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At just 15 years old, Máximo César Castellanos, of Georgetown, has authored 20 published books in Spanish and English. Here, he shares his passion for storytelling through writing, illustration, translating, and now filmmaking.
He may be 15, but Máximo César Castellanos proves that age is just a number when it comes to storytelling.
What interested you in writing stories?
When I was young, my parents [often] took us to the public library. I loved reading. At age 6, I wrote my first book about a poor kid who meets an alien. I found myself writing whenever I had free time… and I also enjoyed making comic books and drawing.
Do you have any help?
I develop my stories, and my parents help me edit and translate.
What’s your current project?
I recently moved to homeschooling to have more time for writing. I’m working on the final book in my “Dr. Pren” series.
You already have a career plan.
In 10 years, I hope to reach an even larger audience with my stories. I plan to attend college to study writing, and my ultimate goal is to become a movie director and adapt my stories into films.
Why is it important for books to be written for and by Latinos?
It helps show that you don’t have to be embarrassed about where you’re from or what language you speak and that you can be proud of having two different cultures. [Castellanos’ mother is from Delaware and his father is from Mexico.] I also want to tell young people that speaking two different languages helps you communicate and reach even more people.
Your book “Dr. Pren y el Secreto de la Fórmula” was a Gold Medal winner in the Charlie Ericksen Best Book Written by a Youth category at the International Latino Book Awards.
The [event] celebrates English, Spanish, and Portuguese books from every genre. It is the most prominent Latino literacy and cultural award in the United States. I first attended the awards in 2022 in Los Angeles; I was the youngest person there. In 2023, I received a Gold Medal, a Silver Medal, and an Honorable Mention.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I like to play soccer and [play] piano. I [also] like spending time with my younger brother, Octavio.
Find Castellanos’ books at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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