Zorro’s Shadow
How a Mexican Legend Became America’s First Superhero
Open the book
Popular culture / Forthcoming
Chasing Speedy Gonzales
The Secret History of the World's Fastest Cartoon Mouse
A cartoon mouse opens a door into the history of race, animation, and cultural belonging. Archives and interviews reveal the artists and audiences who made Speedy both a contested stereotype and an enduring Latine icon.
Retailer links use this edition’s ISBN. Availability and formats vary.
A closer look
The story behind the story.
Behind the familiar chase is another story: the creative work of Latino animators, the responses of audiences, and the way a character can carry very different meanings for different people. This book brings those stories into view.
Bibliographic source: Bloomsbury ↗
For readers & reading groups
A few questions to carry with you.
- Who gets to decide what a cultural character means?
- How does learning about the animators change the way we watch their work?
- Can a character be a stereotype and a source of pride at the same time?
Discussion prompts prepared for this website preview.
Invite Stephen into the conversation
Interested in a book-group visit, interview, or event? Explore speaking and collaboration.
“This book is full of history, humor, love, and cheese.”JORGE R. GUTIERREZ · ANIMATOR & DIRECTOR
Around this book
Writing & conversations.
Keep following the thread.
The Mysterious Sofía
One Woman’s Mission to Save Catholicism in Twentieth-Century Mexico
Open the book
Jade, Daughter of the Wasteland
A novel
Open the book