The Absolutely (Almost) True Adventures of Max Rodriguez
The Absolutely (Almost) True Adventures of Max Rodriguez follows Max whose early love of comics, novels, and books on philosophy help them navigate the topsy-turvy life as a 9th grader in Nowheresville, California.
Frederick Luis Aldama. Art by Camilo Esquivel
The Absolutely (Almost) True Adventures of Max Rodriguez follows the adventures of Max Rodriguez (née Maxine). Max could read before they could talk, devouring comics, novels, and books on philosophy. This helps them later to navigate the topsy-turvy life as a 9th grader in Nowheresville, California. Max's adventures include encounters with their spirited abuelita (aka Tatabuela), who drives a Hulk-green muscle car and grows marijuana in her attic; an estranged, self-styled John-Wayne-strutting Irish American grandpa, Logan; a fair-weather papá named Carlos; Mamá, a fiercely independent, bilingual elementary school teacher; and a taciturn older brother, Che, about to head to college. Others in Max's orbit include a compassionate tío, Jorge, who fears the loss of loved ones to a rising AIDS epidemic, activist prima, Lara, as well as wild and zany best friends, Rudy and Miguel. Tears, laughter, courage, and unyielding love shape Max's journey of self-discovery.
A must-read that fills the void for young, pop-culture-loving Latines who need to see themselves in the pages of fiction. Max's formative journey of discovery speaks to the hearts of every dreamer, thinker, and believer!"—Terry Blas, author of Life Time Passes and Hotel Dare
The Absolutely (Almost) True Adventures of Max Rodriguez follows the adventures of Max Rodriguez (née Maxine). Max could read before they could talk, devouring comics, novels, and books on philosophy. This helps them later to navigate the topsy-turvy life as a 9th grader in Nowheresville, California. Max's adventures include encounters with their spirited abuelita (aka Tatabuela), who drives a Hulk-green muscle car and grows marijuana in her attic; an estranged, self-styled John-Wayne-strutting Irish American grandpa, Logan; a fair-weather papá named Carlos; Mamá, a fiercely independent, bilingual elementary school teacher; and a taciturn older brother, Che, about to head to college. Others in Max's orbit include a compassionate tío, Jorge, who fears the loss of loved ones to a rising AIDS epidemic, activist prima, Lara, as well as wild and zany best friends, Rudy and Miguel. Tears, laughter, courage, and unyielding love shape Max's journey of self-discovery.
A must-read that fills the void for young, pop-culture-loving Latines who need to see themselves in the pages of fiction. Max's formative journey of discovery speaks to the hearts of every dreamer, thinker, and believer!"—Terry Blas, author of Life Time Passes and Hotel Dare