fate of 11 year old Clara.
As each card is drawn, Clara comes closer to which ? Life or Death?
October 10, 2022
Darkest middle grade book I've read. So disappointed. I'm a homeschool mom and thought I did my research on this book. Was sick by the time the boy was being bathed so that he could be sold by a man to another man through the "red" market because he loved to collect children. I thought things couldn't get worse until the end. In my opinion child trafficking with some magic sprinkled on it is not for us.
December 13, 2021
dzٱí by Karla Arenas Valenti is a masterpiece of magical realism, transporting the reader to the mythical Kingdom of Las Pozas and into a game of chance betwixt Life and Death.
Life and Death meet each year to play the card game dzٱí with the highest of stakes: a person’s life. If Life wins the game, the person lives to old age. If Death wins, they perish early. Unbeknownst to her, eleven year old Clara is this year’s chosen person whose life is at stake. Each card Life and Death flip will impact her life, from a scorpion to an arrow to El Diablo. But Clara is simply living her life, and when her little cousin disappears, she follows him all the way to the mysterious Kingdom of Las Pozas. It is there she will have to confront who she is and what she’s willing to risk to save her cousin.
This story is beautifully told, a tapestry of well-developed characters moving through a tightly woven plot. Life and Death’s conversations are philosophical and thought provoking, while Clara’s journey will leave the reader holding their breath and thinking of ways for her to succeed.
Every character, from major players to minor appearances, is superbly well developed. The settings are gorgeously described, painting vivid images that will stay with the reader long after the last page. The real- life inspired settings of Oaxaca City and the Árbol del Tule felt just as real as the stunning as the mythical realm in which Clara and her cousin find themselves.
As a reader, I was fully absorbed into this story. I couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it, and my fingers itched to pick it up each time reality intervened and made me exist outside the wondrously crafted world Valenti has given us.
This book is perfect for fans of magical realism and those who like darker, thought provoking stories. It has universal themes of familial love, self-doubt, and finding strength when you most need it. There are some elements of hero’s journey and fairy tale components, yet it also stands alone as its own unique blend. As far as middle grade goes, it is darker than typical middle grade fare and there is a spoiler at the end of the post to address this, if it is something you’re worried about. I recommend it for older middle grade readers and YA readers as well.
dzٱí has the deep messaging of Coco with the dangerous yet whimsical nature of Alice in Wonderland, combined to make a one of kind story that will both make you think and break your heart.
Thank you to author Karla Arenas Valenti, Random House Children’s, Knopf Books for Young Readers, and Net Galley for an advanced copy such that I could write this review.
Life and Death meet each year to play the card game dzٱí with the highest of stakes: a person’s life. If Life wins the game, the person lives to old age. If Death wins, they perish early. Unbeknownst to her, eleven year old Clara is this year’s chosen person whose life is at stake. Each card Life and Death flip will impact her life, from a scorpion to an arrow to El Diablo. But Clara is simply living her life, and when her little cousin disappears, she follows him all the way to the mysterious Kingdom of Las Pozas. It is there she will have to confront who she is and what she’s willing to risk to save her cousin.
This story is beautifully told, a tapestry of well-developed characters moving through a tightly woven plot. Life and Death’s conversations are philosophical and thought provoking, while Clara’s journey will leave the reader holding their breath and thinking of ways for her to succeed.
Every character, from major players to minor appearances, is superbly well developed. The settings are gorgeously described, painting vivid images that will stay with the reader long after the last page. The real- life inspired settings of Oaxaca City and the Árbol del Tule felt just as real as the stunning as the mythical realm in which Clara and her cousin find themselves.
As a reader, I was fully absorbed into this story. I couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it, and my fingers itched to pick it up each time reality intervened and made me exist outside the wondrously crafted world Valenti has given us.
This book is perfect for fans of magical realism and those who like darker, thought provoking stories. It has universal themes of familial love, self-doubt, and finding strength when you most need it. There are some elements of hero’s journey and fairy tale components, yet it also stands alone as its own unique blend. As far as middle grade goes, it is darker than typical middle grade fare and there is a spoiler at the end of the post to address this, if it is something you’re worried about. I recommend it for older middle grade readers and YA readers as well.
dzٱí has the deep messaging of Coco with the dangerous yet whimsical nature of Alice in Wonderland, combined to make a one of kind story that will both make you think and break your heart.
Thank you to author Karla Arenas Valenti, Random House Children’s, Knopf Books for Young Readers, and Net Galley for an advanced copy such that I could write this review.
May 20, 2022
Clara is caught in a game of Loteria played by Life and Death themselves. Every time one of the players gets a character on their card the story changes for better or worse. If Life wins the game Clara survives, if Death wins, she takes Clara. Clara is unaware that this is happening all she knows is she needs to save Esteban from the man in the red suit.
This book was cute but it was very dark. It reminded me of the book of life mixed in with some Encanto. Clara is very determined and loves her family but feels left out because she does not feel as extraordinary as them. When her little cousin disappears one night after a tragedy, she embarks on an adventure that could change her life forever. She encounters characters that will only help her in exchange for something, a forest that is alive, and magic at every corner.
I feel like it was a little darker than I expected for a middle grade, but it also shows a lot of character. Clara must face tough decisions and also come to realize that not everything in life is free. She must believe in herself and overcome adversities.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#middlegrade #magic #audible #netgalley #arc #ebook #Mexico #Oaxaca #arboldelTule #Life #Death #loteria #Family #love #Culture #fantasy #adventure
This book was cute but it was very dark. It reminded me of the book of life mixed in with some Encanto. Clara is very determined and loves her family but feels left out because she does not feel as extraordinary as them. When her little cousin disappears one night after a tragedy, she embarks on an adventure that could change her life forever. She encounters characters that will only help her in exchange for something, a forest that is alive, and magic at every corner.
I feel like it was a little darker than I expected for a middle grade, but it also shows a lot of character. Clara must face tough decisions and also come to realize that not everything in life is free. She must believe in herself and overcome adversities.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#middlegrade #magic #audible #netgalley #arc #ebook #Mexico #Oaxaca #arboldelTule #Life #Death #loteria #Family #love #Culture #fantasy #adventure
January 13, 2022
I was not ready for Loteria. I had anticipated a fairly light contemporary fantasy but was given so much more. Loteria takes the folklore of Hispanic culture and intertwines it with the classic game. I loved the introduction of heavily steeped culture-related characters, allowing for children to be introduced to different types of mythology. I enjoyed the banter and theme of life and death that resonated throughout the book. Even though this is a children's book, I feel death is not approached enough in their stories. It is a theme that everyone will encounter but is not spoken about. The heavy themes were allowed to be approached because Valenti used cultural folklore to ease readers into them. My only caveat is the pacing and skimming of the actual game Loteria. I felt this could have been a faster-paced read especially since it is aimed at middle graders. While I appreciate the game aspect of the book, I wanted more explanation and involvement. Some of the cards images didn't really align.
June 2, 2022
dzٱí is a Mexican card game, similar to Bingo, but instead of numbers, the rows and columns on the dzٱí boards are filled with pictures that correspond to a deck of cards. Two of these cards are Life and Death, and it is the personification of these two cards that take center stage is this imaginative book seeped in Mexican culture. As Life and Death engage in a game of Loteria, it is a human pawn, 11-year-old Clara, whose actions are affected by each card drawn. As Life and Death debate the impact of free will vs. destiny, Clara enters a mythical land on a dangerous quest to save her cousin.
A bonus for me was the book’s setting, Oaxaca, a place I have wanted to visit since reading Becoming Naomi León, I really enjoyed the philosophical conversations between Life and Death, although I think the abstract concepts might go over the head of a younger reader. Still, Clara’s adventure, sort of a dzٱí-based choose-your-own Jumanji-esque adventure, will be exciting for middle grade readers.
A bonus for me was the book’s setting, Oaxaca, a place I have wanted to visit since reading Becoming Naomi León, I really enjoyed the philosophical conversations between Life and Death, although I think the abstract concepts might go over the head of a younger reader. Still, Clara’s adventure, sort of a dzٱí-based choose-your-own Jumanji-esque adventure, will be exciting for middle grade readers.
November 14, 2022
Am I the intended audience for this book? No. Is it fair for me to complain about a lack of character depth and too much action in a middle-grade book? Also no, probably. Did it make me absolutely blubber at the end? Oh you betcha.
There were so many components to this book - they just kept coming! - that it was tough to appreciate the context, and I didn’t love spending time with the kid protagonists. But as a book to discuss, holy smokes, it’s absolutely drowning in philosophical conversation points! And that’s a pretty neat feat for this reading level. I guess I appreciate this book, even if I didn’t enjoy it very much. (I also listened to it, which may have (heavily) affected my reading experience.)
There were so many components to this book - they just kept coming! - that it was tough to appreciate the context, and I didn’t love spending time with the kid protagonists. But as a book to discuss, holy smokes, it’s absolutely drowning in philosophical conversation points! And that’s a pretty neat feat for this reading level. I guess I appreciate this book, even if I didn’t enjoy it very much. (I also listened to it, which may have (heavily) affected my reading experience.)
December 29, 2021
I absolutely loved this. The story, the imagery, and the way it addresses the concepts of free-will vs. fate are all wonderful. The storytelling skews on the younger side of middle grade (maybe 3-4 grade) and would make a great read-aloud with the caveat that the ending is not what many would traditionally identify as "happy." Think, Roald Dahl's The Witches. There are a couple tiny things holding back that final star (repetitive translations, a wee bit didactic, and sporadic illustrations that were *fine* but didn't really add anything to the story). Nevertheless, it was charming enough that I'll still recommend it to my young patrons.
November 29, 2021
I was immediately drawn to the premise of this and I thought my daughter, 8, who loves all things spooky and dark would really love this along with me. We started it as a read aloud, but unfortunately it dragged on with a lot of days that she wasn’t interested in continuing, but I thought I might wait for her. Eventually I gave in and finished it alone, after we’d moved on to a new story together that she was enjoying much better. This was…really dark. Normally I’d agree that literature is a perfect way for children to process dark moments, loss, evil, and pain - but the message that it might be all just destiny that you can’t impact, and the fact that it didn’t eventually turn around to hope - think of that moment in Charlotte’s Web with the babies, the hope for the future, and the reason for the sacrifice. I loved seeing some of the Mexican culture, the sprinkling of Spanish (so I chose the audiobook so as not to butcher pronunciations), and all the talk of food. I liked the idea of Life and Death playing a game for a soul, but in the end this one just didn’t catch me or my middle grade reader the way I’d hoped.
December 6, 2021
Rating: 4/5
dzٱí is an interesting book to read and review because while it is a middle grade, it also tackles the theme of free will in a very dark but magical way. dzٱí is an intriguing story that doesn't have much world-building or a complex magic system, but it's the concept and the characters that drive the story. I can't say that this book was fun to read because while it is very whimsical, it is also super heavy. Also, that ending. Is. Very. Sad. And. Heartbreaking.
I'm definitely going to check out more from this author because this was nothing like what I was expecting!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
dzٱí is an interesting book to read and review because while it is a middle grade, it also tackles the theme of free will in a very dark but magical way. dzٱí is an intriguing story that doesn't have much world-building or a complex magic system, but it's the concept and the characters that drive the story. I can't say that this book was fun to read because while it is very whimsical, it is also super heavy. Also, that ending. Is. Very. Sad. And. Heartbreaking.
I'm definitely going to check out more from this author because this was nothing like what I was expecting!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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