A girl and her new friends are on a mission to save a chupacabra from harm.It's Violeta's first time in Puerto Rico, and she is excited to help Abuelita reopen her beloved restaurant after Hurricane Maria. But none of her family members let her help, saying that she's "only a kid once" and should go have fun. Luckily, she meets local kids Diego, whose mother is the butcher who supplied Abuelita's restaurant, and Lorena, whose uncle is a monster hunter. Violeta is a bit socially awkward, and they become her first real friends ever. Something has been killing the animals Diego's mother needs for her butcher shop, and the friends, convinced it's a chupacabra, band together to find it-though Violeta is initially skeptical that they even exist. However, after a young chupacabra gets caught in a steel-jaw trap while protecting her, Violeta vows to keep Chupie, as she names him, safe from the smugglers who deal in mythical creatures. Ortiz expertly weaves Puerto Rican culture and lore into themes of familial love and friendship difficulties. When differing beliefs test the bonds between Violeta, Diego, and Lorena, readers will find nuanced, realistic treatment of their anger, frustration, and sadness. Garcia's illustrations leap off the page with a vibrancy that evokes island life and shows the diversity of skin tones and hair textures found there. Violeta's father reads white.An enticing, broadly appealing blend of Puerto Rican mythology and relationship-driven adventure. (field guide) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

Gr 3–6— Bursting with excitement, Violeta lands with her family in Puerto Rico. Her grandmother Marta is finally going to reopen her restaurant. Violeta wants to be a part of this post–Hurricane Maria rebuilding, but her family pushes back. Violeta feels dejected and bored, but soon makes two friends her age: Diego and Lorena. When cattle turn up dead, the locals blame a chupacabra, which Violeta does not believe in until a very real chupacabra saves her from a trap. Violeta names him Chupie and, afraid for his safety, hides him. Once her friends are in on the secret, they realize that Chupie must return to his mom. Concurrently, an international "rare creatures smuggling ring" puts pressure on Lorena's uncle to capture a chupacabra. Ortiz writes believable, well-developed characters seeking connections to family and friends. Vazquez uses the format to great effect with lush, rich colors bringing the island to life. Variable paneling and stunning full-page illustrations contribute to the pace. The ending is feel-good with reunions on all sides, human and mythical. VERDICT Highly recommend this fantasy-realism hybrid with plenty of action and humor.— Elisabeth LeBris