Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Engaging, thoughtful story of changing family has great art.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that author Jason Reynolds and illustrator Raúl the Third collaborated on a masterpiece with Stuntboy, in the Meantime, a thoughtful, funny, engaging graphic novel that looks at how parents' decisions affect kids' lives, even when they're trying to protect each other. Portico and Zola's friendship is full of both silliness and depth: They loudly roam the halls of their largely Black apartment building as superheroes of their own creation, and give each other soft-spoken support against kids who bully them and arguing parents. Without realizing quite why, Portico is drawn to Zola's home and parents as a quiet, calm space, which is an excellent reminder to adult readers of the many small ways they can support kids in their community. The gorgeous, full-color illustrations on every page perfectly capture the emotions and energy of this surprisingly complex, wonderful story.
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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: Jason Reynolds
- Illustrator: Raul the Third
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Superheroes, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- 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, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: November 29, 2021
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