La Mala Suerte Is Following Me

Good, clean superstitious fun.

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.

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.

—Booklist