<DIV><p>The popularity of <i>lucha libre</i>, Mexico's version of professional wrestling, is exploding in the United States, thanks to the television show <i>Mucha Lucha</i>. In Xavier Garza's bilingual kids' book about this wild and crazy sport, young Carlitos attends a <i>lucha libre</i> match in Mexico City for the first time. He's with his Papá Lupe, but his Tio Rodolfo, who's supposed to join them, doesn't show up. At ringside, Carlitos sees the famous <i>luchador</i>, <i>el Santo</i>—the Man in the Silver Mask, a man whose eyes look terribly familiar. <i>El Santo</i> even smiles at Carlitos! Carlitos is mesmerized as <i>el Santo</i> is pitted against the terrible forces of evil—<i>los rudos</i>, the bad guys of <i>lucha libre</i>. They make the audience boo and hiss! In the end, though, <i>el Santo</i> triumphs and, in the process, gains a lifelong fan.</p><p>Kids of all ages are drawn to the allure of <i>lucha libre</i> and its masked men and women. In <i>Lucha Libre</i>, young fans will see this fascinating world come alive: Favorite heroes and much-feared villains, dressed in dazzling and outrageous costumes, strut and prance across the mat and bounce against the ropes, daring anyone to take them to the floor!</p><p>Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, <i>lucha libre</i> aficionado <b>Xavier Garza</b> 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 Washington. Garza and his wife live in San Antonio, Texas. He published his first book, <i>Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys</i> (Arte Público Press), in 2004.</p></DIV>