Omega Morales and the Curse of El Cucuy - by Laekan Zea Kemp (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Paola Santiago and the River of Tears will root for Omega Morales as she learns to trust her newfound powers when she comes face-to-face with the Mexican legend El Cucuy.

After Omega discovers she can influence the emotions of supernatural creatures, she's certain she's strong enough to handle the feelings of others on Día de Muertos. But when darkness overwhelms her, it means she's more vulnerable than she realized--and even worse, there may be a new monster in her hometown.

When a child goes missing at the cemetery, panic ensues, prompting the new sheriff to open an investigation. But then another child is taken. And another. Soon, with the help of Carlitos, Clau, and a magical emotional support animal, Omega uncovers that El Cucuy--the boogeyman--is responsible for the disappearances. And it doesn't take long for Omega to realize that, just like with La Lechuza, she may be the only one who can stop him. But at what cost?

This goose bump-raising sequel to Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza is packed with magic, myth, and a brave heroine who must confront her own fears to save her family....After all, what's scarier than El Cucuy?

Review Quotes

"May especially resonate with LGBTQ+, disabled, and neurodivergent readers ... Creepy folklore and a quest to find one's true identity unite in this spooky page-turner." --Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza:
A Junior Library Guild Selection

* "Silver linings balance emotionally fraught moments involving bullying, death and grief, and hate in this well-crafted tale that manages to both deliver scares and elicit laughs."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Full of dark mystery and unique and memorable characters, Kemp's middle grade debut will enchant readers. Heartfelt and suspenseful, this title is an excellent choice for middle grade collections."--School Library Journal, starred review

"Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza is a masterful adventure filled to the brim with magic, myth, and mystery. Laekan Zea Kemp's propulsive writing, relatable characters, and action-packed plot make this book unputdownable. It's the story I needed as a child."--Alex Aster, award-winning author of the Emblem Island series

"Absolutely captivating. Shimmers with the warmth of family and friends and mesmerizing magic."--Julie Abe, author of the Eva Evergreen series

"Kemp weaves a page-turning plot while executing a satisfyingly slow reveal of the story's core secret and the characters surrounding it.... A satisfying mystery with depths to plumb."--Kirkus

"Kemp's middle-grade debut is an entertaining, sometimes frightening, and thought-provoking story that comments on generational trauma, bullying, friendship, and family. Readers will relate to Omega's struggles to trust herself in difficult situations."--Horn Book

"With a fun mixture of the supernatural, Mexican folklore, and generational magic, Kemp creates an entertaining story that touches upon family, friendships, and loss."--Booklist

About the Author