Jack’s plan to impress the new girl in town goes hilariously wrong in this companion novel to Batchelder-winning Brown, illustrated by outstanding Norwegian cartoonist Øyvind Torseter.
The trio of friends from Batchelder-winnning Brown is back, this time following the adventures of Jack. When a new girl moves to town, Jack is determined to impress and befriend her. The only problem? Her mom’s supposedly a famous singer, and she’ll only stick around if she can find some celebrity friends. So Jack hatches a plan to land himself in the newspaper: he’s going to rescue the chairman’s prize-winning hen. Of course, that means he has to “borrow” it first. But when the “borrowed” hen then goes missing, Jack finds himself in some serious trouble. He’s going to need some superhero help to find the missing hen and set things right.
Enter Black—Jack’s superhero alter ego—to the rescue! Along with his faithful companions Brown and Blue, of course. While Brown and Blue might not completely understand what has happened or why they’re involved, neither does Jack, really. But they’re ready for action and raring to go! An endearing and playful middle grade book about friendship, fame, and fun.
The second book in Håkon Øvreås' award-winning My Alter Ego Is A Superhero trilogy, Black can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Black is illustrated throughout by one of Norway’s greatest cartoonist, Øyvind Torseter.
Praise
“Øvreås follows up his Batchelder Award–winning Brown (2019), originally published in Norway, with a similarly poker-faced middle volume. More proof that Wimpy Kid–style hijinks are just as droll in translation.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Jack’s story is quirky, well-paced and fun, and the deadpan humour and seemingly unfinished illustrations will have you in stitches (we were laughing so hard at one point that we were crying). A perfect chapter book for emerging and reluctant readers.”
—Stories that Stay with Us, Maureen Tai
