Monster Locker by Jorge Aguirre

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

Every middle schooler dreads their locker. But few have discovered what’s waiting behind Pablo Ortiz’s.

In this thrilling first volume of a middle grade graphic novel series, sixth-grader Pablo accidentally opens a portal to the realm of monsters, summoning a vengeful Aztec goddess in the process. For hundreds of years, something in the basement of Glenfield Middle School has been waiting for its chance. Now its time has come, and the school needs a hero.

The trouble is, Pablo just wants to lie low and survive sixth grade in one piece. He isn’t exactly hero material. But with the butt-kicking skills of his new friends and the hard-won wisdom passed down by his abuela, he just might have a fighting chance.

This is a story that has it all: heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud humor, and a warm celebration of family, friendship, and folklore. The vibrant artwork practically leaps off the page, and the fast-paced storytelling makes it a fantastic pick for reluctant readers and comic devotees alike.

Perfect for fans of graphic novels who love a good scare balanced with plenty of laughs. Woven through with threads of Mexican mythology and the kind of everyday courage that makes an unlikely hero, this one is a real discovery for readers ages 8 to 12.

Pull up a chair, settle in, and let the pages carry you off. We think this monster-filled adventure will earn a permanent spot on your young reader’s shelf, one they’ll reach for again and again.

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