Mascot to the Rescue!

November 1, 2008
Gr 4-7-Sixth-grader Josh may be taking his love of the Captain Major comic books too far, or so the adults in his life believe. He is convinced that everything that happens to Captain Major's sidekick, Mascot, also happens to him. So when Josh discovers that the comic book's creator plans to kill off Mascot, Josh believes he could die as well. Enlisting the help of his friend Kelsey, aka "Large Lass," he embarks on an adventure that helps him cope with his father's disappearance and realize that people will like him even if he isn't a real-life superhero. David clearly understands the prepubescent male experience and successfully brings to life a character whom boys will relate to. Likewise, female comics fans will enjoy the way Josh casts "Large Lass" into a superhero's role. Additionally, David uses a voice-over technique for the moments when Josh imagines that he is actually Mascot, which is very funny. Josh and Kelsey do find themselves in slightly implausible situations but, given the superhero premise of the story, it's easy to suspend belief. Doran's comic-strip illustrations are action packed and dynamic, but there are too few of them. Is this great literature? Hardly. Will boys read it? Definitely. This is perfect for comic-book fans who are ready (or being pushed by adults) to move on to novels."Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Josh finds comfort pretending to be Mascot, the sidekick to his favorite comic-book hero, Captain Major. When he discovers Mascot is slated to die in the next issue, Josh is convinced his own life is at risk and takes desperate action to save Mascot. A humorous sendup of comic fans and their loyalty, and of the healing power of imagination.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)