Stuntboy, In-Between Time

Portico Reeves is a young boy who lives in an apartment building and secretly acts as Stuntboy, a superhero who protects his neighbors. The story follows his daily life navigating school, friendship, and family changes while maintaining his secret identity and performing "stunts" to keep others safe. The narrative unfolds through a mix of prose and dynamic illustrations by Raúl the Third, featuring grayscale art with strategic pops of color. The format combines elements of traditional chapter books with graphic novel styling, creating an engaging visual experience that captures the energy of Portico's superhero adventures. This second installment in the Stuntboy series explores themes of anxiety, family transitions, and finding one's place during times of change. The story speaks to young readers who are experiencing their own "in-between times" while learning to be brave in everyday situations.

Readers highlight this book's relatable portrayal of anxiety, divorce, and friendship through a child's perspective. Parents and teachers note it helps kids understand and discuss mental health. Readers appreciated: - Illustrations that enhance the story and appeal to reluctant readers - Balance of humor with serious topics - Accessible vocabulary for middle-grade readers - Clear explanation of panic attacks and anxiety symptoms Common criticisms: - Some found the superhero format confusing - Text formatting can be hard to follow - Story pacing feels uneven in parts Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (100+ ratings) One teacher reviewer noted: "My students immediately connected with Portico's experiences and opened up about their own anxiety." A parent wrote: "The comic book style kept my son engaged while helping him understand his parents' separation."

New Kid by Jerry Craft A graphic novel about a seventh-grade boy who navigates two different worlds between his neighborhood and his private school.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt A story of a sixth-grade girl who hides her inability to read while finding strength in her other talents.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander A novel-in-verse follows twin basketball stars dealing with family, rivalry, and growing up.

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian The illustrated adventures of a Muslim boy who uses imagination and humor to face challenges at his new school.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds A young runner joins a track team while dealing with his past and learning to channel his energy into something positive.

⭐ Jason Reynolds wrote his first novel at age 9 and deliberately didn't read a full novel until he was 17, making him uniquely attuned to reluctant young readers. ⭐ Stuntboy's setting was inspired by Reynolds' own childhood growing up in a Washington D.C. apartment building, where he experienced a similar sense of community. ⭐ Illustrator Raúl the Third grew up reading both American comics and Mexican comic books (historietas), influencing the unique visual style that brings Portico's world to life. ⭐ The book tackles childhood anxiety in an accessible way - "the frets" is based on how many children actually describe their anxiety symptoms to therapists. ⭐ Stuntboy is part of a growing movement in children's literature featuring Black main characters in stories that aren't primarily about racial struggle or historical trauma.