The Last Test - Arina Glozman - Bog

In a small town in the highlands of Guatemala live two men; brothers. Each has a son, both named Pedro. According to the árbol genealógico or family tree, the boys are cousins, but they are also best friends - unlike their fathers who had a falling out over a financial issue some years back. Still, life ambles about slowly as it does in the department of Huehuetenango until an issue cuts through the fabric of the boys' friendship, a rejection that causes many hard feelings. This new, fraught relationship is tested even more in class, when a new teacher arrives in town to teach their fifth grade class, enlightening all of the 10- and 11-year-olds to the rich history of their people, the Maya. But, this usually boring history class gets real as the boys learn about the Mayan Myth of the Hero Twins. Little do they know, however, that they will unexpectedly play a role in the myth, the underworld, and the rich history that saturates the lands of Guatemala. Some doors are not meant to be opened, and once opened are hard to shut. What adventures will they encounter? What lessons will they learn? Is blood really thicker than water? Who will survive?