Written by Socorro Acioli
Samuel, a 14-year-old orphan in Brazil, embarks on a journey to find a new home. His mother’s dying wish was that he finds his father and grandmother, so that he would have family. During a storm, he seeks shelter the only place he can find it, a hollowed out head from a failed statue. But, twice a day he hears an enchanting voice singing inside the head. So, he decides to stay. He soon makes a friend, and finds a way to survive financially. But, it’s not so honest. Will the town find out about his shenanigans? Who is he, and who is his father? Join Samuel as he helps to save the small town of Candeia from ruin, and finds himself in the process.
This book is best for high school students and up due to mature content and writing style. The magical realism of this book embraces Latin American story telling. Those who like Coelho’s The Alchemist or the works of Garcia Marquez will like this story.
Review by Jessica Moody, Olympus Jr High Media Center
Rating: ★★½✩✩ (2.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 10+
The Head of the Saint
Written by Socorro Acioli
Delacorte Press
181 pages
Release Date: March 8, 2016 (USA)
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Categories: Sr. High – Fiction
Tags: Magical Realism, Braziul, Prayer, St. Anthony, Homeless Persons, Fathers & Sons
