Book Review: Black Panther The Young Prince

BLACK PANTHER THE YOUNG PRINCE by Ronald L. Smith tells the origin story of this popular superhero.

Twelve-year old T’Challa is a young prince living in the hidden African nation of Wakanda. When he and his friend M’Baku are sent to a private academy in Chicago, T’Challa soon learns that his experiences have not prepared him for life in America. To protect his friends, he must face evil and become a hero.

Of particular interest is how the author deals with T’Challa’s conflicting emotions related to America’s history of racial inequality and African heritage.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular extension of the Black Panther universe. Feature this engaging fantasy adventure along with other recently released Marvel superhero origin stories.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 2, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Squirrel Meets World

THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL: SQUIRREL MEETS WORLD by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale introduces young teens to a new superhero.

Doreen Green is a typical teenager who tries to make friends after moving to a new neighborhood. When she decides to use her extraordinary powers for good, she soon becomes a hit at school. However, she also draws the attention of a villain. The author’s use of familiar language, alternative narrators, and contemporary situations including texting will appeal to teens.

Librarians will find a fan base among fans of superheroes as well as humor. Middle grade students will be attracted to this new kind of quirky superhero. Adults will appreciate the diverse cast of characters. This engaging novel provides the backstory of this fun new character. Connect the book with the collection of graphic novels about the same character.

Published by Marvel, and imprint of Disney-Hyperion on February 7, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Zeroes

ZEROES by Scott Westerfeld is a superhero action drama featuring a group of teens with unusual powers.

Ethan has a voice inside him who’ll say what people want to hear and Kelsie can control crowds. Along with other special teens, they face dangerous criminals.

While lacking the heart-pounding thrill-ride promised in the blurb, the book does provide a nice introduction to a series likely to be popular with teens.

Librarians will find that fans of shows like The Alphas, X-Men, and Heroes will be drawn to the superhero action and adventure storyline. However, those expecting Westerfeld’s steampunk or dystopian themes may be disappointed.

Published by Simon Pulse on September 29, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: School for Sidekicks

SCHOOL FOR SIDEKICKS by Kelly McCullough is a middle grade fantasy adventure for children who dream of becoming superheroes.

After surviving an encounter with Masks and Hoods, Evan Quick is whisked away to a special school for youth with special powers. At first, he’s thrilled to be part of this superhero universe despite the disapproval of his parents. He’s given the name Meerkat and assigned to be the sidekick of a has-been superhero known as Foxman. After discovering a government conspiracy, Evan realizes the fine line between good and evil and must work with his meta-human classmates to save the world.

Youth who enjoy superhero stories will get caught up in this engaging adventure. However, those who prefer other types of science fiction and fantasy may find it to be melodramatic and corny.

Sidekicks and other minions are popular themes in books and movies right now. Librarians can capitalize on this movement by featuring these newly respected heroes in displays, reading groups, and programs. Hold a sidekick costume party, get youth involved in creating their own characters, and create your own comic books.

To learn more about the author, go to http://kellymccullough.com/.

Published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on August 4, 2015.

Book Review: Nimona

NIMONA by Noelle Stevenson is a quirky new graphic novel fantasy based on the popular web comic.

A young shapeshifter teams up with a super villain to wreak havoc on the Institute of Law Enforcement. Set in a world reminiscent of a Renaissance faire, the story combines kingdoms, dragons, and sword fights with videophones and modern hospitals. The addition of sharks, countdowns, and explosions add to the irreverent atmosphere. Filled with witty humor and symbolism, sophisticated teen readers will enjoy the subversive tone from beginning to end.

The beautifully rendered, full-color graphics will immediately attract graphic novel fans, while the wicked humor and well-paced plot will keep them reading. The complex character development and memorable approach to world building make this graphic novel special.

The unconventional blend of old with new is sure to attract young adult readers. Librarians will find a broad audience for this book that includes lovers of both bizarre superheroes and unusual medieval kingdoms. Look for this book on the YA graphic novel “best of” lists for 2015.

To learn more about the author, go to http://gingerhaze.com/.

Published by HarperTeen on May 12, 2015.

Book Review: Before Tomorrowland

BEFORE TOMORROWLAND is a prequel to the upcoming Disney film, Tomorrowland.

Written by Jeff Jensen, Jonathan Case, Brad Bird, and Damon Lindelof, this fast-paced science fiction novel introduces readers to a secret society led by scientific geniuses. Set in 1939, the group is about to reveal an amazing new world. However an evil scientist and a confused robot-human hybrid have other plans. Caught in the middle are a mother and son in New York for a science fiction convention.

Although younger readers may be confused by the wide spectrum of characters and historical references, science fiction fans will easily become immersed in the fantasy. The retro-superhero comic illustrations add to the appeal. The book also includes the 20 page comic featured in the story adding an additional dimension to the experience.

With the popularity of Disney films, this book is likely to be popular. Consider a summer library program based on the Tomorrowland theme. There are lots of social media resources ready to use. Youth who enjoy this aspect of books and movies will love these connections. To get started, go to the Tomorrowland Times website at http://www.tomorrowlandtimes.com/.

For more information about the movie, go to http://movies.disney.com/tomorrowland.

Published by Disney Press and available April 7, 2015.