The Pipsqueak

by Ben Manley

You don't need super powers to be a hero... or to make enemies into friends.
In Hero's gang, everyone has a special skill. Well, everybody but Pip. Pip isn't strong, he can't run fast or make himself invisible. He might not have any amazing talents, but when bully Solo invades their spot, Pip shows the gang that you just need guts to be a hero.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

Published February 3, 2022

Reviews

[Harmony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pipsqueak by Ben Manley tells the story of a group of friends navigating their adventures, but I found some aspects of the narrative lacking. The choice to label them as a "gang" makes the group sound much more impressive than they truly are; referring to them as a club might have been more fitting.

Additionally, the character of Pipsqueak being someone’s brother, but nobody knows whose brother he is, felt like filler rather than a meaningful plot point. While Pipsqueak’s “talent” of standing up to the bully is highlighted, he ultimately just relocates everyone after a conversation, which left me wanting more in terms of character development and resolution. Overall, while the story has potential, it could have benefitted from deeper exploration and a clearer focus on the characters' growth.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a really lovely message in this book and sticking together and inclusion. Just personally I don't like the use of the word gang to describe a group of friends.