The Story
In this graphic novel series based on ancient Mesoamerican sagas, a magical boy from Maya legend takes on a giant snake, a power-hungry king, and three impossible tests.
Sayam has always been different from other kids--he's very short for his age, his best friend is a monkey, and most curious of all: he was born from an egg! His grandmother, a witch, found him and taught him all the ancient magic she uses to help her people. So when a giant snake starts terrorizing a nearby city, Sayam decides it's time for him to use his knowledge to help others, and steps into action.
But the beast might not be Sayam's biggest problem: the ruthless King Kinich Kak Ek sees Sayam as a threat to his throne. Prophecy declares that whoever succeeds at three impossible tests will be king. Monstrous snakes and impossible tests are a lot for a boy to handle, but Sayam is brave and has a loyal monkey, a wise grandmother, and magical knowledge on his side! Can Sayam outsmart the king and bring peace to the land?
Check out the other titles in this series:
RISE OF THE HALFLING KING - THE HERO TWINS AND THE MAGIC OF SONG
Author: David Bowles
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Published: 11/03/2020
Pages: 64
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.46lbs
Size: 10.40h x 6.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781947627376
Audience: Ages 9-12
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513275 / Rise of the Halfling King
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2020
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2020 pg. 51
School Library Journal 09/01/2020 pg. 83
Publishers Weekly 09/14/2020
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2020 pg. 117
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2020 - Superior,Well Above Average
About the Author
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.
Description
In this graphic novel series based on ancient Mesoamerican sagas, a magical boy from Maya legend takes on a giant snake, a power-hungry king, and three impossible tests.
Sayam has always been different from other kids--he's very short for his age, his best friend is a monkey, and most curious of all: he was born from an egg! His grandmother, a witch, found him and taught him all the ancient magic she uses to help her people. So when a giant snake starts terrorizing a nearby city, Sayam decides it's time for him to use his knowledge to help others, and steps into action.
But the beast might not be Sayam's biggest problem: the ruthless King Kinich Kak Ek sees Sayam as a threat to his throne. Prophecy declares that whoever succeeds at three impossible tests will be king. Monstrous snakes and impossible tests are a lot for a boy to handle, but Sayam is brave and has a loyal monkey, a wise grandmother, and magical knowledge on his side! Can Sayam outsmart the king and bring peace to the land?
Check out the other titles in this series:
RISE OF THE HALFLING KING - THE HERO TWINS AND THE MAGIC OF SONG
Author: David Bowles
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Published: 11/03/2020
Pages: 64
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.46lbs
Size: 10.40h x 6.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781947627376
Audience: Ages 9-12
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513275 / Rise of the Halfling King
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2020
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2020 pg. 51
School Library Journal 09/01/2020 pg. 83
Publishers Weekly 09/14/2020
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2020 pg. 117
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2020 - Superior,Well Above Average
About the Author
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.
