Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring

Authored by Angela Cervantes, Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring is a middle grade novel published in 2018. It tells the story of Paloma Marquez, a 12-year-old Kansas girl who must spend four weeks of her summer vacation in Mexico after her mother is awarded a research fellowship there. Her mother is eager for Paloma to immerse herself in her late father’s native country to learn about its rich heritage, but Paloma is skeptical. Initially reluctant to leave behind her friends, Paloma quickly changes her mind when she meets twin siblings her age who invite her to work with them to solve a mystery: A valuable ring designed and owned by Mexican painter Frida Kahlo has gone missing. As the three set out to solve the mystery, Paloma discovers the richness of her heritage, the power of art, and the importance of justice.

Cervantes, a descendant of Mexican immigrants to the US, has authored several novels for young readers as well as adaptations of the Disney films Coco and Encanto. She has also collaborated on books in the American Girl series. As a Latina writer, she sets out to develop characters that reflect this heritage.