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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Newt Newman isn't your average ten-year-old fourth grader. He's smart, a talented artist, and the younger brother of the star quarterback from Fillmore High. But he and his friends, JJ and Cecil, feel like brainy wallflowers, unnoticed among their peers. A last minute Halloween costume as a novel superhero becomes the catalyst for some amazing adventures. When Chris, Newt's brother, is injured during the "big game," Newt finds himself with plenty of unwelcome time on his hands and a frustrating sense of inadequacy because there is nothing he can do to help his brother. Captain Nobody, however, is a man of action. Or a midget, a leprechaun, or a tiny escaped mental patient depending on the news reports. Newt learns the true meaning of hero and ultimately saves the day.
Captain Nobody is funny, poignant, and highly engaging. Newt's voice is distinct and loveable. You can't help but root for him. This will entertain upper grade school readers and, possibly sixth and seventh graders. It would make for a great class read aloud.
I've read this book twice while homeschooling my kids. For both of them that I read it to, it was their favorite book of the year. I think everyone can see themselves in Newt, and then when he finds courage to do hard things you think you can too. Fleshed out side characters, fun action, and a little mischief made this a really fun book to read out loud.
(20:05) (4.25) I absolutely adore this book. I have fun reading this.
10-year-old Newt Newman is used to fading into the background. His parents are workaholics; his brother Chris is the star football player at the local high school; and he and his best friends JJ and Cecil are ignored by the other kids at school. The three of them are determined to get noticed this Halloween, and they are putting a lot of thought into original costumes. But the night of the Big Game, Chris takes a hit during the final play and is knocked into a coma. Suddenly, Mr. and Mrs. Newman, never overly attentive toward Newt, are camped out at the hospital. Worried about his brother, the last thing Newt wants to do is create a costume or go trick-or-treating. JJ and Cecil, seeing him in some of Chris’s outgrown clothes, realize the outfit has potential, and quickly transform him into a new superhero: Captain Nobody! Strangely, the longer Newt wears the costume, the less he feels like the old Newt. Enjoying the newfound confidence he experiences behind his mask, he continues to wear the costume beyond Halloween. Opportunities start cropping up for Newt to save the day: whether helping a confused old man find his way home or stopping a jewelry store robbery, Captain Nobody gets the job done. But when it comes to his brother’s coma, even Captain Nobody is powerless… or is he? Newt is a likeable character, albeit quite mature for ten. Secondary characters are somewhat stereotypical, but they don’t get in the way of the story’s fast pace and charm. Pitchford’s screenwriting background is apparent: the book reads like the summer’s feel-good movie. Kids who have longed for their own superhero powers will eat this up.
The Boo (7) says: "This book was so awesome because the Newt suddenly felt stronger when he wore a costume and he was able to do things that he couldn't before. He could climb really high without being afraid which was really cool. I really liked the whole story, there wasn't a part that was bad. I think that kids who like action will like this story. I didn't find any of the parts too sad or scary and I bet lots of kids would like this book. The message of this story is that any kid can be a hero...even us regular ones!"
A fun quick read that was given to me by my 10 year old who said I would really like it. About a boy who feels like he is invisible and has a famous older brother. Anyone who is a younger sibling can relate.
Dean Pitchford is a surprisingly good reader. When I noticed that he was going to be the narrator on this talking book, I was worried - authors aren't always good readers. But he's pretty good. Sometimes his dialects are a bit over-the-top (I really wasn't a fan of his JJ), but overall, he was fun to listen to.
[b:Captain Nobody|6351241|Captain Nobody|Dean Pitchford|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255638335s/6351241.jpg|6537811] is the story of Newt Newman, a boy stuck in the shadow of his older brother who is the star player of the local high school football team. From the playful illustration on the cover, one would expecta lighthearted comedy, and there is that here. But a major element in this book is a tragic story of Newt's brother's injury, and Newt's struggle with that terrible event. Really well read, really well written, really worth the read.
[b:Captain Nobody|6351241|Captain Nobody|Dean Pitchford|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255638335s/6351241.jpg|6537811] is the story of Newt Newman, a boy stuck in the shadow of his older brother who is the star player of the local high school football team. From the playful illustration on the cover, one would expecta lighthearted comedy, and there is that here. But a major element in this book is a tragic story of Newt's brother's injury, and Newt's struggle with that terrible event. Really well read, really well written, really worth the read.
4th grader Newt Newman is practically invisible until his friends help him come up with a Halloween costume that gives him a lasting alter ego: Captain Nobody. A far-fetched premise, but it's a cute story about a boy who comes into his own by puting on a mask and demanding a little respect. Best for kids who like sueprheroes or little people standing up for themselves.