Title: Stuntboy in the Meantime
Author: Jason Reynolds
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: November 30, 2021
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Summary
As the superhero Stuntboy, Portico has one goal: to make sure other heroes stay super. Especially his parents and his two best friends. But no one knows that he’s Stuntboy, working in the background and using his powers for good.
As a regular kid, Portico also has it pretty great. He lives in the biggest building on the block. In his apartment building, he’s also got plenty of people to save. However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows in Portico’s world. His parents are fighting all the time, going into what they call “the meantime.” And it’s up to Portico to save them. And in turn, to bring his own life back to normal and keep them all together.
Review: Stuntboy in the Meantime
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! 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.
4.5/5 stars