Max's summer isn't turning out anything like he'd planned. Max is looking forward to visiting Italy with his family so he is devastated when his parents, both archaeologists, trade their vacation plans for an important dig in San Xavier, a small country in Central America. They leave immediately. Max now faces summer camp in the Great North Woods of Maine instead of a long awaited trip to Italy where his mother grew up. He'll be eating camp food instead of meals prepared especially for him by his Nonna.

Max's housekeeper Zia has lived with his family as long as Max can remember. She cooks and cleans, but otherwise steers clear of the family. He knows little about her except that she is weird, wearing dark glasses even indoors and carrying a crumpled handkerchief to wipe away tears that frequently roll down her cheeks. While waiting for camp to begin, Max is under her supervision at home. On the morning Max is supposed to leave for Maine, Zia gives him his passport and an e-ticket to San Xavier. She tells him that he is special and must not keep them waiting. Max's adventure in the tropical rainforests of Central America is about to begin.

Fourteen-year old Max meets the challenges of the Mayan Underworld and the Lords of Death with all the cunning and bravery of a hero. This is a lovely book, full of maps, black and white illustrations, and Mayan history.

by Lyn Seippel