Stuntboy. El superhéroe de los superhéroes (Infantil y Juvenil)

Stuntboy #1

by Jason Reynolds, Raúl the Third

A middle grade novel about the greatest young superhero you’ve never heard of, filled with illustrations by Raúl the Third!

Portico Reeves’s superpower is making sure all the other superheroes—like his parents and two best friends—stay super. And safe. Super safe. And he does this all in secret. No one in his civilian life knows he’s actually…Stuntboy!

But his regular Portico identity is pretty cool, too. He lives in the biggest house on the block, maybe in the whole city, which basically makes it a castle. His mom calls where they live an apartment building. But a building with fifty doors just in the hallways is definitely a castle. And behind those fifty doors live a bunch of different people who Stuntboy saves all the time. In fact, he’s the only reason the cat, New Name Every Day, has nine lives.

All this is swell except for Portico’s other secret, his not-so-super secret. His parents are fighting all the time. They’re trying to hide it by repeatedly telling Portico to go check on a neighbor “in the meantime.” But Portico knows “meantime” means his parents are heading into the Mean Time which means they’re about to get into it, and well, Portico’s superhero responsibility is to save them, too—as soon as he figures out how.

Only, all these secrets give Portico the worry wiggles, the frets, which his mom calls anxiety. Plus, like all superheroes, Portico has an arch-nemesis who is determined to prove that there is nothing super about Portico at all.

Genres: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Humor, Friendship, Family

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2021

About the author

Jason Reynolds is an American author of novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade audience. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, Jason Reynolds moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he’s afraid he’ll forget it all before he gets home.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, at this point I'm not sure that there isn't a book that Jason Reynolds can't write. Anything that he writes is something that I'm willing to check out. This book was no different and I absolutely loved the full cast audio with all of the varied sound effects. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can look at all the illustrations. I had a copy of this title for review, but all thoughts are my own. 4.5 Stars

Stuntboy, in the Meantime is a beautiful ode to any child that has had to go through parental separation and/or constant arguing. It's even more beautiful love letter to children who have to navigate through anxiety. Portico creates this superhero persona to help him assist his family members and friends so that they can continue to be super. This superhero persona also helps him deal with his anxiety which he calls the "frets" and the impending divorce of his parents as well as the neighborhood bully. It's clear that being superhero helps Portico work through a lot of the problems he faces.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this book is the format and the way in which is told. Jason Reynolds is one of those authors that truly understands what it means to write for kids. He speaks to their varied experiences and is able to craft a story that makes discussions of those experiences easier to have. Stuntboy, in the Meantime is part picture book, graphic novel, and prose combined into one that is designed to hold the attention of young reads. It's written almost as if it's a television show making the reading experience even more fun and engaging. This is bound to be a book that kids are going to love just like all of Jason Reynolds' other books.

[Traci Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is so cute. The art is so good. I love Jason’s play with language and words. Also talking to young kids about anxiety is so important.

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 Best Books of the Year [#06 of 11]

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my 8-year-old over the course of a week, and he and I both loved it SO much! Stuntboy, in the Meantime is a heavily illustrated novel that also includes some comic strip sections, and the writing (by Jason Reynolds) and the art (by Raúl the 3rd) are both bursting with vibrant energy and fun. Portico is a sweet, anxious kid who desperately wants to protect other people from pain (his secret superhero identity is "Stuntboy," who takes the dangerous falls for all the people around him), but right now, his parents' marriage is imploding and he can't stop it or take away their pain. But this isn't a depressing book at all! It's zany and funny and sweet, full of wonderful, quirky characters in the busy apartment building that Portico loves.

He has a fabulous best friend, Zola, who's always ready to draw life lessons from the fabulously over-the-top superhero TV series that they both adore - and my 8-year-old totally wants to watch that now. If only it WERE a real TV show! It felt very real to both of us by the end. He also has a fabulous cat and a terrifying nemesis and a grandma with secret powers of her own, and the whole thing was just so much fun to read.

We laughed again and again (especially over some particularly hilarious catchphrases that kept coming back with perfect comedic timing) and at the end my 8-year-old begged me to preorder Book 2 NOW. Sadly, Book 2 isn't available to preorder yet...but we'll be snapping it up as soon as we can, because this really was fantastic.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portico Reeves has a secret. Secretly, he turns into "Stuntboy" to help deal with his anxiety called "the frets." And, uses his Superpowers to make things right and Safe. With this middle school age book, Jason Reynolds has knocked it out!

After reading the printed edition, I just had to listen to the audiobook because of Jason Reyonld's fantastic, vibrant onomatopoeia that captures the reader's eyes in the printed edition. The audiobook is Highly recommended for Everyone, All ages. Each chapter is an episode with experiences of music and all. The manner in which this author introduces Stuntboy defines Jason Reynold's ability to connect with all of all age groups.

The sound effects (audio) creates a feeling for listeners to actually "Feel" like they're actually
teleporting "In the Meantime." Each narrator is wonderful on audio making it an incredible Experience. This book holds so many wonderful elements of children dealing with their emotions with parents in Life. With its comic book vibe, as an adult, this one may make you feel like you're back in middle school also.

* The "Yawn" chairs, Salt & vinegar chips - Priceless
* "Am I Blinking too loud?"

Only Jason Reynolds could remind me of my Love for reading with another Fantastic read. ⭐

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see why this audiobook won an award! The narration, by a full cast, with sound effects and music, was a delight! The story itself is simple, but told from a very interesting perspective. The meaning behind "in the meantime" broke my heart, and was so perfect for a child's understanding of what was happening. As was his reaction to what was happening, and the way he saw that he could fix it. I will be hearing the narrator's voice in my head for a looong, time, too. Very bombastic, very much the sound of a superhero announcer!

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to see whether it might be appropriate for my 8-year-old grandson. I found it to be pretty entertaining but maybe middle-grade level, 10 and above. The main character is a kid named Portico Reeves who lives in an apartment building filled with lots of eccentric characters. Portico gets 'the frets' in certain tough situations and tries to turn into Stuntboy, the superhero, when that happens to see him through. The story is brought to life by many colorful illustrations. Now on to book two because this story ends with a 'to be continued' tagline...

[Librarylady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stunt boy, in the Meantime is a good mix of story, comics, and highly engaging illustrations. I think the kids will all pick it up based on the cover. However, I think they may be a bit disappointed when they read it. Portico, the main character, seems immature for a ten year old. I can't really see a boy In middle school acting like a super hero. Also, the book seemed to drag on and on for me, especially when I got to the end, and there was no resolution to the story. That was a real turn off. That said, I will probably still buy it for my library based on the format, the diversity, and the popularity of the author. Not everyone likes the same books as I do.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book about young Portico Reeves and his struggle with the frets. When things seem to stress him out he turns into Stuntboy! I loved this beautiful story that centers a young boy with anxiety. I’ll also red every word Jason Reynolds has ever written. Loved this!

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there anything Jason Reynolds can't do? I was so excited to see it's an illustrated chapter book. This will be so loved by middle grades/middle schoolers for sure!!!
Such a relatable store with parents who seem to argue all the time, and Portico Reeves always having these "frets" - another description for anxiety. Jason does a great job of a kid going through their emotions living this life with anxiety and a parental divorce on the edge. Well done.

[Mary Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Reynolds doesn’t miss! So many readers are going to fall in love with Stuntboy. After listening to some of the audio I could hear the voices leaping off the page. The print is obviously enhanced by Raul the Thirds fantastic illustrations. An amazing team effort!

[Colleen]

Really great young MG illustrated novel. I like how each chapter is an “episode” and within each episode the characters relate their lives to an episode of a show they love. It did start to get a bit repetitive. I like how it addresses anxiety and divorce. I love that Portico calls his apartment building a castle! I like the development with the bully and seeing inside his life. A bit young for my MSers but some will like it.

[Skip · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Jason Reynolds' Track series so I was excited for this one. Portico Reeves is a teenager living in a apartment building, with a female best friend (Zola), who keeps him grounded, a bully, who hangs out in a room adjacent to Portico's apartment, and most significantly, fighting parents. His secret identity is Stuntboy, allowing him to manage his anxiety, and to use his "powers" to make things right. Unfortunately in life, some things cannot be fixed. Reynolds tries to deal with some difficult subjects, but I did not think he did so well; however, I readily admit that I am not his intended audience. And, while the books ends "To Be Continued", I will definitely not be along for the ride.

[Renata · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my gosh, this is such a funny and sweet book. LOVE that it's about a boy with anxiety (aka "the frets") getting to be a superhero and having these fun adventures while also dealing with pretty big emotions. And the wordplay is really fun, and the art is really fun, and I just think it's a great graphic novel with a lot of appeal. Also the way each little adventure is broken up into chapters would make this a great classroom readaloud book.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portico Reeves is a boy; he’s a son and friend; he’s also…Stuntboy!
💥
Portico has decided to create a superhero persona to help other superheroes like his parents, grandmother and best friends. He protects them so they can keep being super. He lives in a castle aka an apartment building where his parents have been fighting a lot. They keep saying they’re going into different apartments for the meantime. All these things happening in his life give him the “frets” also known as anxiety. Even superheroes can be human.
💥
Is there anything Jason Reynolds can’t do? This part picture book, part graphic novel, part novel is too adorable and the artwork by Raul the Third was equally amazing. I was as enthralled with the story as I was the illustrations. This book covers a lot of issues, but my favorite was the focus on mental health awareness. Reynolds does a fabulous job of showing what it looks like in our younger students, as well as being a child dealing with parents on the verge of divorce. This book is going to be a hit when it releases 11.30!

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm in the minority here since I did not love it. I thought it was disjointed and stilted, I didn't like the distraction of the bold-faced writing every so often, I didn't think there was the best flow from start to finish, and the humor is not the kind of humor that every kid would get. I think adults will enjoy it more than kids will, however what kids will like is that there are pictures and text incorporated into the story a la Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man.

The way our friend Portico sees the world as it's shifting underneath him is hard to relate to because it feels awkward for the sake of being awkward though it is his internal world. How his "mean time" describes his parents fighting and the frets is how he describes his anxiety. My community of readers will likely not understand what a super or superintendent of a building is/does, so there is a lack of prior knowledge that will only allow a surface read of the story.

It didn't work for me.

[Ben Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuntboy, in the Meantime is a graphic novel written by Jason Reynolds and illustrated by Raúl the Third. Not-so-secret superhero by day and kid from apartment 4D by day as well, Portico "Stuntboy" Reeves will need all his tricks to withstand the great threat facing his family and the anxiety that comes with it.

Portico Reeves, secret alter ego Stuntboy, lives amid a lively, largely Black community in an apartment building in Skylight Gardens. As Portico, he navigates tense interactions with bully Herbert Singletary the Worst, the stress of his ever-fighting parents, and his own anxiety. However, as Stuntboy, his job is keeping other superheroes safe, so they can save the world and he definitely has his hands full watching out for the apartment building's various larger-than-life characters. With him, along the way, is Zola Brawner, best friend for 163 days and counting.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime is written and constructed extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Reynolds' narrative gradually reveals the impact Portico's parents' impending separation is having on their deeply sensitive son even as he can't fully grasp what's going on around him. Raúl the Third's illustrations are both dynamic and cleverly slapstick as Portico skillfully tumbles down stairs to prevent an older resident from falling or flops in front of his parents to momentarily stop them from fighting. Superlative, action-packed art and cheeky narration combine to tell a story of emotional intelligence on a super-heroic scale while remaining consistently funny and undeniably thoughtful.

All in all, Stuntboy, in the Meantime is a wonderful graphic novel about a boy, who finds a creative coping mechanism in this original tale that speaks to the heart.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Stuntboy” has an incredible superhero with a lot of story and visual wallop. We follow the life of Portico Reeves, aka Stuntboy, who tells his story in the style of a super comic about his life in the urban apartment building he calls home. He leads a pretty hectic life at home with his best friend, his neighbors and of course his constantly bickering parents and it will have him do whatever it takes to conquer it all.

The story’s cover alone shows you’re in for a super read. What it offers the most is it’s unique art style of stylish and exciting doodles that fly on nearly every page. It also does a great job of using a bit of “Wimpy Kid”’s formula and mixing it with a comic book feel. While the story’s final act does throw an unexpected punch and cliffhanger, it doesn’t completely detour Stuntboy’s story and that he’s not down and out. A- (91%/Excellent)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic mix of story, comics, and illustrations, this is a wonderful book to give to kids who are struggling with bullies, divorce, friendship, or just life. Jason Reynolds is genius. I listened to the audio version and it was perfection. Of course, I had to also page through the print version because the illustrations are not to be missed! Seriously, every middle grade kid who's ever dreamed of being a superhero or dealt with a bully needs to read this book.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just got my hands on Stuntboy, in the Meantime by the dynamic duo of Jason Reynolds and Raul the Third, and I couldn’t put it down! Loved the character of Portico whose superpower stunts helps him cope with his anxiety, which he calls "the frets" - especially handling the "mean time" while his parents are arguing over dividing up their property during their divorce. Handles difficult topics with sensitivity and humor and great art! The story is interspersed with scenes from Portico and his bff Zola's fav superhero comic: Super Space Warriors, which are really fun allegories. This book is a winner.

Profile: highly-illustrated fiction with themes of apartment/city living, divorce, anxiety and superheroes.

[Jen H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reynolds knows his audience. Written for young readers without an ounce of condescension. Just a clever story that speaks to the pain (and joy) of early adolescence.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great audiobook listen with the kids.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come to believe that every book written by Jason Reynolds needs to be read by every person in the world. There is so much content in this inconspicuous amazing graphic novel. The illustrations are so fun. It is written sir every person who has ever felt anxiety about anything. Loved it!!!!

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic like Jason’s other books.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portico has lots of anxiety and an imagination to counteract a lot of effects, especially when he becomes Stuntboy.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook? Who knew? Jason Reynolds, Guy Lockhart, full cast & music 👍👍 (even not seeing the illustrations).

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jason Reynolds. He has found a way to explain divorce and anxiety so that a middle schooler can relate and overcome. <3

[Patricia Tsune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the trick of truly getting into this book is to listen and read the physical book together. I thought the illustrations and story were fun and creative but I just couldn’t get into it. It felt choppy. Then I decided to check out the eAudio a couple days ago and the narration (full cast) was extraordinary! And I picked the book back up to follow along. It was so very enjoyable! If possible, do it like this. You’ll absolutely love it!

[Kim Bahr]

Not a fan of this one…

[Phobean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a feat of strength and cleverness. I giggled a bunch. I know the illustrator personally, and yes, I rated his and Jason’s efforts a big ole FIVE-STARS. You got something to say about it??

On to book two . . .