The number one rule is never, ever summon a criatura. But to save her sister, Cece will have to break that rule… and a few others.
Kaela Rivera’s middle-grade fantasy plunges readers into the sun-baked world of Tierra del Sol, where twelve-year-old Cece defies her community’s fears to rescue her sister Juana from El Sombrerón, a dark spirit who kidnaps young women. Set against a backdrop rich with Mexican folklore and Aztec-inspired mythology, Cece’s journey forces her to partner with Coyote, a legendary criatura (spirit), and enter bruja battles—contests where humans enslave spirits for power. As Cece navigates this morally complex world, she grapples with her identity, challenges societal expectations, and discovers the courage to redefine what it means to be a bruja (witch).
“Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls” offers a compelling lens for exploring SDG 5: Gender Equality. In a town where girls are expected to avoid danger while boys hunt criaturas, Cece’s defiance of rigid gender roles models how courage and compassion can dismantle stereotypes. Educators can use her journey to spark discussions about equitable leadership, such as analyzing how Cece’s empathy for criaturas contrasts with traditional bruja practices or debating the societal expectations placed on girls in different cultures.
The story also invites students to reflect on ethical decision-making: When Cece refuses to enslave spirits despite societal pressure, she embodies Principled action. Teachers might pair the book with creative projects, like designing original criaturas that symbolize positive traits (e.g., resilience or collaboration) or rewriting folktales to challenge gender norms. By centering a Latina character who redefines power through kindness, Rivera’s story empowers students to question inequities and advocate for inclusive communities.
