Publisher Description

Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch is the sequel to Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel, an honor book for the Pura Belpre Award. Xavier Garza rules the ring when it comes to writing and illustrating action-packed, high-interest books filled with crazy comic-book art and set in the emotionally charged world of sixth grade.In Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel, Max tumbles over the railing at a lucha match in San Antonio and makes a connection to the world of Mexican wrestling that will ultimately link him to the greatest hero of all time: the Guardian Angel. He also falls in love with the beautiful Cecilia Cantú. In Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch, suddenly everybody seems to be fighting: a couple of cranky tías who, like lucha libre rudos, will stop at nothing to triumph in the church's lotería game; his masked uncles going for the tag-team title of the world; and a green-eyed vixen named Paloma who challenges his love for Cecilia. Will good triumph over evil? Max sure hopes so!Winner of the NACCS-Tejas Foco Young Adult Fiction Book Award and the Texas Institute of Letters H-E-B Award for Best Children's Book. 2014-15 Tejas Star Reading List Selection.Xavier Garza was born in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He is an enthusiastic author, artist, teacher, and storyteller whose work is a lively documentation of the dreams, superstitions, and heroes in the bigger-than-life world of south Texas. Garza has exhibited his art and performed his stories in venues throughout Texas, Arizona, and the state of Washington. He lives with his wife and son in San Antonio, Texas.

Author Biography

Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, author and luche libre aficionado Xavier Garza is a prolific author, artist, and storyteller whose work focuses primarily on his experiences growing up in the small border town of Rio Grande City. Garza has exhibited his art and performed his stories in venues throughout Texas, Arizona and the state of Washington. Garza lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Irma and their young son Vincent.He published his first book, Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys (Arte Publico Press), in 2004. Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask was released in Spring 2005 and quickly became a hit among children and lucha libre fans. Lucha Libre won an Honor Book, Américas Award and a STARRED REVIEW from Críticas Magazine.He followed that up with Charro Claus & the Tejas Kid: The story of Santa's primo and his little sidekick, now available in paperback.His latest book, and second bilingual lucha libre cuento, Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel is available now! The American Library Association chose the book as a 2012 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book.

Review

"Short chapters and the bilingual format (English text is on the left with Spanish translation on facing pages) make this book a quick read, great for reluctant readers. Readers who enjoyed the first title will be pleased to continue reading about Max and his family."—Kirkus Reviews"This bilingual sequel to Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel (Cinco Puntos, 2011) avoids formulaic trappings and can be readily enjoyed as a stand-alone novel while artfully setting up the next installment…Garza employs plenty of humor and a first-person voice that rings true to Maximilian's character. The story includes enough action to satisfy most fans while broadening its focus to reflect the increasing complexities in the boy's life…an outstanding choice."—School Library Journal"This book is a must for dual language and bilingual classrooms or any classroom where diversity is discussed and respected."—Examiner.com

Review Quote

"Short chapters and the bilingual format (English text is on the left with Spanish translation on facing pages) make this book a quick read, great for reluctant readers. Readers who enjoyed the first title will be pleased to continue reading about Max and his family."

Details