The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes
Rick Riordan Presents, 2021
Agent: Thao Le
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents ten new stories—including one of his own—about beloved heroes that sprang from the imaginations of some of the best middle grade authors working today.
"I hope you enjoy your trip through the multiverse mansion as much as I did. The real danger is that once you start exploring all the wonders herein, you may want to stay forever."—Rick Riordan
A cave monster . . . an abandoned demon . . . a ghost who wants to erase history . . . a killer commandant . . . These are just some of the challenges confronting the young heroes in this highly entertaining anthology.
All but one of the heroes previously starred in a popular book from Rick Riordan Presents. You'll be reunited with Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Min the fox spirit, Sal and Gabi, Gum Baby, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz, and Riley Oh. Who is the new hero? Read Rick Riordan's short story to find out!
Ten bestselling and award-winning middle grade authors contributed to this collection: Roshani Chokshi, J.C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Carlos Hernandez, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, and Rick Riordan, who also served as the editor.
The cultures represented by these own-voices stories are: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic.
There's something for everyone in this collection of fast-paced and funny adventure stories that show what it takes to be a hero in any time, setting, and universe.
Reviews:
“This middle grade anthology from Rick Riordan Presents serves up 10 new stories from the imprint’s contributing authors, including a Celtic mythology–inspired piece by Riordan, who edited the volume. Carlos Hernandez kicks things off with an exuberant romp as characters Sal and Gabi chase a wayward, unicorn-riding classmate through alternate worlds, in the process linking to other tales. Elsewhere, Kwame Mbalia’s Gum Baby takes center stage, battling a ghost capable of erasing Black history; Tehlor Kay Mejia’s Paola Santiago risks everything to help her ailing pet chupacabra; and Yoon Ha Lee’s space-faring fox spirit Min embarks upon a new adventure when she and her ghost brother are sent to spy school. As companion pieces to existing series that nevertheless remain accessible for newcomers, these stories both expand each world and offer readers a full sampling of the imprint’s versatility. With an inclusive range of contributors drawing upon their respective heritages and experiences to craft culturally specific, gratifyingly adventurous tales, there’s a little something for everyone here, like a world tour of wonder and excitement.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred)
“In this anthology penned by authors from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint—and Riordan himself—mythological adventures lie in wait… A captivating collection of stories based on world mythologies.”
—Kirkus Reviews