Ava and the Owl-Witch (Los Monstruos) by Diana Lopez

What worked:

Ava’s mother is an Owl-Witch, and Minerva flies off every night, looking for people who might endanger others. Ava loves her mother, but she misses spending more time with her. Ava doesn’t remember much of her Aunt Trudi, who died in a suspected hit-and-run accident. Her death also left her mother and Aunt Delia estranged, as Delia believes Minerva is responsible. However, Minerva blames herself, and she’s been trying to protect the citizens of Tres Leches from danger ever since. The problem is that many citizens view her as a nuisance and a vigilante.

Some readers might view Ava’s mother as a monster, but the author makes her motives something to think about. Ava doesn’t understand why her mother drops people into the town’s mud pit, but readers may be surprised by the reasons. Her mother is trying to stop those people from harming others. Readers’ first introduction to the mother occurs when she drops a man into the mud before he can drive his truck while drunk. Charges are finally brought against Minerva, and her trial builds to the plot’s climax. Ava stubbornly pursues the truth to rescue her mother from jail. Perhaps she’ll also find a way to mend the ill feelings that have kept her mother and aunt apart.

Ava knows she’s meant to be a Lechuza, and she dreams of turning into an owl and flying in the night sky. She doesn’t understand why her mother won’t teach her, and she knows little about being a Lechuza. Ava knows she’s a witch because she’s always accompanied by a familiar. Paco is a cute squirrel, and he helps Ava by running errands, offering a helpful ear, and providing non-verbal advice. Rooster and Felice are Ava’s best friends, since they understand what it’s like to have a parent who’s considered a monster. Their stories comprise the plots in the trilogy’s first two books.

What didn’t work as well:

The author develops an emotional story, although it doesn’t build to a suspense-filled climax. Perhaps that’s due to Minerva’s mental state, as she feels a need to be punished. It’s hard for readers to feel tension when it’s contrary to her emotions.

The final verdict:

This book is the third in a trilogy, but they can be read independently. It’s innovative to share the story of a “monster” and her daughter and create sympathy for them. The trial is a nice way to unite and resolve family and town issues. I recommend you give this book a shot.