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THE MIDNIGHT WAR OF MATEO MARTINEZ

Robin Yardi

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.

His parents keep telling him to hold his sister's hand when crossing busy streets, even though she's the one who always runs ahead. 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. A quest that starts in the middle of the night!
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Published by Carolrhoda Books

Comments

Yardi packs a lot into such a slim novel, and it's a testament to her skill that it never once feels like too much. Utilizing a gentle sense of humor and incisive insight, the author negotiates Mateo's developing identity with aplomb, especially his Mexican-American heritage .. A magnificent novel that defines what it is to be an older brother, a friend, and yes, even a knight. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Mateo is an admirable character striving to live by a knight's code of honor, while struggling with a lost friendship and school bullies. His gallantry, developing relationship with Mila, and antics with the neighborhood wildlife make for quite the charming tale. -- Booklist

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 fun, action-filled tale whose protagonist has a distinct and sincere young voice. -- School Library Journal