The Hero Twins and the Magic of Song

(Tales of the Feathered Serpent #2)
By David Bowles, Charlene Bowles
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In this graphic novel retelling of an Indigenous Mexican tale, demigod twins must use their magic of song to rescue their father and uncle from the perilous Land of the Dead. A supreme middle-grade adventure!

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Front cover for Los héroes gemelos y la magia de la canción by David Bowles and Charlene Bowles
This book is also available in Spanish
Los héroes gemelos y la magia de la canción
By David Bowles, Charlene Bowles
View this book in Spanish

Description

In the age of Maya demigods, two carefree brothers are called to Xibalba, Land of the Dead. When they fail to return to the sea-ringed world above, One Hunahpu’s firstborn sons are raised by their grandmother. Below, in Xibalba, One Hunahpu meets the rebellious Lady Blood, and their love leads to twin sons, destined to restore balance to the cosmos–though they might need some trickster magic to survive the cruelty of their older half-brothers!

Adapted from author David Bowles’s retellings and translations of essential pre-Columbian texts like the Popol Vuh, the Tales of the Feathered Serpent series brings Indigenous Mesoamerican stories alive for young readers!

About the Creators

David Bowles

David Bowles is a Mexican American author and translator from South Texas, where he teaches literature and Nahuatl at the University of Texas Río Grande Valley. Among his forty published books are the multiple-award-winning They Call Me Güero, The Prince & the Coyote, and Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky: Myths of Mexico, as well as the series Garza Twins, 13th Street, and Clockwork Curandera. He is the current president of the Texas Institute of Letters.

Charlene Bowles

Charlene Bowles is a Mexican American comic artist and illustrator from South Texas. In addition to the Tales of the Feathered Serpent series, she has illustrated several readers for educational programs and designed the covers of multiple comics and books, including the Garza Twins series. She is presently writing her first children's book and graphic novel.

Reviews

  • "Immersive, magical, and undeniably clever."
    - J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author
  • "This book has it all! Magic, music, and mayhem. . . . David Bowles and Charlene Bowles are masters at bringing these ancient stories to life with contemporary comedic pacing and beautifully crafted artwork."
    - Pedro Martín, award-winning author-illustrator of Mexikid
  • "My 9-year-old son and were absolutely entranced by this empowering, action-packed and authentic Mesoamerican story. His first question after finishing: 'When's the next one coming out?'"
    - Julio Anta, Eisner Award-nominated author of Frontera, This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story, and Home
  • "These books transport you to a rich and vibrant world of gods, demigods, and magic. I fell in love with the bold and expressive art style — such strong linework and detailed costuming! This series has piqued my interest in indigenous folklore in my own family — what knowledge have we lost to violent colonialism, and what stories remain?"
    - Christine Suggs, creator of ¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico

  • "Straightforward and humorous language paired with clear, eye-catching comics-style illustrations make this an engaging retelling of a selection from the Mayan Popol Vuh."

    - The Horn Book

  • "This latest installment in David Bowles' series devoted to Mesoamerican folklore weaves demigod-filled bombast with fanciful hijinks, star-crossed romance, and heaps of humor. Charlene Bowles' artwork continues to leverage bold lines, earthy tones, and fluid action to further delight.... An engrossing tale of fledgling heroics."

    - Kirkus Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781947627697
  • Price $15.95
  • Publication Date Oct 29, 2024
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 7 in
  • Weight 0.58 lbs
  • Page Count 80

    • Interests

  • Imprint Cinco Puntos Press
  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Places / Mexico
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
  • Themes Courage, Cultural Diversity, Diversity, Families, Fantasy, Fiction, Folktale / Folklore / Traditional Literature, Grandparents, Graphic Novel, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Middle Grade, Overcoming Obstacles, Siblings, Spanish
  • Languages English

    • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 8
  • Guided Reading U
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 4 - 8
  • Reading Level Grades 5 - 6
  • Bebop Reading Fluent

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