The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez
Binding: Paperback
Age 8+
General Fiction
Life is confusing for Mateo Martinez. He and Johnny Ramirez don't hang out anymore, even though they used to be best friends. He and his new friend Ashwin try to act like brave, old-time knights, but it only gets them in trouble. And last night, two skunks stole Mateo's old trike.
Wait—two skunks stole his trike?
Mateo is too big for that rusty kid toy. He has a cool, shiny new bike anyway. But Mateo also has a neighborhood to protect. And he's about to begin a big, stinky quest to catch the thieves in the middle of the night! As Mateo protects his neighborhood, he also learns a few things about growing up and letting go.
Creators
Robin Yardi lives in the California foothills, where - every once in a while, in the dark of night - a skunk or two will sneak by. She loves good stories, animals of all sorts, animals of all sorts, homemade cakes, and kids. She thinks kids are way cooler than grownups which is why she writes just for them. Visit her online at www.robinyardi.com
Reviews
A magnificent novel that defines what it is to be an older brother, a friend, and, yes, even a knight.
Kirkus Reviews
Picture book author Yardi (They Just Know: Animal Instincts), in her first novel, delivers an entertaining story of sibling loyalty, friendship struggles, and the sometimes vexing passage into adolescence.
Publishers Weekly
A story told with great insight, humor, and gentleness.
School Library Journal
