Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly the kind of middle-grade book that should be getting more attention. Cuevas delivers a legitimately engaging mystery with a protagonist kids will root for, wrapped in cultural specificity that feels authentic rather than educational.

The tule vieja folklore angle is genuinely cool—it's not just 'kid with magic power saves the day' but rather 'kid with magic power investigates shape-shifting witch using lesser-known Latin American mythology.' The stakes feel real (his grandmother is suspected, animals are disappearing, eclipse deadline looming) without getting too dark.

The military family angle adds emotional depth without being heavy. Nestor's longing for stability and his relationship with his deployed dad creates real character motivation beyond just 'stop the bad guy.'

At 4.8 stars on Amazon and a Pura Belpré Honor, this has both parent approval and literary recognition. The 740L Lexile means it's genuinely accessible for the target age while the premise keeps it from feeling babyish. A solid, entertaining read that also happens to bring meaningful cultural representation to the middle-grade fantasy shelf.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-12, the sweet spot for magical middle-grade mysteries. The reading level is accessible for confident 3rd graders while the folklore and mystery elements keep 6th graders interested. Probably too young for most teens unless they're reading with a younger sibling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models courage, family loyalty, and friendship through Nestor's journey to clear his grandmother's name. The protagonist keeps his animal-communication ability secret due to fear of judgment, creating relatable emotional stakes. Themes of military family separation (dad's deployment) and frequent moves are handled with sensitivity. The cooperative dynamic between Nestor and his new friends shows healthy peer relationships. Cuban American cultural elements add authentic family warmth without being heavy-handed.

Imaginative

91

The premise of a kid who can talk to animals investigating a tule vieja (shape-shifting witch from Latin American folklore) is genuinely creative. Blends magical realism with mystery elements and introduces lesser-known folklore to middle-grade readers. The solar eclipse deadline creates natural tension and the concept of a witch absorbing animal powers through bites is inventive. Cuevas brings fresh cultural mythology to a genre often dominated by European fantasy tropes.

Safe

82

Animals disappearing and a witch antagonist could be mildly scary for sensitive younger readers, but the tone stays firmly middle-grade adventure rather than horror. The 'biting during eclipse' concept is creepy but not graphic. Military deployment themes might resonate emotionally with some families. No inappropriate content, violence is fantasy-level (witch vs. kids), and the mystery-solving framework keeps things from getting too dark. Age range 8-12 from multiple sources confirms appropriate content boundaries.

Enriching

87

Introduces Cuban American culture and Latin American folklore (tule vieja) to a wider audience through an #OwnVoices author. Addresses military family challenges, frequent relocation, and feeling like an outsider—experiences many kids face. The protagonist must overcome fear of being different and learn to use his unique ability for good. Problem-solving through investigation and teamwork. Pura Belpré Honor recognition signals cultural significance. Lexile 740L/AR 4.7 makes it accessible while still offering vocabulary growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fresh take on animal-communication tropes with Latin American folklore most kids haven't encountered
Military kid experiences (constant moves, deployed parent) handled with emotional authenticity
Mystery structure with a ticking-clock deadline keeps pages turning
Cultural representation from an #OwnVoices author (Pura Belpré Honor winner)
Reading level is accessible (740L) while the premise stays engaging for the full 8-12 range

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What to Watch For

Mild spooky vibes—disappearing animals and a witch antagonist, though firmly middle-grade adventure tone
Military deployment themes might hit close to home for some families
Nestor's fear of being 'different' because of his ability could spark good conversations about neurodivergence or feeling like an outsider

Conversation Starters

"If you could talk to animals like Nestor, which animal would you want to have a conversation with first?"
"Nestor keeps his ability secret because he's afraid of what people will think. Have you ever felt like you had to hide something about yourself?"
"The tule vieja is from Cuban folklore. What stories or legends does our family have?"
"How do you think it feels to move around as much as Nestor does? What would be hard about that?"

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