Subtle worldbuilding, flesh-and-bone protagonists, and magnetic writing make this . . . an instant classic. With measured pacing and layered character development, Higuera's latest is a masterly exploration of how corruption is an indelible part of every oppressive society. It's also a celebration; there will always be a beacon of hope in dark times, fueled by stories and community. - School Library Journal, starred review

The story examines how people can build better societies from the ashes of unequal, oppressive, and corrupt ones. Strong worldbuilding uses the familiar and the fantastic to prod readers to consider the story's parallels to real-world injustices and the ethics of power, storytelling, and greed.This heartfelt adventure signals hope for humanity, even in the aftermath of darkness. - Kirkus, starred review

Steeped in folkloric ambience and employing delicate character work, this stellar speculative narrative explores themes of identity across circumstance, centering an adolescent without structural power working to protect family and community. - Publishers Weekly, starred review

The high-stakes adventure awaiting Hummingbird Leandro is enthralling and studded with surprises that spur the narrative onward. Beautiful, imaginative writing fills this dystopian sf novel. Though it exposes cruelty and corruption, it raises up storytelling, culture, and kindness as stronger yet. A wondrous addition to any collection. - Booklist, starred review

Inventive, evocative, thought-provoking and complex, this dystopian fantasy by a Newbery-winning author will suit 9+ readers who enjoy intricate world-building. -- Imogen Russell Williams - The Guardian

Her transporting new book, Alebrijes [...] weaves the past into a dystopian tale of survival for the upper end of key stage 2. -- Kitty Empire - The Guardian

The whole thing has the qualities of an epic film or a role playing computer game and will be of particular interest to readers who love world building and dystopian fiction. -- Louise Johns-Shepherd - Books For Keeps

Donna Barba Higuera grew up in Central California and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. She has spent her entire life blending folklore with her experiences into stories that fill her imagination. Now she weaves them to write picture books and novels. Donna's first book, Lupe Wong Won't Dance, won a Sid Fleischman Award for Humor and a Pura Belpré Honor.

Her second novel, The Last Cuentista, received the John Newbery Medal and the Pura Belpré Award. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Wall Street Journal and TIME