Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engaging, thoughtful story of changing family has great art.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME, Portico Reeves loves living in the tall apartment building of Skylight Gardens, and life gets even better when he meets new best friend Zola Brawner. To help navigate the anxiety about his parents' increased arguing and deal with a bullying boy they call Herbert Singletary the Worst, Portico creates Stuntboy, his own superhero. Together with Zola, the two keep other vibrant personalities of their building safe and try to figure out what's going on with Herbert always going in and out of the small door between two apartments.
Is It Any Good?
There are a lot of layers to this empathetic, energetic, beautifully illustrated story from Jason Reynolds and Raúl the Third. Stuntboy, in the Meantime, addresses kids' feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control with beautiful nuance and great humor, exploring how everyday events like haircuts or bus rides can feel different based on what is happening at home. Portico's parents try to protect him from their arguments, and Zola's parents quietly support him, reinforcing the impact of adults' actions on kids lives. The real power of the story, though, comes from Portico's inner monologue and his friendship with Zola. They are open and vulnerable and funny and feisty, and a treat for young readers to get to know.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how they react when adults argue like the parents do in Stuntboy, in the Meantime. How do you feel, and what do you do? Is there somewhere you go that makes you feel better?
Do you know anyone who acts like Herbert does? How do the people around them feel about that person as a friend, classmate, or teammate?
What other books have you read that have friends like Portico and Zola?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Raul the Third
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Superheroes , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
- Publication date : November 30, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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