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Book Summary

Reviewed by Ann Marie Sammataro

Two small boys, outnumbered and outweighed, outsmart their tormentors in a riveting tale that reminds readers that brainpower is more effective than brute power. Richly colored and highly detailed illustrations provide a vivid portrayal of an urban landscape.

Is It Any Good?

4

The universal appeal of this story reaches beyond gender, race, and locale. Whether city dwellers or suburbans, whether male or female, and regardless of ethnicity, most children have had encounters with bullies of some sort and can empathize with Peter and Archie's predicament. Kids will be rooting for the intrepid duo throughout their adrenaline-pumping adventure. The triumph over the bullies is rewarding and empowering for children.

The multitextured illustrations of this work earned Ezra Jack Keats a Caldecott Honor award. Using vibrant colors that fill every inch of the pages, Keats re-creates the city streets that are Archie and Peter's playground. Dark colors dominate, from the sky's smoky blue to the dusky taupes of the looming buildings. Cut paper layered over the paintings adds to their dimensionality. Keats's attention to detail, such as crayon scribbles overlaid on paintings of walls to simulate graffiti, contributes to the realism of the work and captures readers' attention.

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