Set in a fictional Latinx country, Santa Maria, "somewhere in the Americas," this allegorical tale centers on Max, who has been raised by his father and grandfather. He never knew his mother -she left when he was still a baby. Although Max would like to follow his passion for soccer, instead he works with his father, a stonemason/bridge builder, on his latest project, gathering stones from the legendary complex that includes a tower, La Reina Gigante. The tower is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of refugees who hid there while fleeing their neighboring country of Abismo during time of war and oppression. Max is surrounded by stories that may be just that-stories. For example, his grandfather was rumored to be one of The Guardians, locals who protected the refugees that sheltered in tower over the years. When Max is called upon to help a young refugee, Isadora, on her journey to her next checkpoint, he realizes that the stories he has heard his grandfather tell all his life actually hold the clues he needs to reach their destination, while the journey itself holds clues to the reason for his mother's departure years before. Despite the fantasy setting, this story in which Max grows from self-centered to selfless as he helps the young girl escape has many parallels to contemporary and historical issues, from war and indentured servitude to refugees and immigration to the Underground Railroad. (Ages 8-10)

This timeless tale of struggle, hope, and the search for tomorrow has much to offer today about compassion and our shared humanity. Perfect for fans of Amal Unbound, The Bridge Home, and Beyond the Bright Sea.

"Uniquely magical...Timely and timeless." -- New York Times

Maximiliano Córdoba loves stories, especially the legend Buelo tells him about a mythical gatekeeper who can guide brave travelers on a journey into tomorrow.

If Max could see tomorrow, he would know if he'd make Santa Maria's celebrated fútbol team and whether he'd ever meet his mother, who disappeared when he was a baby. He longs to know more about her, but Papá won't talk. So when Max uncovers a buried family secret--involving an underground network of guardians who lead people fleeing a neighboring country to safety--he decides to seek answers on his own.

With a treasured compass, a mysterious stone rubbing, and Buelo's legend as his only guides, he sets out on a perilous quest to discover if he is true of heart and what the future holds.