Aztec mythology celebrates the serpent god Quetzalcoatl for his role in the world’s creation, but his dog-headed twin brother, Xolotl, is often forgotten—or worse, known as “a monster,” according to the opening of Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera’s Xolo. After a cataclysm that wipes out humanity, the gods descend to Earth so that they may shepherd the eventual resurrection of life. While the flashy Quetzalcoatl claims wind, Xolo claims lightning and thunder, which ends up making him an outcast. The only one who fits in less is Mictlantecuhtli, who retreats to the Underworld with all the bones left behind by the vanquished humans, preventing their return.
When Xolo chickens out of following the other gods in sacrificing themselves in order to repair the planet, he is shunned. But even a grueling punishment does not stop Xolo’s genuine love for humanity, and he concocts a plan to rescue their bones.
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.
