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.
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From the Publisher
"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
School Library Journal
Gr 4–7—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. Everything has become more complicated for lucha-libre wrestling fanatic Maximilian since starting sixth grade. A lotería bingo game almost breaks out into "a no-holds-barred brawl" when his aunts Dolores and Socorro both claim the Queen Bingo trophy and an intense rematch looms imminent. Big changes with his Uncle Lalo put the family's newly minted wrestling dynasty on shaky ground. Romance blossoms between Maximilian and Celia Cruz, who then moves to California. Can their long-distance love last, especially when a new girl with a mysterious connection to Maximilian moves to Rio Grande City? Max's transition into sixth grade drives this adventure and coming-of-age novel's narrative arc, framing a plot that focuses on relationships that a range of readers will connect with: family, friends, and first love, among others. 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. Energetic cartoon illustrations complement the story, particularly those related to lucha libre. A quick pace and short chapters make this an engaging read; with its bilingual text and universally relatable treatment of Latino culture, it's an outstanding choice.—Ted McCoy, Oakland Public Library, CA
Kirkus Reviews
Maximilian, the lucha-libre–obsessed 11-year-old from Garza's Pura Belpré Honor winner, Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel (2011), returns to tackle a new mystery--understanding girls! Max is now in junior high, and lucha libre is still a big part of his life. He dreams of one day taking over for his favorite luchador, the Guardian Angel. However, most of this story takes place outside of the wrestling ring and in the more subtle world of relationships. Members of Max's family must learn to work out their differences and forgive each other for past mistakes. Max's first girlfriend moves to another state, and as he navigates young love in a long-distance relationship, a mysterious new girl enters his life. 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, but it ends too quickly, before any real action begins. The sequel feels as though it is a transition book, perhaps moving toward a future series. Readers who enjoyed the first title will be pleased to continue reading about Max and his family, but this follow-up isn't strong enough on its own to win many new fans. Though this sequel doesn't achieve the same victory as its predecessor, it does set the stage for more engaging rounds to come--here's hoping. (Fiction. 9-12)
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