The Cassandra Curse (Muse Squad #1)

Life takes an unexpected turn for 11-year-old Miami native Calliope “Callie” Martinez-Silva after a deadly train ride sets in motion a series of strange events: the appearance of a cryptic, time-stopping woman; Callie’s shy best friend, Raquel Falcón, auditioning for America’s Next Star; and Callie discovering a portal under her bed that transports her to London. It’s all because Callie is the newest muse of epic poetry—one of the nine from Greek mythology—after the death of the previous one, her tia Annie. At Muse Headquarters, the Victoria and Albert Museum, she meets three junior muses: British Thalia (comedy), Chicago-born Nia (science), and New Delhi resident Mela (tragedy). Their first assignment as a group is to protect one of the “heroes and artists, scientists and makers” whom the muses inspire from evil sirens determined to sabotage them and doom humankind. Despite occasionally slow pacing, Acevedo successfully deploys a mixture of imagination and sincerity in this magical duology opener with a message of art’s importance and awakening the hero within. The book does best in weaving global themes of inclusivity—“inspiration knows no borders”—as well as exploring family and friendship with heart. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Stephanie Abou, Massie & McQuilkin. (July) [/em]