Description

This funny and moving second novel from the Schneider Award–winning author of The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn features comic trivia, a safety superhero, and a super-cool scavenger hunt all over downtown San Diego as our young hero, Stanley Fortinbras, grapples with his anxiety—and learns what, exactly, it means to be brave.

Nobody knows comics trivia like Stanley knows comics trivia.

It’s what he takes comfort in when the world around him gets to be too much. And after he faints during a safety assembly, Stanley takes his love of comics up a level by inventing his own imaginary superhero, named John Lockdown, to help him through.

Help is what he needs, because Stanley’s entered Trivia Quest—a giant comics-trivia treasure hunt—to prove he can tackle his worries, score VIP passes to Comic Fest, and win back his ex-best friend. Partnered with his fearless new neighbor Liberty, Stanley faces his most epic, overwhelming, challenging day ever.

What would John Lockdown do?

Stanley’s about to find out.

A New York Public Library Best Kids Book * A Kirkus Best Book * A Bank Street Best Children's Book

Books for Kids with Anxiety: Stanley's world is full of sensory overload, but when he invents his own superhero, John Lockdown, he starts to find his own strength. A Middle Grade Friendship Story: To win back his ex-best friend, Stanley must enter the biggest, most overwhelming comics trivia contest in San Diego. Unlikely Friendship: He’s partnered with Liberty, the fearless new girl next door who climbs trees and isn't afraid of anything. Can she help him be brave? Finding Your Voice: A funny and heartfelt journey about a quiet kid learning to face his fears, stand up to his brother, and become the hero of his own story.