The G-Man Super Journal: Awesome Origins

Gr 4–7—This volume takes a step back in time to provide the origin story to three previously published volumes of G-Man adventures. Michael G spends his days engaged in the drudgery of school, getting picked on by his older brother, and being targeted for punishment by a teacher somewhat inexplicably out to get him. Meanwhile, it seems like every day another kid in his class comes in with a new superhero identity and accompanying powers. Michael G is left wondering when it's going to be his turn. When he finally unlocks the secret of a magic blanket at home, he assumes the identity of G-Man and joins his friends in superhero status. With abundant dry humor and zinging one-liners, this story doubles as a metanarrative about superhero comics, with several layers of depth. While there is some relatively sophisticated language and quips, younger readers will still be able to access the story, which is written in a diary format, and illustrated with sharp drawings. Many readers will identify with G-Man's motivations: he isn't looking to get into the superhero business to save the world or anything, he just wants to be cool and have fun.—Jenna Lanterman, formerly at The Calhoun School and Mary McDowell Friends School, New York City