Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
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Web ID: 16528903Wonderful!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, NetGalley, and LibroFM's Educator ALC program for complimentary advanced reading and listening copies of this title. This book was so much fun to read as well as listen to. I wasn't sure how such a highly illustrated book would translate to audiobook format, but it works! There are so many great things between the pages that kids need to see in their books - the characters are all non-white, Stuntboy deals with anxiety and he finds meditation helpful, his parents are separating, and there's a bully in his apartment complex. Jason Reynolds tackled some heavy topics with humor and friendship. My almost 12-year old son enjoyed both the book and audiobook just as much as I did. I highly recommend it for the kids in your life!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Reynolds Does It Again
Stuntboy, in the Meantime is sure to be a hit with readers. Portico is a hero who everyone will root for. His story is highly engaging and one that readers are sure to relate to. Reynolds has such a unique voice that comes out through his characters. The illustrations are fantastic as well. It is a wonderful blend of text and pictures that will keep readers engaged. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Another great book from Jason Reynolds
4.5 stars You know that pretty much anything Jason Reynolds will immediately go on my to-read list. And he’s shown that there probably isn’t anything that he can’t write! Stuntboy is a fun book that many middle grade readers will find themselves relating to. This is an illustrated chapter book, kind of along the lines of something like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The overall tone of the novel is fun and lighthearted, reading like episodes of a TV show. Part of what makes this book so funny and entertaining is the way the story is told. The hybrid format of the book will help hit that audience that love graphic novels, too. Add on the superhero format, and you’ve definitely got yourself a winner Reynolds also puts concepts into terms that kids can understand. One of the best examples of this is Portico’s struggle with anxiety, which he calls “The Frets.” These are feelings that a lot of kids probably have, and they can work through them the way that Portico does. It’s effective, and just adds to the overall story. All in all, this is a book that a lot of kids I think will be drawn to. I’m hoping that this is the start of a new series, because I don’t think Portico’s story is done quite yet.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Realistic with a huge twist
This author never ceases to amaze me. Now, digging into the world of middle grade graphic books, he takes an every day kid, Portico, with every day problems and forms him into the most amazing superhero of all...and that with a ton of fun, humor, and reading surprises along the way. Portico lives in the biggest house on the block, making it almost a castle. Kind of. He has lots of neighbors with quirks, enjoys his life, but suffers from the 'frets'...not only because his parents on the verge of a divorce. When one of his friends has him turn into a pretzel, he discovers his alter-ego, Stuntboy. Stuntboy's purpose is to be super and take on things, which might make those around him less super. But being a superhero isn't always easy. Yes, this book tackles tough themes kids can relate to—divorce, bullies, etc. But the author manages to turn everything on its head and make it a super-fun way to hit reality. And that in a kid-fashion pure. Portico and his friend have a wonderful imagination, and he allows himself to sink into this 'super' him, not only to deal with his anxiety but to help those around him...in odd ways, maybe. But it's super sweet and kind. Stuntboy is a hero to root for and cheer on the entire way through because he has determination and a true heart of gold even when problems sometimes make things hard. The set-up of this book is a blast. It's not the usual graphic novel form, but rather, more of a picture book in the form of a middle grade read with some comic areas mixed in. The narration bounces around a bit scatter-brained at times, and then, switches gears into tale fashion. It's an entertaining mix which keeps things from getting to serious and lets the imagination of Portico shine through. The illustrations keep humor high and let Stuntboy's adventure gain goofy, heroic highlights. Middle graders, especially the reluctant readers in this group, will enjoy this adventure and maybe discover a superhero in themselves. I received an ARC and enjoyed the tale quite a bit.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com