Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes is a middle-grade mystery set in Mexico City. 12-year-old Paloma Marquez and her mom have traveled from Kansas to the borough of Coyoacán to spend a month of summer while her mom participates in an exchange program.

Although Paloma's father was from Mexico, he passed away when she was 3 years old, before she could learn Spanish.

Upon arriving in Mexico, Paloma is enrolled in an art history course and begins to learn about Frida Kahlo. She is privileged to be invited to a number of events at the Casa Azul, Frida's home for much of her life. There is even a big event to celebrate her birthday that Paola and her mom will be a part of.

While she is in the Casa Azul, Paola is drawn into a mystery of a missing ring that had been owned by Frida Kahlo. Her new English tutors, Gael and Lizzie, involve her in a series of escapades to track down the ring. Will they be able to figure out who can be trusted, and what is really behind the mystery of the missing ring?

I enjoyed the way they show Paloma learning Spanish, weaving words into the story in a way that would help readers to learn the language.

Her young friend Lizzie is a trumpet player in a mariachi band, and I loved the rich descriptions of the music and serenatas throughout the story.

I also enjoyed that it took place in Mexico City, a place that I really enjoy visiting. I would have loved for the story to give more vivid descriptions of the city. They visit a churro stand in Coyoacán without ever eating one of the world's best churros? This seemed to me as a missed opportunity.

The tweens also make some dangerous choices, such as sneaking out of the house and around the city in the middle of the night. It didn't seem completely realistic to me with what I know of that area.

All in all, it was a fun mystery with a Mexican twist that was educational and enjoyable to read. 

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