The Children’s Book Review | September 18, 2018
J.C. CERVANTES is the author of Tortilla Sun, which was called “a beautiful and engaging debut” by Kirkus, an “imaginative, yet grounded novel” by Publishers Weekly, and “lean and lightly spiced with evocative metaphor” by School Library Journal. Tortilla Sun was a 2010 New Voices pick by the American Booksellers Association and it was named to Bank Street’s 2011 Best Book List. When Jennifer isn’t reading or writing, she is helping her husband with his gubernatorial campaign.
I write because …
There are dragons to slay and hearts to break and journeys to take and because every time I write I peel back another layer of the universe.
I read because …
I love being lost in a million different worlds where anything is possible and magic still exists.
My latest published book is …
I wrote this book because …
Zane lived in my head for so long and he needed a space to breathe and to live, and more than that? He needed to defeat the dark.
Best moment …
Oh man, this is tough. But if I limit myself to best publishing moment, I’d have to say when I got the call from my agent that Disney/Rick Riordan Presents wanted The Storm Runner.
My special place to write is …
Near a window where I can see the expansive New Mexico sky
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
Music
The person who has been my greatest writing teacher or inspiration …
There are so many, but my three girls are by far my greatest inspiration.
Currently reading …
Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth, Keeper of Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger, and Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Favorite bookshop …
SO MANY. Every time I travel, I hit up the local book stores and just breathe in their energy. Growing up, I loved hanging out at Upstart Crow in San Diego. Such a cool place with a peaceful bayside vibe.
All-time favorite children’s book I didn’t write …
Walk Two Moons, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Graveyard Book…I know…I know, I’m a terrible rule follower. Who could name JUST one?
Favorite illustrator …
There is so much talent out there it blows me away—mostly because I have zero artistic skill and greatly admire those who do. I actually love to peruse the SCBWI online gallery from time to time; it always elevates my own creative spirit. But of course, I love Irvin Rodriguez’s work.
A literary character I would like to vacation with …
Sadie Kane because she’s feisty, has a British accent, and knows a thing or two about magic and spells which would get us out of any predicament we’d likely get into.
When I am not reading or writing I am …
Attempting pilates, hanging with my girls, traveling, or dreaming about reading and writing.
You can learn about J.C. Cervantes at jennifercervantes.com and on Twitter and Instagram.
Written by J.C. Cervantes
Publisher’s Synopsis: A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents!
Zane Obispo spends every day exploring the sleeping volcano in his backyard. “The Beast,” as he calls it, is the one place where he can escape other kids, who make fun of him because he has a limp and walks with a cane.
After a twin-engine plane crashes into The Beast, a mysterious girl named Brooks shows up at Zane’s doorstep, insisting that they meet at the volcano, where she will reveal a terrible secret. Zane agrees, mostly because beautiful girls like her don’t usually talk to him. Brooks tells him that the volcano is actually a centuries-old prison for the Maya god of death, whose destiny is directly tied to Zane’s. No way, Zane thinks. He’s just a thirteen-year old nobody, and destiny or no destiny, he wants nothing to do with any of it, especially some god of death.
But Brooks opens his eyes to the truth: magic, monsters, and gods are real, and Zane is at the center of an ancient prophecy that could mean the destruction of the world. Suddenly finding himself entangled in a web of dangerous secrets, Zane embarks on a quest that will take him far from home and test him to the very core.
Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents | September 18, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1368016346
Available Here:
Discover more books like The Storm Runner, written by J.C. Cervantes, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Books With Secrets, Magic, Middle Grade Books, Monsters, and Mythology; plus, be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.