Paola Santiago and the River of Tears was well-received by critics, including starred reviews from Booklist,[1] Kirkus Reviews,[2] Publishers Weekly,[3] and School Library Journal.[4]
Booklist's Selenia Paz wrote, "This fast-paced journey into Latinx folklore, with its clever protagonist, is sure to keep readers turning pages into the night."[1]
Kirkus said the novel is a "fantastic and fantastical debut," writing, "Mejia’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, as the colorful imagery places readers in Southwestern cacti fields and in the tumultuous mindset of an insecure 12-year-old. For all its exploration of Pao’s internal landscape, there is action aplenty".[2]
Multiple reviewers commented on Mejia's inclusion of "realistic plot points" in this fantastical novel, including "socioeconomic and immigration concerns, the tension between science and superstition".[3]
Publishers Weekly also highlighted how the author "draws upon [their] Latinx heritage to conjure creatures from folklore, such as chupacabras, La Llorona",[3] "wailing ghost woman, and other dark creatures".[1] Shelf Awareness's Shelley Diaz also praised how Mejia "adeptly showcases [...] details about Mexican American culture".[5]
Reviewers also mentioned the novel's character development. Publishers Weekly wrote, "Complicated emotional development is a particular strength—Paola wrestles with issues of anger and forgiveness, mother-daughter strife, and the new 'boy-girl weirdness' between her and Dante en route to becoming a reluctant hero".[3] Shelley Diaz, writing for Shelf Awareness, noted how Paola helped "[imbue the] middle-grade debut with vulnerability and fierceness".[5]
Diaz also commented on how "clever chapter headings add humor in between harrowing scenes, and duplicitous characters will keep readers guessing whom to trust".[5]
