Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
#1 of 3 in Cece Rios Series
on Goodreads (1,573)
What’s inside...
Living in the remote town of Tierra del Sol is dangerous, especially in the criatura months, when powerful spirits roam the desert and threaten humankind. But Cecelia Rios has always believed there was more to the criaturas, much to her family’s disapproval. After all, only brujas—humans who capture and control criaturas—consort with the spirits, and brujeria is a terrible crime. When her older sister, Juana, is kidnapped by El Sombrerón, a powerful dark criatura, Cece is determined to bring Juana back. To get into Devil’s Alley, though, she’ll have to become a bruja herself—while hiding her quest from her parents, her town, and the other brujas. Thankfully, the legendary criatura Coyote has a soft spot for humans and agrees to help her on her journey. With him at her side, Cece sets out to reunite her family—and maybe even change what it means to be a bruja along the way.
Character compass
Cece Rios
Juana Rios
Coyote
El Sombrerón
Discussion points
What do you think Cece learned about courage and friendship throughout her journey?
How do the different creatures in the desert represent certain challenges or fears? Which one stood out to you the most?
What does the desert symbolize in Cece’s adventure, and how does it compare to challenges we face in real life?
How did Cece's relationships with her family and friends change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What would you have done if you were in Cece’s place at various key points in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they felt during significant moments in the story.
Draw parallels between the book’s themes and real-life situations your child might face to deepen their understanding and connection.
Use the creatures and challenges in the book as metaphors to discuss personal fears or challenges your child might relate to.
After discussing each question, share your own perspectives to foster a two-way conversation and support a deeper bond.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Cece Rios displays immense bravery as she challenges fearsome creatures to rescue her sister. Her journey is fraught with dangers that she faces head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being courageous when tackling difficult situations, whether standing up to a bully or facing a tough exam.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge and preparation
Explanation: Cece’s success in the supernatural world heavily relies on her understanding and preparation regarding the creatures she encounters.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of studying and preparing thoroughly for any challenging tasks, emphasizing that knowledge is power.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Cece learns to understand and empathize with creatures that others fear, discovering that not all are malevolent.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic and strive to understand people who may seem different initially, promoting inclusiveness and reducing prejudices.
Example Lesson: Strength in community and teamwork
Explanation: Cece rallies other characters to help her in her quest, demonstrating that teamwork often leads to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: This highlights to children the importance of collaboration and that seeking help and working together can achieve better outcomes in group projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming personal fears
Explanation: Cece fights not only physical monsters but also her internal fears and insecurities, growing stronger as a person.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of confronting personal fears and challenges, encouraging personal development and building self-confidence.