The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy - by Angela Cervantes (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament's stolen trophy in time for the championship match.

"Humor, heart, and fútbol... everything a middle grade mystery should be." -Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lemoncello series

Diez Espada--named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father's favorite player, Lionel Messi--would rather be chasing clues than soccer balls. When the World Cup trophy disappears at a glitzy party in Miami, he's suddenly at the center of the most thrilling match of his life--a race to find the trophy before it's gone for good.

Teaming up with his crush, Rio, and the world-famous Detective Enzo, Diez dives headfirst into a one-night whirlwind of secret tunnels and a squad of suspicious suspects: a spoiled son of a Miami tycoon, a famous sportscaster, and even Rio's two prankster younger brothers.

The clock is ticking, the suspects are slippery, and the stadium lights are ready to shine. Will Diez find the trophy in time for the World Cup championship match?

Also available in Spanish

Review Quotes

A Spotify Best Audiobook of the Year So Far

"Humor, heart, and fútbol... everything a middle grade mystery should be." -Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-
bestselling author of the Lemoncello series

* "Scores big on family, detective work, and the love of the game." -Kirkus, starred review

"Mystery, friendship, and redemption, all wrapped up in one great detective story." -Christina Wyman, bestselling author of Jawbreaker

"A fast-paced tale of fútbol stardom. Diez Espada is on the case!" -Adrianna Cuevas, Pura Belpré Honor-winning author of The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez

"Keeps readers guessing, cheering, and completely hooked until the final whistle blows!" -Ernesto Cisneros, Pura Belpré-winning author of Efrén Divided

"There's a new kid detective in town!" -Celia C. Pérez, award-winning author of The First Rule of Punk

"A heartwarming sleuth story that had me laughing from the start!" -María José Fitzgerald, award-winning author of Turtles of the Midnight Moon

"Diez Espada's detective skills would make the likes of Nancy Drew, Hercule Poirot, and Sherlock Holmes proud!" -Katryn Bury, author of the Drew Leclair series

"Budding mystery enthusiasts and soccer fans will enjoy this middle school escapade." -School Library Journal

"Cervantes scores an energetic, crowd-pleasing mystery." -Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Angela Cervantes is the award-winning author of several beloved children's novels including Lety Out Loud, which won a Pura Belpré Honor Award. Angela's other children's novels include Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows; The Cursed Moon; Maritza: Lead With Your Heart, an American Girl book; Gaby, Lost and Found; Allie, First at Last; and the Frida Kahlo-inspired mystery, Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring. In addition to her original work, Angela adapted Coco: The Junior Novelization and Encanto: The Junior Novelization. Angela began writing stories featuring Latina main characters when she was nine years old because she wanted books that reflected her friends and her community.