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2026 Pura Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book

“Piñeiro’s latest is a vibrant blend of contemporary coming of age with mythological adventure… An action-packed story of legacy, identity, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico.”

— Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Piñeiro’s newest fantasy is a beautiful and exciting love letter to Puerto Rico.”

— Booklist

“Fast-paced and full of twists and turns, the plot will take readers on a thrilling ride… an exciting adventure story that celebrates the intricate culture & history of Puerto Rico.”

—Youth Services Book Review

The Island of Forgotten Gods

Written by Victor Piñeiro
Published by Sourcebooks Young Readers

Nico wants to be a famous film director. He’s pretty sure if he can make the right movie, and soon, his life will completely change. The catch? His parents are sending him to Puerto Rico for the summer to stay with his iconic, but old-school, Abuela Luciana, and his awesome, but unpredictable cousins. Still, the show must go on.

Until Nico and his cousins awaken a monster. A monster that looks an awful lot like the infamous Chupacabra. And it turns out this isn’t a chance encounter. The creature begins stalking them all over Puerto Rico, turning up on every dark corner, sandy beach, and moonlit night. To make matters worse, a shadowy cult enters the chase, intent on capturing them before the Chupacabra can.

Soon they are thrown into an adventure that brings them face-to-face with the ancient Taino people, even more ancient Taino gods, and the mysterious Chupacabra, who is somehow linked to everything. Nico keeps his camera rolling, hoping the epic documentary will catapult him to stardom. But in the end, it’s the island’s fate that hangs in the balance, as they face down the very gods that created Puerto Rico.

Primary ISBN: 9781728230559
Publication Date: August 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: New York, Puerto Rico

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country, Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Book Trailer

Author, Victor Piñeiro talks about the inspiration for the book.

Source: Source Books, Latinx KidLit Book Festival