Superhero Ninja Wrestling Star

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Description

Archie comes back from his summer away to find that he is the only kid in Grade 6 who has not grown bigger. Even his best friends Alfie and Shamini have gotten taller — and Shamini has developed in other ways, too. Archie wants to be more like the heroes of his favourite comic books, TV shows and video games. Then he’ll be able to stand up to the bigger boys and protect Shamini — so maybe she’ll go to the school dance with him. From practicing the ninja crawl to bulking up with exercise and a high-protein diet, how can Archie fail?

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 152 pages
  • Publisher: Lorimer (April  28, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 145941196X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1459411968

Reviews

Aileen Wortley, CM Magazine - June 2017

“With the realistic use of both internal and external dialogue, the author has made Archie an authentic, well-intentioned and realistic character who wrestles with his confidence issues. Supporting characters, Shamini and Alfie, are also depicted as worthwhile friends who care about Archie just as he is. Sadly, it takes a genuine act of bravery on Archie’s part in standing up to two bullies threatening Shamini before he, too, recognizes his own worth.

The book has ample symbolic black and white illustrations that break up the density of the text. Despite its slightly formulaic style, Superhero Ninja Wrestling Star is a fast, compelling read with an engaging plot, realistic dialogue, humorous situations and a solid encouraging resolution about being your own person and not trying to live up to the precepts of others.”

Pro Wrestling Books - May 2017

“The bulk of the story is about 11-year-old Archie who feels undersized after his friends and foes go through growth spurts. He then tries a range of tactics to both bulk up and improve his social standing, which backfire in a manner of amusing ways.

The wrestling element comes in two parts. There’s a memorable scene in a family restaurant run by a former pro (with a couple of nice lines to make fans from the 80s and 90s really feel their age). There’s also a subplot with Archie learning amateur wrestling that proves somewhat pivotal to the payoff.”