Ryan Calejo was born and raised in south Florida. He graduated from the University of Miami with a BA. He's been invited to join both the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honour Society. He teaches swimming to elementary school students, chess to middle school students, and writing to high school students. Having been born into a family of immigrants and growing up in the so-called Capital of Latin America, Ryan knows the importance of diversity in our communities and is passionate about writing books that children of all ethnicities can relate to. His first novel was Charlie Hernandez & the League of Shadows.
Florida Book Awards 2018 Gold Medalist for Older Children's Literature Sunshine State Young Readers Award 2020-2021 List for Grades 6-8 International Latino Book Awards: 2nd Place in Best Youth Chapter Fiction Book, English Texas Bluebonnet Award 2020-2021 The story is fast paced and jam-packed with many encounters with mythological creatures loosely based on folklore from around the Spanish-speaking world. The glossary at the end is helpful with a description and country of origin for each mythological being. VERDICT A great start to a new series that will be devoured by fantasy fans who enjoy action with ample doses of mythological inspirations. -- School Library Journal * January 2019 * This magical adventure brings the Hispanic mythologies . . . to life . . . the detailed attention to various Hispanic folkloric and mythological traditions is accessible to readers new to the legends as well as old hands, and this multicultural story proves to be a satisfying read for anyone interested in fantasy action. -- BCCB * October 2018 * He's not the chosen one -but the bad guys think he is. Mexican-born, American-raised Charlie Hernandez just grew horns. And feathers. It's inconvenient. All of a sudden, all the Hispanic (both Latin American and Iberian) myths he learned from his abuela leave the world of legend and reveal themselves in Miami-and everyone, good and bad, seems to be after Charlie. A winner for all kids, but it will be especially beloved by Latinx and Hispanic families who may recognize some of the characters. -- Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW Filled with action with fast-paced chapters, Calejo's novel is sure to draw in readers and introduce them to the magic, beauty, and history of Hispanic myths and legends (many of which are elaborated on further in a glossary for those unfamiliar with the stories). This is a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan's many series, particularly for those eager for mythologies beyond Greek and Roman stories. -- Booklist *STARRED REVIEW*