NEW YORK, July 14—Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, announced today that it has acquired an untitled book on Latinx history from multifaceted performer John Leguizamo. Known for his boundless and visceral creativity that defies categorization, Leguizamo’s work in film, theatre, television, and literature spans a variety of genres, consistently pushing the boundaries of each medium. He’s recently starred in The Power; Waco: The Aftermath; and Encanto. And MSNBC just announced that his series, Leguizamo Does America, was picked up for a second season.

Set for release in Spring 2025, the book promises a hilarious and accessible pop history of the mighty Latinx cultures. Through his trademark humor and wit, Leguizamo portrays the highlights and heroes of Latinx culture, from ancient indigenous civilizations to rebuilding and defining America in present day, incorporating stories of slavery and genocide to the revolutionary influences on music, writing, and other aspects of American society. Leguizamo will write the book with longtime collaborator Rob Tannenbaum, author of the acclaimed book I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution.

A multifaceted performer, Leguizamo has earned a Tony and Emmy award for his work in theatre. In this new endeavor, he celebrates the contributions of Latinx individuals, demonstrating how the Latinx community has been instrumental in shaping America’s identity.

“Being a Latinx in America comes with its share of struggles and triumphs,” Leguizamo stated. “With this book, my hope is to shine a light on our rich heritage in an accessible and entertaining way, illustrating how Latinx individuals have played pivotal roles throughout history. I want every Latinx child to feel seen, recognized, and inspired by our shared past.”

“John Leguizamo’s incredible scholarship on Latinx history not only educates but also inspires and entertains.  We’re confident this book will spark urgent conversations about identity and our unforgettable legacy,” Michelle Herrera Mulligan, Executive Editor, Atria Books

John Leguizamo’s untitled book is more than just a collection of pages – it’s an invitation to a broader conversation about culture, identity, and the importance of historical awareness. It promises to be a vital and vibrant addition to the literature of the Latinx experience in America.

John Leguizamo is a multifaceted performer who has established a career that defies categorization. With a boundless and visceral creativity that spans across film, theatre, television, and literature, he often creates new genres of his own. He has earned both a Tony and an Emmy award for his outstanding work in theatre, which includes the hit 2016 Broadway run of Latin History for Morons. He is well recognized for his passionate advocacy for Latinx rights and representation.

Rights in the United States, Canada, and the Open Market were acquired by Executive Editor Michelle Herrera Mulligan from Albert Lee at UTA.

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About Atria Books: Atria Books is an imprint of Simon and Schuster. For more information, visit our website at https://www.simonandschusterpublishing.com/atria.

About Simon & Schuster: Simon & Schuster, a part of Viacom CBS, is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

CONTACT:
Lisa Sciambra
Director of Publicity, Atria Books
212-698-7649
Lisa.Sciambra@simonandschuster.com

For rights Information:
Nicole Bond
Vice President, Director Subsidiary Rights, Atria Books Group
212-698-7397
Nicole.Bond@simonandschuster.com