Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs

(Hardback)

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Description

On the brink of her Quinceanera and her coronation, Solimar visits the monarch butterflies inthe forest. There, the sun pierces through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her. She realises she's been given a gift - and a burden: she can predict the near future, and has become a protector of the butterflies. Tragedy strikes when a neighbouring king invades while her father and brother are away, and the remaining villagers are taken hostage - all except Solimar. Cans she save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the butterflies

Reviews

Though the story is written about a teen, the engaging plotline and whimsical elements will appeal to a younger audience. An energetic romp with a conservation motif.--Kirkus Reviews
Award-winning author Ryan has masterfully crafted a story using cultural elements from Mexico with a generous sprinkling of magic. In this story of courage, determination, and ingenuity, readers will cheer on Solimar in her arduous journey to save what is near and dear to her heart.--Booklist
Full of energy and egalitarian ideas, Solimar gently but firmly resists some aspects of San Gregorio's gender roles while honoring the kingdom's traditions and protecting its ecological wonders...Ryan emphasizes cooperation and mutual assistance among individuals and communities; both Solimar and her kingdom are ultimately stronger for the friendships they forge.--BCCB
The story is rich with vibrant imagery, suspense, and humor...Muoz Ryan has given readers a strong and appealing Latinx heroine, while weaving in beautiful elements of culture, ancestry, family values, and gender equality.--School Library Journal

Author Bio

Pam Muoz Ryan is a New York Times bestselling author and U.S. nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She has written over forty books, including Esperanza Rising, Becoming Naomi Len, Riding Freedom, Paint the Wind, The Dreamer, and Echo, a Newbery Honor book and the recipient of the Kirkus Prize. She is the author recipient of the National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award for Multicultural Literature, and is twice the recipient of the Pura Belpr Medal and the Willa Cather Award. Other honors include the PEN USA Award, the Amricas Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, and the Orbis Pictus Award. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, but now lives near San Diego with her family. Many of her stories reflect her half-Mexican heritage.

Pam's Hometown:
Lives in North San Diego County in Encinitas, CA

Cities where Pam is well-known:
Was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA until college.
Boston, MA
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach, CA

Pam's social media handles:
Twitter @pammunozryan
Instagram pammunozryan
Facebook Pamela Ryan