<DIV><p><I>Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch</I> is the sequel to <I>Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel</I>, 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.</p><p>In <I>Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel</I>, 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 <I>Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch</I>, suddenly everybody seems to be fighting: a couple of cranky tías who, like lucha libre <I>rudos</I>, 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!</p><p><B>Xavier Garza</B> 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.</p><BR></DIV>