Stuntboy, in the Meantime

Portico Reeves is a young boy who lives in an apartment building and secretly operates as Stuntboy, a self-appointed superhero who keeps other kids safe. He protects his neighbors and friends by staging well-timed diversions and interventions throughout their apartment complex, which he calls the Skylight Castle. While executing his "stunts," Portico must navigate his parents' increasing arguments at home and his own struggle with anxiety, which he refers to as "the frets." His best friend Zola helps him through his missions and personal challenges, even as he tries to keep his superhero identity under wraps. The book combines traditional narrative with comic book elements and illustrations by Raúl the Third, creating a unique hybrid format that brings Portico's world to life. This award-winning middle-grade novel balances humor with genuine emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship, family dynamics, and finding strength in difficult times.

Readers describe this as a relatable story that resonates with kids dealing with anxiety and family stress. Many parents note their children see themselves in the main character Portico. What readers liked: - Helps children recognize and talk about anxiety - Mix of illustration and text keeps reluctant readers engaged - Humor throughout balances heavier themes - Represents diverse characters naturally - Clear, accessible writing style What readers disliked: - Some found the format confusing at first - A few felt the story meandered - Parents of younger kids noted some complex themes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Reader quote: "My 9-year-old son couldn't put it down. Finally a book that shows it's okay to be anxious and scared sometimes." - Amazon reviewer "The illustrations and comic-style segments made my reluctant reader want to finish the whole book." - Goodreads reviewer

New Kid by Jerry Craft A graphic novel about a middle schooler navigating school life while processing family expectations and personal identity.

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian A young boy uses his imagination and humor to deal with changes at home and challenges at his new school.

Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibbs A twelve-year-old genius goes on missions while managing family relationships and discovering truths about herself.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez A middle school student creates zines and forms a band as she finds her place between two cultural worlds.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang A ten-year-old girl helps manage her family's motel while dealing with responsibilities beyond her years and standing up for what she believes.

✦ Jason Reynolds wrote his first novel at age 9, but purposely avoided reading until he was 17, believing books were boring until he discovered rap music could be poetry. ✦ The character of Stuntboy addresses childhood anxiety in a unique way - instead of fighting villains, he helps other kids stay safe and calm, making mental health discussions more approachable for young readers. ✦ The book's illustrator, Raúl the Third, won a Pura Belpré Award for his work on "¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market" and brings his distinctive urban-influenced style to Stuntboy's world. ✦ The "Castle Keyhold" apartment setting was inspired by Reynolds' own childhood growing up in a Washington D.C. apartment building, where he found adventure in everyday spaces. ✦ The novel's unique format blends prose, comics, and illustrations, making it particularly appealing to reluctant readers and those who struggle with traditional text-only books.