George Lopez writes “fantastic” book series for middle school

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor and comedian George Lopez is releasing a new book series.

Lopez has a four-book deal with Viking Children’s Books for “Chupacarter,” a series of “fantastic middle-grade books” that combine humor, “Latin American mythology” and memories of Lopez’s childhood. Lopez is working with co-writer Ryan Calejo and illustrator Santy Gutiérrez.

“With this series, I want to encourage kids to think, ‘I may feel down, but I’m definitely not going to stay down!'” Lopez said in a statement Wednesday. “I believe it’s important for our underrepresented and disadvantaged youth to hear that it doesn’t matter where you come from or how the people around you see you. All that matters is how YOU see YOURSELF.”

Lopez, 60, is known for the sitcom of the same name that ran on ABC from 2002 to 2007, as well as his comedy albums and stand-up specials, including the Netflix release “We’ll Do It for Half.” His memoir, “Why You Crying?”, was published in 2005.