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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.