The Madre de Aguas of Cuba

March 15, 2020
The Unicorn Rescue Society investigates the disappearance of a Cuban sea serpent. In the fifth series installment, returning protagonists Uchenna and Elliot are in school, learning about water, when Professor Fauna calls them away. As the kids board the professor's rickety single-propeller plane, they learn where exactly they are heading: Cuba. The island is in the middle of a massive drought, and Professor Fauna has reason to believe that the Madres de aguas (the Mother of Waters) has gone missing. It's up to the society to find the sea serpent before any more damage is done to the people and wildlife of Cuba. As they set out on their mission of derring-do, they realize that once again they are up against their nemeses, the Schmoke Brothers. Via Yoenis, their Cuban American society liaison, Uchenna, Elliot, and readers learn about the political and economic hardships experienced by the people of Cuba, the island's lack of basic goods and necessities, and Cuba's need for real democracy (although the current role of the military is elided). This is conveyed within a quick, fast-paced read that's ideal for kids who want a straightforward magical adventure. Uchenna is Nigerian, Elliot is white and Jewish, and Professor Fauna is Peruvian. Series fans will enjoy revisiting familiar characters and exploring the island of Cuba with them. (Fantasy. 8-10)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2020

Gr 2-5-A sensitive and informative story wrapped up in a magical mystery adventure. Gidwitz has teamed up with Emma Otheguy to write this new installment of "The Unicorn Rescue Society" series. Uchenna, Elliot, and Professor Fauna are members of a secret group that protects mythical creatures, and this time they travel to Cuba to find the Madre de Aguas, a sea serpent that protects the water supply of the island and surrounding area. She may even control the weather, and there has been an ongoing drought in Cuba. Rounded out with an evil corporation polluting the water for their own gain, this story feels like an old Scooby-Doo mystery in the best way. The details of the scenes set in Cuba are written sensitively while not glossing over the fraught history of the country. The scenes with Yoenis' mother are especially well drawn. However, readers would benefit from familiarity with previous installments; the characters' personalities do not shine through enough for a casual reader to feel invested in the story without the background knowledge of the other books. VERDICT Short, simple, magical fun that has something to say about the contemporary world. Highly recommended where the earlier books are popular.-Jeri Murphy, C.F. Simmons Middle School, Aurora, IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.