Omega Morales and the Curse of El Cucuy

A Junior Library Guild Selection A Spirit of Texas Reading List Selection

“May especially resonate with LGBTQ+, disabled, and neurodivergent readers … Creepy folklore and a quest to find one’s true identity unite in this spooky page-turner.” –Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza: A Junior Library Guild Selection

* “Silver linings balance emotionally fraught moments involving bullying, death and grief, and hate in this well-crafted tale that manages to both deliver scares and elicit laughs.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “Full of dark mystery and unique and memorable characters, Kemp’s middle grade debut will enchant readers. Heartfelt and suspenseful, this title is an excellent choice for middle grade collections.”–School Library Journal, starred review“Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza is a masterful adventure filled to the brim with magic, myth, and mystery. Laekan Zea Kemp’s propulsive writing, relatable characters, and action-packed plot make this book unputdownable. It’s the story I needed as a child.”–Alex Aster, award-winning author of the Emblem Island series“Absolutely captivating. Shimmers with the warmth of family and friends and mesmerizing magic.”–Julie Abe, author of the Eva Evergreen series“Kemp weaves a page-turning plot while executing a satisfyingly slow reveal of the story’s core secret and the characters surrounding it…. A satisfying mystery with depths to plumb.”–Kirkus“Kemp’s middle-grade debut is an entertaining, sometimes frightening, and thought-provoking story that comments on generational trauma, bullying, friendship, and family. Readers will relate to Omega’s struggles to trust herself in difficult situations.”–Horn Book“With a fun mixture of the supernatural, Mexican folklore, and generational magic, Kemp creates an entertaining story that touches upon family, friendships, and loss.”–Booklist