Lowriders to the Center of the Earth

By Cathy Camper and Raúl the Third

Three lowrider-loving friends ride to the center of the earth to rescue their cat from an Aztec god in this graphic novel fantasy adventure.

Lupe Impala, El Chabo Flapjack, and Elirio Malaria are living the dream—they are the proud owners of their very own garage. But when their beloved cat, Genie, goes missing, they must embark on a wild road trip through a mysterious corn maze, into the center of the earth, and down to the realm of Mictlantecuhtli. Mic’s the Aztec god of the Underworld, but even worse: he’s a catnapper! Now it’s three clever compadres against one angry, all-powerful god. How will the Lowriders ever save their cat—or themselves?

Praise for Lowriders to the Center of the Earth

2017 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner 

“Raúl the Third’s drawings will dazzle you. Cathy Camper’s writing will have you on the edge of your seat. This book is the complete package—drama, humor, pathos, joy, rice, beans! So refreshing to see el espíritu mexicano come to life in such a fun, well-paced romp to the center of the earth!” —Mimi Pond, author of Over Easy and winner of the PEN Center USA Award for Graphic Literature Outstanding Body of Work 

“The Lowriders in Space saga continues with an even crazier ride than the first. . . . Satisfyingly over-the-top mayhem for all “low and slow” fans.” —Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jul 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781452143163

Cathy Camper

Cathy Camper is the author of several books, including Bugs Before Time, Ten Ways to Hear Snow, and the Lowriders series. She also writes zines, including Sugar Needle, and is a founding member of the Portland Women of Color zine collective. A graduate of VONA/Voices writing workshops for people of color, Cathy is a librarian in Portland, Oregon, where she does outreach to schools, working with kids in grades K–12.

Book preview

Reviews for Lowriders to the Center of the Earth

[librarianryan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book two is just as much fun as book one. This time the team must travel to the center of the earth to save their cat. They must save the cat from the volcanos, the heat, a crying goddess, and a Mexican wrestler. It is all tied up with the day of the dead. This was such a fun book. I am glad they exist and that there are at least 2 more.

[librolindsay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

BAJITO Y SUAVECITOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

This was even better than the first--there was more to the plot--and oh my god. I really just need to cover my apartment in wall-to-wall Raul the Third's work.

[pat2011-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this as an ARC. I had previously read book 1 of the series and found it entertaining and book 2 did not disappoint me. Once again, the Lowriders are faced with a challenge -- retrieve their cat Genie from the Aztec god of the underworld - Mictlanteuchtli . There adventures in the underworld are hilarious and the interspersing of Spanish words is an easy way to pick up common Spanish phrases. Both books would be of interest to the reluctant reader.

[mamzel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the second episode of the series, Lupe Impala has her own garage and is busy rebuilding cars and vans. However, her cat has disappeared and tracking him leads her and her friend to the Aztec underworld where he is being hostage.We learn more Spanish phrases and enjoy more of the Mexican-style art.

[salsabrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lupe, Elirio and Flappy go in search of their lost cat Genie and end up touring the center of the earth, meeting along the way Aztec gods and famous characters of Hispanic folklore, such as Chupacabra and La Llorona. There is lucha libre action with the Aztec god of the underworld and a big Dia de los Muertos celebration to finish the story. It feels a bit as if the author crammed in everything culturally Latino she possibly could. But kids may enjoy the action sequences and Hispanic readers will likely appreciate the cultural familiarities.