Studying the Maya civilisation (definitely not ‘the Mayans’ as you will find out in the book) is a popular theme in KS2 and now Maz Evans has provided the perfect class reader to go alongside the topic!

As well as enjoying a humorous, fast-paced adventure, readers will learn about Maya culture, including meeting some of their gods and experiencing the deadly game Pok a Tok, which cousins Vesper and Aster must play to prevent the destruction of both themselves and their world.

The two characters are very different – Vesper, football-loving, outspoken and headstrong and Aster, quieter and more studious, but with a bright secret – and the reader comes to understand them, their relationships, their strengths and their motives as the story develops. Many children will be familiar with, and fans of, the Who Let the Gods Out series by the same author, and they will equally enjoy this spin-off series, which includes some familiar and favourite characters, but is a series starter in its own right.

This is a brilliant read-aloud to bring the Maya world to life and help pupils make links in their learning about ancient civilizations.