Xolo - by Donna Barba Higuera (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Rick Riordan and Bea Wolf-an Aztec middle grade graphic novel adventure about the origin of man-and man's best friend-from Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera and Mariana Ruiz Johnson.

It is said the mighty feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl, helped create the earth. He is the hero who stole back the bones of humanity from the evil god of the Underworld. In his quest to bring humans to the earth, Quetzalcoatl's dog-headed twin brother, Xolotl, was present. Not much is known of Xolotl, the god of lightning, death, and misfortune. A monster.

But this is what really happened.

W I N N E R

Indie Next List Pick
ALSC Notable
Oregon Reader's Choice list
Keystone to Reading list

P R A I S E

* "[A] wonderfully rousing retelling of humanity's origins. With great success, Higuera explores very human issues such as self-doubt, social isolation, and the nuances of community through these larger-than-life figures; her work rings out with a powerful sense of emotive resonance... Magnificent." -Kirkus Reviews, starred

* "Xolo shines as a compelling protagonist in an action-packed narrative that is heightened by Higuera's engrossing prose. This book achieves a perfect blend of the mythological and contemporary, which is only heightened by Mariana Ruiz Johnson's illustrations. Inspired by ancient Aztec art, her boldly colorful and expressive characters and landscapes add irresistible energy to the narrative. Humorous and exciting, Xolo is a true delight." -BookPage, starred

* "[A] clever, visually arresting graphic novel.... Xolo is immediately endearing.... [The artwork] is impeccable, resplendent with rich, vibrant colors and stylized linework in the evocative visual representations of ritual, sacrifice, ego, weakness, and, finally, redemption." -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred

* "A winning reflection on what it means to be an underdog." -PublishersWeekly, starred

* "Higuera's reinterpretation comes to life.... An impressive, artistic approach to a creation tale as well as the origin of the great loyalty of dogs." -Booklist, starred

"Place this on the shelf next to Jon Klassen's The Skull and recommend it to readers who love mythology, dogs, and books that break the mold." -School Library Journal

"The Original Dog Man.... A delight of a book in every possible way." -Betsy Bird, Fuse #8

"Wise and witty...beautifully illustrated....An excellent pick for reluctant readers, graphic novel lovers, and kids who've just begun to find their way into longer stories." -LitHub

"[A] stunning new retelling of the Aztec myth of creation." -We Are Teachers

BEST OF THE YEAR

Booklist - Kirkus - New York Public Library - BCCB - Bookpage - Evanston Public Library - PEN America - CSMCL - Politics & Prose

Review Quotes

★ "A winning reflection on what it means to be an underdog."-Publisher's Weekly

[STAR] "With great success, Higuera explores very human issues such as self-doubt, social isolation, and the nuances of community through these larger-than-life figures; her work rings out with a powerful sense of emotive resonance. A magnificent spin on a well-known Aztec legend."

About the Author

Donna Barba Higuera is an award-winning author who masterfully blends folklore with her lived experiences to create captivating stories for young readers. Growing up in the dust-filled oil fields of Central California, she spent her life weaving tales that sparked her imagination. Now residing in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a lively menagerie of pets, Donna is the acclaimed author of the humorous Lupe Wong Won't Dance (Sid Fleischman Award for Humor; Pura Belpré Honor), the graphic novel mythological adventure XOLO (over a dozen best-of-year lists), and the universe-spanning Last Cuentista series, whose first book won the Newbery and Pura Belpré Medals and which recently concluded with Firesnake.

Mariana Ruiz Johnson studied fine art and the illustration of books for children. She has been published as an author and illustrator all around the world and currently lives on the outskirts of Buenos Aires with her husband and two children. XOLO, with Donna Barba Higuera, received five starred reviews, was named to ten best-of-year lists, and had its artwork praised as "impeccable, resplendent," "boldly colorful," and "irresistible." Her chapter book graphic novel The Little Wizard publishes simultaneously in English and Spanish in Spring 2027.