Encanto meets The Chronicles of Narnia by way of Colombian folklore in this middle grade fantasy adventure. To save their father’s life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of mythical creatures and find the most powerful and dangerous of them all: the madremonte. More here.
I’m 2 weeks late, but I have a very good excuse: I’ve been celebrating The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía’s book birthday with a series of school visits, a book launch at Books & Books, and attending the Southwest Florida Reading Festival! It’s been so much fun getting to share Valentina with students and readers!















The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía has also received some lovely praise from reviewers and author friends. Check out what they’re saying:
With the action beginning on the first page, this fast-paced adventure set in a well-realized world will keep readers on their toes. Modern kids meet traditional tales with thrilling results.”–Kirkus Reviews, STARRED 🌟 review!
Beautiful prose combines with gripping adventure in this magical ode to Colombia and its legends. Fans of Roseanne Brown’s Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting (2022) and Zoraida Córdova’s Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter (2022) will adore this book, for both its mythic monsters and its plucky heroine.”–Aurora Dominguez, Booklist
Alessandri expertly weaves an immersive tale bursting at the seams with folklore, enchantments, and spirit.”–Publishers Weekly.
An adventurous journey that is by turns bone-chilling and joyful.”–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. .
Alessandri embeds Colombian folklore into a thrilling tale that centers sibling relationships, eco-justice, border crossing, and intergenerational family wounds. Readers who love mythology, adventure, and suspense will root for Valentina as she embarks on her hero’s journey.”–The Horn Book.
This non-stop adventure filled with mythological creatures and magical lands will excite readers and keep them turning the page.” –Adrianna Cuevas, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF NESTOR LOPEZ and CUBA IN MY POCKET
An absolute gem of a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Readers will cheer this plucky Colombian girl as she navigates dangers, learns how the magical world connects to our own, and chooses kindness even at personal risk. The ending made my heart soar! Truly enchanting!” —Rebecca Balcárcel, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book THE OTHER HALF OF HAPPY and SHINE ON, LUZ VÉLIZ!
An exceptionally well-crafted story brimming with mythological creatures, captivating characters, and non-stop adventure. A wonderful book to be read by all!” —Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Edgar award-winning author of CONCEALED.
The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía is a fast-paced, epic adventure in a vivid, magical world. Readers will love rooting for Valentina to overcome her obstacles as they devour this enchanting tale.” —Joy McCullough, award-winning author of A FIELD GUIDE TO GETTING LOST and ACROSS THE POND.
I’m so grateful I get to share this story of my heart, which was inspired by the stories from my childhood in Colombia, with readers! It’s available wherever books are sold, and if you’re local, there might still be some signed copies at Books & Books!
If you’ve already read and loved The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and/or other sites! If possible, I would be grateful for a review on Amazon, which helps with the algorithms and getting the book in front of readers. Reviews don’t have to be long–just one line will do! But it can make all the difference in the world for authors.
To everyone who’s read, shared, loved, and celebrated The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía with me: THANK YOU!!