Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Chronicle Books (2014), 112 pages
Description
Lupe, Flapjack, Elirio customize their car into a low rider for the Universal Car Competition to win the cash prize that will enable them to buy their own garage.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jackiewark
Lowriders in Space celebrates a truly unique Hispanic-American piece of culture. Old cars were modified to appear attractive, low, and cool. In this story, Elirio Malaria, El Chave Flapjack, and Lupe Impala work together through their mutual love of cars to enter and win a Universal Car
Of course, the galaxy provides plenty of bling for their new creation. How could they not win the contest?
Notes at the back of the book tell us the legacy of this cultural phenomenon...very interesting stuff indeed! Love this sentence in the notes,
"This book was written to celebrate the artistry, inventiveness, mechanical aptitude, resilience, and humor that are all part of low-rider culture." Without reading the end-notes, I would have given this book 3 starts, but realizing what a tribute this is to the culture, I see it much more than a story, it is a book with cleverly hidden facts in it.
Also includes a Spanish-English glossary for Mexican-American slang, car, and astronomy terms.
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Competition. Their hope is to win enough cash to start their own company... a car shop. Problem is, they have no money to rebuild and redesign an old car that was just a shell. Using their ingenuity, the found scrap parts from an old rocket manufacturer. Little did they know that when they adapted these parts to the old car, they would zoom off into space. Of course, the galaxy provides plenty of bling for their new creation. How could they not win the contest?
Notes at the back of the book tell us the legacy of this cultural phenomenon...very interesting stuff indeed! Love this sentence in the notes,
"This book was written to celebrate the artistry, inventiveness, mechanical aptitude, resilience, and humor that are all part of low-rider culture." Without reading the end-notes, I would have given this book 3 starts, but realizing what a tribute this is to the culture, I see it much more than a story, it is a book with cleverly hidden facts in it.
Also includes a Spanish-English glossary for Mexican-American slang, car, and astronomy terms.
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LibraryThing member mal2012
3 friends, an antelope,mosquito and octopus set out to design the best car in the world! This gets almost 5 stars...
LibraryThing member DeathsMistress
Totally original and inclusive little comic book. The obvious latin influences were refreshing and the fact that one of the main characters was female was great. Definitely a great comic for the kids or even an adult that's into this kinda stuff.
LibraryThing member MyPenNameOnly
The following review is my honest opinion for an ARC of this book I won in a giveaway on GoodReads.com
One of the reasons I decided to enter the drawing for this book is that the book is in reality a comic book. As any child of the 1950’s can recall, comics played a major part of what we read; as
“Lowriders in Space” succeeded in bringing me back to those days of my youth, with it being a comic with a more adult storyline. I found the book interesting because it dealt with two elements which are not usually found in literature. The first is the topic of the storyline, the building of a lowrider. Lowriders are unique to the Mexican¬-America culture of Southern California are personally modified cars, usually junkers, built to ride closer to the ground than regular car and had been made for cruising rather than for racing. These cars built by teams then get enter into competition for the glitziest, uniqueness, etc car.
The second element deals with women in non-traditional roles, and the one in this book is that of the lead mechanic of the team which built the winning entry for the competition the book deals with to win a carload of cash and a solid gold steering wheel. Not only did the car run after they were finished with it, it also wound up launching itself into outer space.
For its unique storyline which crosses genres and what I’d mentioned in the above, this book definitely deserved the 5 STARS I’m giving it.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of "I Kissed a Ghost," a MG/YA Paranormal romance novel, and the soon-to-be released "Micro Fiction - An Anthology."
One of the reasons I decided to enter the drawing for this book is that the book is in reality a comic book. As any child of the 1950’s can recall, comics played a major part of what we read; as
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well as being something we’d used a part of our allowance each month for. Comics were broken down by sex; while the boys had their Superman, Batman, etc comics, the girls had their comics from the Archie series of comics: Archie, Jughead, and Betty and Veronica.“Lowriders in Space” succeeded in bringing me back to those days of my youth, with it being a comic with a more adult storyline. I found the book interesting because it dealt with two elements which are not usually found in literature. The first is the topic of the storyline, the building of a lowrider. Lowriders are unique to the Mexican¬-America culture of Southern California are personally modified cars, usually junkers, built to ride closer to the ground than regular car and had been made for cruising rather than for racing. These cars built by teams then get enter into competition for the glitziest, uniqueness, etc car.
The second element deals with women in non-traditional roles, and the one in this book is that of the lead mechanic of the team which built the winning entry for the competition the book deals with to win a carload of cash and a solid gold steering wheel. Not only did the car run after they were finished with it, it also wound up launching itself into outer space.
For its unique storyline which crosses genres and what I’d mentioned in the above, this book definitely deserved the 5 STARS I’m giving it.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of "I Kissed a Ghost," a MG/YA Paranormal romance novel, and the soon-to-be released "Micro Fiction - An Anthology."
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LibraryThing member shazzerwise
Note: Final, full color art not seen.
Total fun, and sure to be a gas for car fans (wokka wokka). Art that is both whimsical and detailed and a grounded story (a customized car competition) that goes to out of this world dimensions (literally). Here's hoping for more books in this promising new
Total fun, and sure to be a gas for car fans (wokka wokka). Art that is both whimsical and detailed and a grounded story (a customized car competition) that goes to out of this world dimensions (literally). Here's hoping for more books in this promising new
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series. Show Less
LibraryThing member sylliu
Lowriders in Space is a fun and fast read about three car-obsessed critters, Lupe the Impala (a mechanic), El Chavo Flapjack Octopus (a car washer), and Elirio Malaria (a mosquito detailer) who work for an oppressive garage but dream of opening their own.
With a dash of Mexican slang (slightly
A fun read for all while adding a previously unheard voice to kidlit.
With a dash of Mexican slang (slightly
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different from the Venezuelan slang I grew up with) and influenced by the Mexican American car culture of young people souping up old cars to make them "Bajito y suavecito" (low and smooth, or low-riders), this book tells the zany story of friends scavenging an old airplane/rockets parts factory to build their dream car. When they discover the car can fly into space, they know they have the secret ingredients to really soup up their car for an upcoming contest.A fun read for all while adding a previously unheard voice to kidlit.
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LibraryThing member AlishaWebster
I'm just going to say that I was not sure about this comic book. I'm not real interested in cars but I do like comics. This was insanely adorable. I didn't think my 2 year old would enjoy a comic book but I read it to him anyways. HE LOVED IT. Mostly Lupe and I don't think it was just the voice I
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used for her. This is really a comic book for all children. I could see a 10 year old enjoying it. I know I did. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series. 5/5 Show Less
LibraryThing member cynalibo
This book is filled with Latino colloquialisms! The characters are bi-cultural and fun to read! Love the use of street language that I was familiar with when I was a child.
LibraryThing member loafhunter13
This graphic novel has great style with flowing, organic art and a much needed source in Hispanic-American culture. It is certainly not a definitive look at that culture but having a nod to it in this medium is a good start. Fun characters, good story, and great ink work.
LibraryThing member sszkutak
Lowriders in Space is a middle grade graphic novel about Spanish culture, cars and space. In the advanced copy that I received, the illustrations were only in black, white, and grey but I am told that the final version will be in full color – either way the drawing was a wonderful sketched style.
I think this is a wonderful graphic novel for kids. The story was cute and the whole book is interspersed with Spanish and a lot of cultural references. I thought they were interesting although maybe at times a little too stereotypical. Overall this was a quick read, the illustrations were marvelous and it was a lot of fun to read.
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The characters included a fox hybrid, a mosquito, and an octopus. It was a fund but strange tale about how these three friends want to open their own car shop and find that if they enter and win a car show they will have enough money to do so. The novel is about just that, finding the car, fixing it up, and the car show – only that is not all. It turns out that their car is so amazing it can go into space, and they do.I think this is a wonderful graphic novel for kids. The story was cute and the whole book is interspersed with Spanish and a lot of cultural references. I thought they were interesting although maybe at times a little too stereotypical. Overall this was a quick read, the illustrations were marvelous and it was a lot of fun to read.
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LibraryThing member DuffDaddy
Gr 4–8—Camper introduces readers to Lupe Impala, Flapjack Octopus, and Elirio Malaria, three friends who love working with cars and dream of having their own garage shop. One day they see an opportunity to achieve their goal—a car competition where the prize is a "carload of cash and a solid
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gold steering wheel." When they start working on a lowrider to prepare it for the competition, an out-of-this world journey begins. Through anthropomorphic characters, the author narrates a tale of friendship, teamwork, and the passion for lowriding. She incorporates astronomy to this adventure, providing readers the opportunity to familiarize with terms from both worlds. Raúl the Third's colored pencil-and-marker illustrations effectively depict images from the lowriding subculture, while including references from Mexican pop culture, such as the iconic comedian Cantiflas and Chespirito's El Chavo del Ocho. The way he alternates among full-page artwork, spreads, and non-rectangular panels works well with the story and strongly supports its visual understanding. However, although it is true that some Latinos code-switch in their conversation, the use of Spanish words didn't feel organic to the story. There is also inconsistency in the use of accents, and footnotes that point readers to phrases and word meanings are explained as "nonsense words in Spanish," when that's not necessarily the case. Lowriders in Space fills a gap of Latino graphic novels for kids, and its quirky characters and illustrations have the potential to engage children. Let's hope that future installments will have a more accurate and natural use of Spanish. A helpful glossary of astronomy and lowriding terms is appended. Show Less
LibraryThing member PracticallyPerfect
Lowriders in Space
Lowriders in Space is a book marketed to young children, it’s a book of fun words and crazy drawings, outrageous characters and helpful notes. I’d like to point out that I received an Advanced Copy- not yet coloured and completed- but it was still a beautiful book. Cathy
LiS is about three good friends who all work at a Mechanics shop together- they all have their skills, Lupe Impala, the lean, mean, fixing mechanic, El Chavo Flapjack, the best polisher, finisher and finalize-er this side of the moon has ever seen, and Elirio Malaria- the greatest painter to wield a brush… or nose. The trio has been dreaming of owning their own Garage for ages, so when the opportunity comes up- and in the form of a car contest too, they go for it. The crazy group ends up with the most chill, stylish and exuberant lowrider around, with kicks from the stars, meteors and moon.
I mentioned the target audience (ages 8-12) because while it was cute and fun, it was obviously not meant for much more outside of its 8-12 year old range. As nice as it was, it wasn't perfect. A lot of the time it seemed too fast or too convenient, and there wasn't too much to the plot, I was often wishing it would elaborate on more and stop jumping to quickly ahead. That being said, I wasn't expecting a very deep plot to begin with and I’m well aware that the book wasn’t meant to be 300 pages about an adventure in space.
(I’d also like to take a moment to mention the art- this book is insanely detailed. I was incredibly shocked by just how stuffed every page was filled in and many kudos to Raúl the Third.)
For all it was, it was definitely cute, it was fantastically creative and it was, without a doubt, a nifty looking car. And even though it didn’t last longer, It deserves a sequel (which I am expecting since the book is labled “Book One”), with the same Spanish additions and the, of course, talented cuates*.
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a fun, creative and short book to give your kids that will keep yours and their attention, this is it.
*Buddies.
Lowriders in Space is a book marketed to young children, it’s a book of fun words and crazy drawings, outrageous characters and helpful notes. I’d like to point out that I received an Advanced Copy- not yet coloured and completed- but it was still a beautiful book. Cathy
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Camper and Raúl the Third are insanely creative people and their book was seriously fun. It takes the best of Latino culture, childlike energy and the pull of adventure and spits out an easy to read book for all.LiS is about three good friends who all work at a Mechanics shop together- they all have their skills, Lupe Impala, the lean, mean, fixing mechanic, El Chavo Flapjack, the best polisher, finisher and finalize-er this side of the moon has ever seen, and Elirio Malaria- the greatest painter to wield a brush… or nose. The trio has been dreaming of owning their own Garage for ages, so when the opportunity comes up- and in the form of a car contest too, they go for it. The crazy group ends up with the most chill, stylish and exuberant lowrider around, with kicks from the stars, meteors and moon.
I mentioned the target audience (ages 8-12) because while it was cute and fun, it was obviously not meant for much more outside of its 8-12 year old range. As nice as it was, it wasn't perfect. A lot of the time it seemed too fast or too convenient, and there wasn't too much to the plot, I was often wishing it would elaborate on more and stop jumping to quickly ahead. That being said, I wasn't expecting a very deep plot to begin with and I’m well aware that the book wasn’t meant to be 300 pages about an adventure in space.
(I’d also like to take a moment to mention the art- this book is insanely detailed. I was incredibly shocked by just how stuffed every page was filled in and many kudos to Raúl the Third.)
For all it was, it was definitely cute, it was fantastically creative and it was, without a doubt, a nifty looking car. And even though it didn’t last longer, It deserves a sequel (which I am expecting since the book is labled “Book One”), with the same Spanish additions and the, of course, talented cuates*.
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a fun, creative and short book to give your kids that will keep yours and their attention, this is it.
*Buddies.
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LibraryThing member pcvfallen
I won Lowriders in Space from LibraryThing for an honest review.
Apparently, I wasn’t paying attention when I was signing up for book review on LibraryThing because normally I don’t go in for the graphic novels. Not because I don’t like graphic novels, but mostly because I’m not big on
Lowriders in Space is a Spanglish book (in that it has both English and Mexican Spanish expressions and words) that follows the desire of the 3 main characters, the mechanic, the artist, and the detailer for opening their own Car Shop, but they don’t have enough money to do so on their own. Consequently, they are going to enter the Universal Car Competition. However, like the last page of the book explains, many Mexican American’s didn’t have enough money to buy cars and fixed up old vehicles; and to make them Lowriders used inventive parts from aircrafts and other machines. Consequently, that’s what these characters do, but as they are testing their vehicle then end up in space and use the various things that exist, such as stars, Martian dust, etc. to make their car Universal.
I truly thought the story was fun, especially for young children who are getting into cars, or for brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who have friends/family that work with cars, especially Lowriders. It was nice, though occasionally annoying, to have the translation of non-English expressions or words in boxes at the bottom for those who don’t speak Spanish. It was also cool to have the explanation of terms and history at the end.
As far as the artwork…. Well, unfortunately, I received and ARC copy which is not colored, and with the importance of the artwork on the car and to the world itself I feel that this was a major let down for me. Based on the cover alone, I think that book would look great when fully finished. However, since it wasn’t in my copy, I can’t be sure. However, the design, which is supposed to be a “riff on ball-point pen doodles” is both familiar and original. I am reminded of things such as Rocko’s Modern Life and similar graphic novels and television shows in the style of the drawings, but it also gives one the feeling that we could create a part of this universe which I think is important to the younger audience that this book is going for. All in all, I felt that the graphic novel was an enjoyable and good read for young, especially Latino (the target audience), children
Apparently, I wasn’t paying attention when I was signing up for book review on LibraryThing because normally I don’t go in for the graphic novels. Not because I don’t like graphic novels, but mostly because I’m not big on
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having to buy dozens of books to finish a story. However, when Lowriders in Space came I was pleased to see that although it is Book 1, the story itself is self-contained.Lowriders in Space is a Spanglish book (in that it has both English and Mexican Spanish expressions and words) that follows the desire of the 3 main characters, the mechanic, the artist, and the detailer for opening their own Car Shop, but they don’t have enough money to do so on their own. Consequently, they are going to enter the Universal Car Competition. However, like the last page of the book explains, many Mexican American’s didn’t have enough money to buy cars and fixed up old vehicles; and to make them Lowriders used inventive parts from aircrafts and other machines. Consequently, that’s what these characters do, but as they are testing their vehicle then end up in space and use the various things that exist, such as stars, Martian dust, etc. to make their car Universal.
I truly thought the story was fun, especially for young children who are getting into cars, or for brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who have friends/family that work with cars, especially Lowriders. It was nice, though occasionally annoying, to have the translation of non-English expressions or words in boxes at the bottom for those who don’t speak Spanish. It was also cool to have the explanation of terms and history at the end.
As far as the artwork…. Well, unfortunately, I received and ARC copy which is not colored, and with the importance of the artwork on the car and to the world itself I feel that this was a major let down for me. Based on the cover alone, I think that book would look great when fully finished. However, since it wasn’t in my copy, I can’t be sure. However, the design, which is supposed to be a “riff on ball-point pen doodles” is both familiar and original. I am reminded of things such as Rocko’s Modern Life and similar graphic novels and television shows in the style of the drawings, but it also gives one the feeling that we could create a part of this universe which I think is important to the younger audience that this book is going for. All in all, I felt that the graphic novel was an enjoyable and good read for young, especially Latino (the target audience), children
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LibraryThing member marnocat
I really love this graphic novel! It features a group of friends working in a Mexican car repair shop. The characters -- a female mechanic (with horns), an octopus car washer, and a mosquito paint detailer are fun, original, and really positive. The gang are on a fantastic quest to build the
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lowrider car of their dreams for a contest. Not only does the story take bizarre and creative turns, but it also whole-heartedly embraces its Mexican barrio setting with Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout. It is great to have a comic artistically, emotionally, and culturally represents this part of the Latino imagination. I'm a convert! Show Less
LibraryThing member loewen
Lowriders in Space, a young readers graphic novel, is an absolute blast! Peppered with spanish idioms and energetically illustrated, this book is a fun read and also teaches you some fun phrases that you wouldn't necessarily learn in spanish class! Imbued with a respect for individual skills,
I received an advance copy of this book which was in black and white. With colour added, it will make a stellar addition to your library.
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ingenuity and teamwork, this graphic novel would make a great read for boys and girls alike. 5 stars!I received an advance copy of this book which was in black and white. With colour added, it will make a stellar addition to your library.
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LibraryThing member brangwinn
There aren’t many books for Latino graphic novel readers. Camper and Raul the Third have created a story that will appeal to car lovers as well as comic book fans. A crazy trio of friends wants to win a carload of money in a lowrider contest. They’re creative and when their car which has been
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customized with parts from a closed airplane factory shoots into space, they’re in for a whole new dimension for customizing a car. The quirkly characters and the goofy story line will attract young readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member asomers
This is a very unique graphic novel. It will appeal to reluctant readers, students interested in drawing, cars or anything Spanish.Not like anything I have ever read before.
LibraryThing member Jessica19890
I only flipped though it cuz it was right before moving and was packed away.. Don't really have a place to live so it hasn't been unpacked.. But once I do unpack it I will write a better review. When I flipped through it it seemed pretty neat.. And for those who like graphic novels.. It's a great
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LibraryThing member davisfamily
I just Love, Love this!! Great story about building a low rider, finding parts, team work and achieving a dream!! The art is amazing, all done in ball point pens.
The whole Graphic Novel is AMAZING!!
This is a great story for ANYONE, ANY AGE!!
The whole Graphic Novel is AMAZING!!
This is a great story for ANYONE, ANY AGE!!
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Mexican-American kids and young lowrider fans will find plenty to enjoy in this wacky caper of an octopus, a mosquito and a fox? dog?? who enter a lowrider-design contest in order to win big money to open their own car repair shop. Spanish and Spanglish are peppered throughout and the vibe is low,
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slow and hip. And the name of the used-car lot: Cartinflas! LOL (Those in the know will get it!) Show Less
LibraryThing member sszkutak
Lowriders in Space is a middle grade graphic novel about Spanish culture, cars and space. In the advanced copy that I received, the illustrations were only in black, white, and grey but I am told that the final version will be in full color – either way the drawing was a wonderful sketched style.
I think this is a wonderful graphic novel for kids. The story was cute and the whole book is interspersed with Spanish and a lot of cultural references. I thought they were interesting although maybe at times a little too stereotypical. Overall this was a quick read, the illustrations were marvelous and it was a lot of fun to read.
Show More
The characters included a fox hybrid, a mosquito, and an octopus. It was a fund but strange tale about how these three friends want to open their own car shop and find that if they enter and win a car show they will have enough money to do so. The novel is about just that, finding the car, fixing it up, and the car show – only that is not all. It turns out that their car is so amazing it can go into space, and they do.I think this is a wonderful graphic novel for kids. The story was cute and the whole book is interspersed with Spanish and a lot of cultural references. I thought they were interesting although maybe at times a little too stereotypical. Overall this was a quick read, the illustrations were marvelous and it was a lot of fun to read.
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LibraryThing member mamzel
First of a series, we meet Lupe Impala (terrific mechanic), Flapjack Octopus (fantastic car cleaner), and Elirio Malaria (mosquito great at detailing). Lupe dreams of opening her own garage with the help of her friends so they rebuild a rusted old hulk into a bajito y suavecito (low and slow or
The story is peppered with expressions in Spanish that are translated for non-Spanish readers. The art is mainly red and black on pale beige paper reminiscent of Mexican art styles.
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lowrider). The story is peppered with expressions in Spanish that are translated for non-Spanish readers. The art is mainly red and black on pale beige paper reminiscent of Mexican art styles.
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LibraryThing member m_mozeleski
A wonderful graphic novel, beautifully illustrated and with new words in Spanish translated once at the bottom of the page, this is an excellent story about a car taking a trip through outer space, and the friendships that bring it there.
LibraryThing member LibroLindsay
This book IS galactically spectacular! I was giggling the whole way through, and I LOVE Raul the Third's use of red, blue, and black ballpoint pens and old-school style cartoony creatures. I would have been fine with just a liiiiiittle more plot, but I am absolutely on-board with the future
Bonus points that I found a name for my octopus. :)
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escapades of Lupe, Flapjack, and Elirio (and Genie, too!).Bonus points that I found a name for my octopus. :)
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LibraryThing member LibrarianRyan
What a great and unique look at car culture from the southern states. Car culture is just like any other culture. It varies by location. This book was a great way to introduce the “low and slow” car culture and used a really fun adventure as a way to do it. The illustrations were so unique, I
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loved the inclusion of Spanish words and sayings. It felt authentic and not pushed. Plus the back matter where the author gives a very brief history of low riders and ideas that went into this book is just the icing on the cake. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-11-04
Physical description
112 p.; 7.75 inches
ISBN
1452121559 / 9781452121550