Stuntboy, in the Meantime
by Jason Reynolds; illus. by Raúl the Third; color by Elaine Bay
Intermediate    Dlouhy/Atheneum    272 pp.    g
11/21    978-1-5344-1816-5    $13.99
e-book ed.  978-1-5344-1818-9    $9.99

This ingeniously crafted illustrated novel offers a multifaceted and heartfelt take on the classic superhero story. Portico Reeves is a kid with a “secret secret” — he likes to think of himself as Stuntboy, a homegrown and self-styled superhero whose power is “making sure all the other heroes stay super. And safe. Supersafe.” The selfless Stuntboy protects the quirky and racially diverse cast of characters in his apartment building, particularly his own family members and his best friend Zola. Instead of super strength or flight, Stuntboy performs a variety of odd “stunts” to help others, which also lets him burn off some energy. When he is Stuntboy, the young hero isn’t affected by his anxiety, or “the frets,” which are made worse for Portico by his parents’ constant bickering and his relentless bullying by “Herbert Singletary the Worst.” In ten episodic chapters, Reynolds employs fast-paced, realistic dialogue loaded with wordplay and humor. A parallel narrative, in the form of the television show Super Space Warriors, artfully reflects Portico’s parents’ impending separation. Raúl the Third’s cartoon illustrations are integral, active components of the story. From the smallest possible detail in a skyline to commanding double-page action spreads, the art makes Portico’s world feel real and vibrant. Bay’s color work is invaluable, oscillating between pulsating palettes and subdued screentones. Keeping to the superhero tradition, the creators end on a cliffhanger, leaving readers with a promise of more adventures to come.

From the January/February 2022 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.