David Bowles

In a Nutshell:An OwnVoices middle-grade graphic novel narrating the story of “The Dwarf King of Uxmal”, a Mesoamerican myth. Fun story and interesting characters. Perfect for the age group.

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Plot Preview:

A thousand years ago in the Yacatan Peninsula, the city of Uxmal was ruled by a cruel king named Kinich Kak Ek. So sure was he of his power that he was unfazed by a prophecy announcing the kind of person who would threaten his throne.
On the outskirts of the

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city, Sayam grew up with his grandmother, knowing that he was different from other kids: he was born from an egg, after all! His grandmother, who was a kind witch, taught him the ancient ways of magic.
What brings Kinich Kak Ek and Sayam into direct confrontation with each other? How will the prophecy be fulfilled? Read and find out!

Most mythological retellings seem to focus only on Greek or Norse mythology. But there are so many other indigenous cultures around the world that have a rich mythical heritage. This is my first time reading a retelling of a Mesoamerican myth, and I am keen to read more!

Author David Bowles has penned a nonfiction book on the myths of Mexico: ‘[b:Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky: Myths of Mexico|34324485|Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky Myths of Mexico|David Bowles|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527081958l/34324485._SY75_.jpg|55387148].’ For a reason that he beautifully revealed in the author’s note, he has decided to take ten myths from his book and turn them into graphic novels for middle-graders. A brilliant idea, I say! Graphic novels are the best way of grabbing kids’ attention, so this format would certainly appeal to them and also teach them some amazing new indigenous stories. ‘Rise of the Halfling King’ is the first book of this planned series.

The story is exactly as you would expect from a children’s adaptation of a mythological story: simple but straightforward storytelling, good vs. bad theme, loads of magic and action, some fun animals, and a scary mythical creature to boot. As the ancient world and its denizens, especially the elfin Aluxes – the wise ancients – might be a bit unfamiliar to most readers, having the Dramatis Personae at the star helps a lot. (Bonus points for not revealing any plot spoilers in this section.)

Sayam and his grandmother are both fabulous characters. I love how his grandma doesn’t have just the ‘old dependent woman’ kind of role. She is an active part of Sayam’s learning and of his challenge against Kinich. Their story proves how magic is incomplete without wisdom and guidance. I’ve not often seen mythological stories giving older women such a powerful role in the narrative, so this was wonderful. I also loved the creative choice of making Sayam use modern phrases that not only prove his age as younger than the other characters but also allow little readers to identify better with him.

The illustrations are perfect for a middle-grade work. The simple art style brought back memories of childhood days filled with Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha comics. I loved the characters and the depiction of their emotions.

At just 64 pages, the plot doesn’t go too deep, so some of the background details I wanted weren’t available. Then again, there are no loopholes and the story is complete, so children will definitely enjoy it. I’d love to pick up the original nonfiction work and learn more about this amazing mythology.

Definitely recommended to tweens and teens interested in reading an uncommon retelling of a Mesoamerican myth. It would also work well for adult readers wanting to test the waters of this mythology, though you must keep in mind that this is a beginner-level story and is written at that level. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

4.25 stars.

My thanks to Lee & Low Books and Cinco Punto Press for providing the DRC of “Rise of the Halfling King” via Edelweiss . This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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In Bowles’ superb companion novel to They Call Me Güero (2018), young poet Güero’s social consciousness unfolds as he navigates his first romantic relationship with the fiercely intelligent Joanna.

Seventh grade is ending, and Güero’s budding romance with Joanna is getting serious. From sharing their first kiss to meeting her parents during an awkward dinner, Güero commits to being the best boyfriend he can be. As summer unfurls, there are hangouts between Güero y los Bobbys and show more Joanna y las Morras, and Joanna carefully opens up to Güero. Güero even starts a band with los Bobbys! Eventually, fall arrives, and with it, eighth grade—and a drastic change as Joanna’s father falls victim to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid. As her father’s fate takes a toll on Joanna, Güero grapples with dealing with his new teachers. Tensions flare between Güero and Joanna and even among Güero’s friends. Wanting to use his privilege for good, Güero organizes a protest on behalf of Joanna’s father, but the ensuing scrutiny tests Güero, his relationship with Joanna, and his community. This rich verse novel utilizes Güero’s humorous, witty voice to the fullest via varied poetic forms. The author’s deep consideration of Joanna and the other characters is a real delight and results in a story that feels rich in scope. The inclusion of topics like the justice system, detention centers, and changes in language adds further intriguing material for discussion.

Sublime. (glossary) (Verse novel. 10-14)

-Kirkus Review show less

A father and son run errands across the U.S.–Mexico border.

Early on Saturday, the boy (who's never named) prepares his “special bag” to bring to Mexico for his friends. Crossing from Texas to Tamaulipas, the duo drives across town and over the bridge into a twin town where Spanish is just as frequently heard, but English is spoken less. Before tackling their errands, father and son stop to fuel up with café de olla and chocolate caliente, respectively. They visit the jewelry shop, show more gather groceries and supplies at the abarrotes, play soccer with cousins, and pick up medicine at the pharmacy. On their way back home to the United States, the protagonist encounters his friends at the bridge: displaced people from the Caribbean and Central America living in limbo on the border between two towns and two countries. Taking advantage of the slow pace of the traffic on the bridge, the boy exits his father’s truck, bringing the gathered supplies and toys to those in wait. In what initially comes across as a story of a sweet visit to a Mexican town to run some errands, Bowles seamlessly weaves in some of the complexities of living on the border. He fearlessly introduces the complex issues surrounding the presence of refugees waiting to be admitted into the United States and candidly portrays the everyday lives of families who span the border, creating a unique cosmos in this space. Meza’s background illustrations around town imbue the pages with Mexico’s vibrance. Bowles translates his own text into Spanish in a simultaneously publishing edition. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Beautiful, honest, complex. (Picture book. 4-8) show less

This book is a fantastic compilation of poetry, a story in verse, that tells about the life of Güero, a Mexican who is pale with red hair. Güero has three close friends, all of whom have the first name Bobby (or a variation thereof), earning the label Los Bobbys. The poems in this book have a wide range; there is the lovely "Learning to Read" in which Güero talks about the impact of his Mimi's (grandmother) oral stories, which are also noted in other poems, and the impact of his mother show more teaching him how to read. There is the heartbreaking "Father's Day" in which Güero talks about all the fun ways that he celebrates with his family and father, and then later that night cheers up a friend who was abandoned by his father, making that day a particularly hard one to endure, just by offering to hang out.

Some of the poetry is free verse, some of it rhymes, and there is even haiku. It is a quick read that had me smiling and laughing, and at times deeply saddened as I felt for this seventh grader who is just trying to figure things out. show less