Black Belt Club #1: The Seven Wheels Of Power - Softcover

Barnes, Dawn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0439639360 ISBN 13: 9780439639361

Publisher: Blue Sky Press, 2005

Synopsis

A brand-new action/adventure series from talented martial arts instructor Dawn Barnes, founder and sensei of the most popular children's karate school in Los Angeles.

In this high-drama action novel, four members of the elite Black Belt Club set off on a daring adventure to save the world from an evil force that can only be stopped if they use their martial arts skills and karate-spirit powers to work together. Full of high-kicks, blocks, and intelligent problem-solving, here is a new series sure to pack a punch.

This series will be heavily illustrated by comic book artist Bernand Chang, best known for his work for DC and Marvel Comics, including issues of Superman, Spider-Man, X-Men, and Daredevil.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-6–This is a notable but flawed attempt at combining text and comics. Max, a young black belt, is invited to join the Black Belt Club, a secret team of young karate students. He lacks confidence in his abilities, particularly when compared to the other three members of the team. Despite his insecurity, he joins them on a journey to a mystical land where they must rescue the world-sustaining Tree of Life. Its trunk holds seven wheels of power, which are stolen by the villainous Master Mundi. Along the way, the young people overcome many obstacles, bicker among themselves, and tap into their inner resources. Every page includes black-and-white cartoons or comic-book panels with dialogue balloons. Some readers may be able to ride the story out on the strength of its action sequences, but this disjointed tale will leave others confused. There are also several instances where plot points appear lost in the transition between words and images. In addition, the depiction of the multiracial team walks a thin line between inclusion and tokenism. In particular, the Native-American character is little more than a stereotype. To the book's credit, the positive, nonviolent aspects of karate are encouraged throughout, but the lack of a glossary is unfortunate. Try Jon Scieszka's "The Time Warp Trio" or Joanna Cole's "Magic School Bus" chapter books for more coherent, illustrated action/information series.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Libraries, Ontario, Canada
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About this edition

• Publisher: Blue Sky Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0439639360
• ISBN 13: 9780439639361
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176
• Illustrator: Chang Bernard