First off, a reminder. If you have written a contemporary middle grade novel, Writer’s Digest is running a contest that ends on March 18th. Click on the image to get the details.
Previously published works like THE ADVENTURES OF BEANBOY by Lisa Harkrader are not eligible. I’m glad since it gave me a chance to once again read something from an author I had never read before, and be rewarded immensely with the journey.
PUBLICATION DATE:2012 LEVEL: 4.3 WORD COUNT: 37,098
FULL PLOT (From Amazon): Never underestimate the power of the bean. Tucker MacBean has been drawing comic books almost as long as he’s been reading them. When his favorite comic has a contest for kids, he hopes he has finally found a way to fix his family—all he has to do is create the winning superhero sidekick . . . Introducing “Beanboy”—the first comic book character to truly harness the power of the bean for good. He is strong, he is relentless, he can double in size overnight (if given enough water). With thoughtful characterizations and copious comic book illustrations, this laughout-loud novel will have readers rooting for a superhero with true heart.
FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE ADVENTURES OF BEANBOY
- It was fun to sit back and see Tucker McBean’s comic come to life. The finished product is sprinkled throughout the book, and never detracted from the text. It’s more of a support for the heartwarming story. By the looks of the cover I had expected to see a full blown graphic novel, which this is not.
- The realities of what kids go through when they have a special needs younger sibling. The scenes with Tucker and his brother, Beech, are filled with love and understanding.
- The transformation of the secondary characters – Tucker’s Mom and Sam, a less than receptive schoolmate. Too bad Tucker’s email only dad didn’t get the same transformation.
- A book boys will enjoy, even those who never stray from their favorites or rarely read a book. It’s a humorous and very captivating.
- You learn the true meaning of being a superhero.
FAVORITE LINES:
One day. One day to find a superhero heart.
Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Oh, I love that line! This sounds delightful all around, actually. I’m putting it on the list and already mentally rearranging said list to see how close to the top I can squeeze it. Thanks for the recommend!
There are many more like that line. The voice comes through loud and clear in this first person narrative.
Sounds like it could be the next step up for lovers of Captain Underpants (and I am definitely a Captain Underpants fan!)
Yes, definitely. There’s more sophisticated humor in parts here, but it does have a tinge of Captain Underpants waiting for readers.
Thanks for that Writers Digest contest reminder. I remember hearing about this book when it first came out, but then it fell off my radar. Sounds like a must-read for my research into humorous boy books!
Yes, this one caught me by surprise. Quite funny and heartwarming at the same time.
This sounds great book–I think with the “sprinkling of the finished product” throughout that my two MG-aged sons would love this! Thanks for the review!
The author, Lisa Harkrader, has one other middle grade book, AIRBALL, MY LIFE IN BRIEFS. Your sons might enjoy the crazy premise in that one, too.
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