Middle Grade and YA Author
Every morning, 12 year-old Lucía scales the massive Sombra Trees that shroud Coquí Island in darkness in search of their rare medicinal fruit.
Her secret advantage is a parrot named Malo with a sharp sense of smell and a sharper tongue.
But when her grandmother’s health deteriorates and the fruit grows scarce, Lucía ventures into a foggy labyrinth where even the most nimble climbers vanish.
When shady characters follow her and seize Malo, Lucía must use her wits to pull off her riskiest venture yet: escaping with her life.
Release Date: Summer 2027
Art by Molly Clasen
Photo by Justin McRobert
BIO
Darlene Pagán is working on her website. Stay tuned!
FAVORITES
Favorite Colors: Blue and Purple
Favorite Planet: Neptune
Favorite Constellation: Orion’s Belt
Favorite Forest: El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico
Favorite Animal: Coquí
Favorite Fruit: Blueberries and Mango
Favorite Food: Vegetarian Pho
Favorite Puerto Rican Food: Pasteles
Favorite Dessert: Tembleque (coconut pudding)
Favorite Candy: Chocolate
Favorite Place: Forests
Favorite Weather: Rain
Favorite Middle Grade Novels:
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The Girl and The Ghost, Hannah Alkaf
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A Wish in the Dark, Christine Soontornvat
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Skullduggery Pleasant Series, Derek Landy
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The Thing About Jellyfish, Ali Benjamin
Favorite YA Novels:
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The Marrow Thieves, Cherie Dimaline
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The Bear and the Nightingale, Katherine Arden
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They Both Die at the End, Adam Silvera
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Anything by Laura Ruby
Favorite Adult Books:
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The House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende (novel)
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The Rock Eaters, Brenda Peynado (short stories)
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The Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery (nonfiction)
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There, There, Tommy Orange (novel)