Mighty Boy - Hardcover

Sonenklar, Carol

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0531332039 ISBN 13: 9780531332030

Publisher: Orchard Books, 1999

Synopsis

When he gets a chance to meet his hero, the television character Mighty Boy, Howard Weinstein discovers his own strengths that help him handle the bully in his new fourth grade class

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5-When shy, bespectacled Howard Weinstein moves from California to New York City, he is lonely and beset by bullies at his new school. Every afternoon, he watches Mighty Boy on TV; he's obsessed with the show, to the point that he unconsciously hums the theme song in class. The early part of the novel offers some funny vignettes from the boy's head as he imagines various situations in which he, as Mighty Boy, vanquishes the villains in his life. Then in the middle of the novel, Howard wins an essay contest and meets the actor who plays his hero; he even gets a cameo part in a show. While filming, Howard and Mighty Boy become lost in the woods, where Howard finds a use for his woodsman skills, while the TV star discovers that acting talents are of little use in the wild. Eventually the two are rescued and Howard's newfound confidence allows him to stand up to the school bully. This is a funny, fast-paced novel that offers a touch of fantasy wish fulfillment that would never occur in real life. However, that won't stop young readers from overlooking the somewhat implausible plot twists and enjoying this bit of fluff.
Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

A boy who wins the chance to live out his fantasy receives a good dose of reality as part of the prize in Sonenklar's (Bug Boy; Bug Girl) brisk and breezy novel. Howard Weinstein and his family have just moved to New York from CaliforniaAa transition he wishes they had never made. As the new kid in fourth grade, he faces some tough adjustments, including dealing with obnoxious bully Eddie Gervinsky. Luckily, Howard can escape everyday at four o'clock when he tunes in to Mighty Boy and imagines himself in the world of his favorite superhero. He belongs to the Mighty Boy Boys' Club, eats Mighty Bites cereal and, best of all, his essay on "What Mighty Power Is the Most Valuable and Why?" wins him a guest role on the TV show. But when Howard finally meets Mighty Boy in person, he realizes his on-screen hero is an ordinary kid who has fears and weaknesses like everyone else. The tables turn when a Mighty Boy location shoot goes awry, and Howard has a chance to exhibit some super skills of his own. Sonenklar's snappy writing and clever plot twist will keep kids turning the pages. Howard's tale may even provide young TV junkies with some food for thought. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0531332039
• ISBN 13: 9780531332030
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 118