A propulsive, compelling, and unsparing novel set in the grimly
violent world of the human and drug trade on the US-Mexican border, by
an acclaimed, three-time Printz Award honoree.
Crafted with poetry and cinematic pace and narrated with cold fury,
Saint Death is a provocative tour de force from three-time Printz
Award honoree Marcus Sedgwick.
On the outskirts of Juarez, Arturo scrapes together a living working odd
jobs and staying out of sight. But his friend Faustino is in trouble:
he's stolen money from the narcos to smuggle his girlfriend and her baby
into the US, and needs Arturo's help to get it back. To help his friend,
Arturo must face the remorseless world of drug and human traffickers
that surrounds him, and contend with a murky past.
Hovering over his story is the unsparing divinity Santa Muerte, Saint
Death--and the relentless economic and social inequalities that haunt
the border between Mexico and its rich northern neighbor.
Praise for Saint Death:
A timely but unflinching look at the distressing impact of drugs on the
U.S.-Mexico border. . . . Readers will be both devastated and
inspired by Arturo's devotion to Faustino and his faith in Santa
Muerte. --Kirkus Reviews
The formatting and language underscore that this is a book about Mexican
characters who live their lives in Spanish--non-English words are not
italicized, and dialogue is formatted according to Spanish-language
conventions. This well-researched novel is an absorbing, heart-rending
read and a scathing indictment of the conditions that have allowed the
drug trade and human trafficking to flourish in Mexico. . . . Eerily
timely and prescient, this ambitious story is a necessary purchase for
all collections. --School Library Journal
Sedgwick (Blood Red Snow White) transports readers to the border city
of Juarez in this grim study of the repercussions of U.S. policies and
the market for narcotics on Mexico and its citizens. . . . The novel's
many tragedies feel all but inexorable, and Arturo's story will linger
with readers. --Publishers Weekly
Other novels by Marcus Sedgwick:
Blood Red Snow White: A gripping, romantic adventure novel based on
the true story of Arthur Ransome's experiences with love and betrayal in
war-torn Russia.
The Ghosts of Heaven: A Printz Honor Book! Timeless, beautiful, and
haunting, spirals connect four episodes, from prehistory through the far
future.
She Is Not Invisible: When her father goes missing, a blind girl
talented in identifying patterns and her brother are thrust into a
mystery.
Midwinterblood: A Printz Medal Winner! Seven stories of passion and
love separated by centuries but mysteriously intertwined.
White Crow: A scary, thought provoking novel about secrets that are
better left buried.
Revolver: A Printz Honor Book! A taut frontier survivor story, set
at the time of the Alaska gold rush.
Graphic novel by Marcus Sedgwick, art by Thomas Taylor:
Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter: A rip-roaring romp full of hairy
horrors, villainous villains, and the world's toughest monster
hunter--Scarlett Hart!
