John Leguizamo will teach kids about history in a book coming in 2027.
First Second will publish the actor and comedian’s American History, the Latin Remix, co-written with Dave Roman and illustrated by Ronnie Vazquez, next winter. The press says that Leguizamo “hilariously combines personal experiences with historical perspectives to bring his unique take on Latin History and how it impacts and helps form American culture, from before America’s creation through to the present day.”
Leguizamo worked as a stand-up comedian before landing his breakout role as Luigi in the 1993 film Super Mario Bros. He went on to star in films including To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar; Romeo + Juliet; and John Wick. He has received critical praise for his role as Eumaeus in Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey.
Leguizamo’s previous books include a memoir, Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas, and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends: My Life, and a children’s book, Kiki and the Can, illustrated by John “Crash” Matos and Liz Casal.
American History, the Latin Remix is written for a middle-grade audience. In the book, First Second says, “readers will get a crash course through not only the various facts, stories, and truths that aren’t always shared in American History classes, and will also get a bombastic, comedic and honest discussion of what it does to people of all ages when they’re told their history doesn’t exist, and what it does to people when they’re told their history doesn’t matter as much as someone else’s.”
American History, the Latin Remix is scheduled for publication on Feb. 2, 2027.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
