Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vivid art in wild, relatable take on the Quetzalcoatl myth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
XOLO is the tale of Quetzalcoatl's shunned, dog-faced brother, god of lightning and misfortune, and how he had a lot more to do with saving humanity than we've heard. When humanity is destroyed and the god of the underworld seizes all their bones for himself, it's the kind-hearted Xolo who can't let it happen. Even if, as he soon finds, there are painful and difficult sacrifices along the way. And even if nobody hears about your noble deeds. As his wise mom says, "When we think no one is watching, that is who we truly are."
Is It Any Good?
Appealing Aztec-inspired art and a sympathetic complicated, worried, kind-hearted title character make for an irresistible retelling of the Quetzalcoatl myth. Dog-faced, unlucky Xolo and his better-known brother the handsome serpent god have a difficult relationship, but when it comes to rescuing humanity from the terrifying god of the underworld they have to work together. Donna Barba Higuera's poignant humor charms and the story's brought to vivid life in Mariana Ruiz Johnson's wildly colorful, emotionally relatable illustrations. Xolo's an upbeat tale of doing good whether you get credit for it or not—and it gives readers a good reason to hug their dog.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mythology, and tales like Xolo that deal with the complicated relationship between gods and humans. Do you have any favorite myths? Which ones, and what do you like about them?
Have you ever been like Xolo, and not done something you think you really should, because you were too scared? What happened, and how did it turn out? How did Xolo find the courage to eventually do the right thing? How did you?
Do you have brothers or sisters? How do you get along? When you're fighting, what helps make things better?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mariana Ruiz Johnson
- Genre : Folklore
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Monsters )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Humility , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Levine Querido
- Publication date : November 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 10
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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