MONSTER LOCKER

A locker in a middle school basement leads to world-ending trouble.

Sixth grade isn’t looking too good for friendless Pablo Ortiz, who still has no cell phone. Prepping for his sister’s quinceañera is no fun, either. “New year, new school, same crap.” Then Pablo pries open his locker to discover that Obie the Evil, a blobby, tadpolelike monster, resides inside. Obie wants Pablo’s help in unleashing “the world’s most loathsome monsters,” who will conquer and enslave all humans. After Pablo (who’d prefer to fly under the radar) refuses repeated requests, the persistent Obie tricks him into opening a portal to the realm of monsters, summoning Coatlicue. The vindictive Aztec Earth goddess releases frightening creatures in her wake that first attack Pablo’s school and then head out into Columbus, Ohio, transforming captured people into animals. Joined by his newfound friends and guided by his feisty, wise abuela, Pablo must step up to become an unexpected hero who saves the day in an unanticipated way. Centered on an amusing premise, this tale of ancient monsters and one very irate goddess serves up heaps of goofy humor thanks to its reluctant, pint-size Latine hero, comically antagonistic baddies, and frequent breaking of the fourth wall. A rich cast of culturally diverse characters, seamlessly inserted social commentary, and bustling, snappy artwork contribute greatly to a briskly paced adventure that teases a sequel.

A simply smashing monster bash.