Travis Muñoz and the Fire of the Aztecs (Book 1) - Paperback

by Mark O. Stack (Author), Anne Marcano (Illustrator), Karla Souza (Contribution by)

Inspired by Aztec mythology and Mexican folklore, Travis Muñoz and the Fire of the Aztecs shines with baseball, best friends, sun gods, and snakemen in this action-packed, middle grade graphic novel fantasy.

Karla Souza presents...

TRAVIS MUÑOZ AND THE FIRE OF THE AZTECS
A middle grade graphic novel about Aztec mythology, best friends, and baseball--from breakout creators Mark Stack and Anne Marcano!

Before the eclipse changed everything, Travis Muñoz's biggest problems were math class and whether he would still be able to play on the same baseball team as his best friend Yolanda. Now, Travis has to deal with his uncle Hector telling him he's been chosen as the next warrior priest for an Aztec sun god. Which means, it's his job to make sure the sun rises every morning. And his job to battle feathered snakemen who attack at random. Travis could probably manage both, if it weren't for the fact that Yolanda seems mad at him for being chosen over her. At least it's not the end of the world...yet.

For fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the Charlie Hernández series, J.C. Cervantes' The Storm Runner series, The Kane Chronicles, the Pandava series (Aru Shah series), the Tristan Strong series, The Sunbearer Duology, the Paola Santiago series, and the Addison Cooke series.

"There's a void in the world of children's fantasy books--especially for kids like mine, who are growing up Mexican-American and hungry to see themselves in the stories they love. This book fills that void with thrilling adventure, rich Mexican mythology, and characters who reflect the beauty of our culture, our names, our family dynamics, and our power. At last, a story that makes our kids feel seen, celebrated, and connected to their ancestry. I'm overjoyed to share it with the world." -- Karla Souza (Acclaimed film and television actor, Emmy Award-winning actor, and UN Women Spokesperson)

Author Biography

Mark O. Stack is a Chicano comics writer based in Fresno, CA. His work includes writing and publishing the critically acclaimed graphic novella The Scent of May Rain and the comics series Young Offenders! among other works through crowdfunding. He's interested in stories about people experiencing real feelings in unreal circumstances. Stack currently works as an English Language Arts educator.

Anne Marcano is a self-taught artist from Venezuela. She creates original stories about magic and friendship with wonderful collaborators. Anne is particularly excited to show her work in Travis Muñoz and the Fire of the Aztecs.

Karla Souza is perhaps best known for playing the role of 'Laurel' opposite Viola Davis in ABC's Emmy award winning series HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Most recently, she received two International Emmy Awards for producing and starring in DIVE (aka LA CAIDA) for Amazon Prime Video. The film, from award-winning Argentinian director Lucía Puenzo, is a searing thriller which tells the story about the complexities of relationships when set against a backdrop where winning is defined as the ultimate dream. She was also seen costarring as 'Marina' on ABC's HOME ECONOMICS and starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the worldwide #1 smash hit, DAY SHIFT, for Netflix. Prior, she starred in three of the top grossing films in history in Mexico: ¿QUÉ CULPA TIENE EL NIÑO?, NOSOTROS LOS NOBLES and INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED. Karla recently wrapped as a series regular on the upcoming Amazon series 56 DAYS, based on the international bestselling novel and produced by Atomic Monster.

Previous film credits include the 2020 Netflix feature film, THE SLEEPOVER, Catalina Aguilar Mastretta's EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY (2017) in which Souza served as an executive producer and starred opposite K.C. Clyde and José María Yazpik, as well the Spanish musical VOY A PASARMELO BIEN.

Growing up, Souza spent four years in France where she was part of a professional theater company that toured throughout the country. She went on to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and in 2008, received the CCP Award, which is presented to the most promising actress in London. Following her time in the U.K., Souza was selected to study in Moscow, Russia, with acting coach Anatoly Smilianski. She later traveled to present a showcase in New York and subsequently began receiving offers for leading roles in Mexico City.

Souza is also a UN Women spokesperson.