MASCOT TO THE RESCUE!
by Peter David & illustrated by Colleen Doran
Fans of comic books will find a lot to like in this breathless, funny novel about 12-year-old New Yorker Josh Miller, whose life seems uncannily parallel to that of Mascot, the sidekick in his favorite comic-book series. Things really start to go kazowie when Josh discovers that fans have voted to kill Mascot off. Along with two trusty sidekicks, Josh becomes embroiled in one rip-roaring exploit after another as he races against time in an attempt to fend off Mascot’s—and, he’s sure, his—fate, all the while outwitting real and imaginary forces of evil, pursuing police and frightened parents. David and Doran know their comic-book stuff, having worked on such mags as The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman and Teen Titans, and it’s no coincidence that Josh’s comic-book mentor is named Stan Kirby. The clever design incorporates different typefaces to relate Josh’s and Mascot’s adventures and includes comics pages within the text. The ending is as satisfying for readers as it is rewarding for Josh. Holy page-turner! (Fiction. 9-12)