La Mala Suerte Is Following Me

**Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Everything is going great for Miguel until his abuelita tells him that opening his umbrella in the house will bring bad luck, La Mala Suerte. Once this thought is in his head, it starts to affect his life. He becomes convinced that everything that goes wrong now must be because of it. With this mindset, more and more problems do seem to pop up. He tries looking for a four leaf clover in the backyard because it is supposed to bring good luck. It is when Mami tells him that he makes his own luck does he find his power. With enough studying and practice, he is in control of his own future.

In the back, the author gives 5 international superstitions and their origins, as well as superstitions in other cultures.

La Mala Suerte is Following Me is a sweet story for younger children about luck and superstition. I like that it is a bilingual (Spanish and English) story for those families wanting to integrate both languages into their reading.

As a Latina who grew up in a highly superstitious household, I loved reading this children’s book! Miguel’s clash with La Mala Suerte is a silly and charming exploration of superstitions. I loved seeing how Miguel took his mother’s sage advice and used it to overcome the looming dread of bad luck. It is such a good reminder to take control over the things within our reach to achieve the best outcome(s) possible. The accompanying illustrations did an excellent job of showing the personification of La Mala Suerte. I also enjoyed seeing Abuelita with her protective jewelry since I grew up wearing bracelets to guard against el Mal De Ojo (evil eye), which was very nostalgic for me. My 10-year-old son also loved reading this book with me. The book provided great bonding opportunities and language exposure. I shared some of the superstitious traditions I grew up with, and my son learned some new words in Spanish. The author thoughtfully included a glossary for non-Spanish-speaking readers and more information on superstitions and their origins. It was such a fun read, and I highly recommend adding this book to your family library.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book
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My mexican and hispanic myths lmao love when the abuela told him to take care because of the bad luck. Really enjoyed this book, and it made me smile.

4.5

Miguel is doing great! Until he opens an umbrella in the house and La Mala Suerte seems to be following him so her tries a few traditions associated with turning your luck around. Eventually he decides that with focus and hard work, he can make his own luck. The illustrations compliment the text.

I am a big fan of this author and was excited to receive an e-ARC from NetGalley and Charlesbridge. Thank you.

Ana Siqueira doesn't disappoint readers with her newest picture book, about La Mala Suerte. Young Miguel is going about his daily life just fine until his abuelita tells him that opening his umbrella in the house will bring bad luck, Then suddenly everything changes. In addition to this delightful story, the back matter talks about superstitions in other countries. All-in-all, I highly recommend this book for children 4-6.