In this collection of stories based on Mexican-American folklore, author and educator René Saldaña, Jr. spins age-old tales with a contemporary twist. Lauro and Miguel run for their lives-with La Llorona's cold breath on their necks- after being caught smoking cigarettes down by the river. There's Felipe, who's so determined to win back the Peñitas Grand Master Marble Champion title that he's willing to make a deal for a shooter with a supernatural edge. And when Louie's leg swells up after he cuts his toe playing with a knife, he can't help but wonder if his mom's warning could be true. Are his guts really going to spill out of his wound because he cut himself doing something stupid?

Set in the author's native South Texas, these are the stories parents have told their children for generations to discourage bad behavior and encourage kids to stay close to home. But Saldaña breathes new life into these traditional tales with contemporary settings, issues and conflicts that are sure to resonate with today's youth.