Kirkusreviews iconKirkusreviewsSep 22, 2026 ~1 min source read

MISCHIEF AND MONSTERS

Twelve-year-old Jordi Acosta wasn't ready for puberty to make him significantly taller and heavier than his classmates. The self-conscious sixth grader strives to avoid attracting extra attention.

MISCHIEF AND MONSTERS

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Twelve-year-old Jordi Acosta wasn't ready for puberty to make him significantly taller and heavier than his classmates.

The self-conscious sixth grader strives to avoid attracting extra attention.

He's a quiet, witty, and likable protagonist—a sweet kid who's content sharing riddles with his Cuban immigrant Abuelito and watching bestie Ximena Morales speak out on important issues like book banning.

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The useful part

Twelve-year-old Jordi Acosta wasn't ready for puberty to make him significantly taller and heavier than his classmates. The self-conscious sixth grader strives to avoid attracting extra attention. He's a quiet, witty, and likable protagonist—a sweet kid who's content sharing riddles with his Cuban immigrant Abuelito and watching bestie Ximena Morales speak out on important issues like book banning.

How it works

  • This spring break, instead of helping at Papi's carpentry shop, he'll be working at the refuge run by his wildlife biologist mother.
  • Jordi expects it to be boring—but then he has a heart-pounding run-in with the gigantic, legendary, and surprisingly relatable Rey, the Bear King, who turns out to be gentle and playful despite his size,...
  • Soon, Jordi and his friends discover that a ruthless natural gas company has been damaging property to incentivize landowners to sell, while setting up the cryptids to take the blame.
  • Danger, suspense and surprise twists ensue as Jordi forces himself to both use his physical stature and find his voice in order to protect his friends—human and cryptid alike.

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