Scan barcode
schumachr's review against another edition
2.0
this book is intended for younger audiences, so keep that in mind. this book was a cute story, but it wasn’t really engaging. since this is middle grade fiction, it’s not fair to say that this is bad since it’s really meant for me, but i just wasn’t interested in the plot or the character development. good for young readers but not much overlap for adult readers.
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
3.0
The end kind of saved this one for me. A solid majority of this book is every single new kid at a new school book you've ever read with all the character stereotypes accompanying that you'd expect. Except this time it's all lightly Marvel themed? Still, I found myself getting more into it by the end and I can definitely see a target audience who's going to love it.
rafacolog's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rkiladitis's review against another edition
4.0
YES. A middle grade novel about an African superhero, written by a Coretta Scott King Award-winning author? ALL THE YES, PLEASE. Ronald L. Smith brings T'Challa to life with this first novel, where we meet the not-quite-yet Black Panther and his best friend, M'Baku, in their homeland, Wakanda. Ulysses Klaue (Marvel fans, heads up for continuity!) has shown up in Wakanda, and T'Chaka, current King of Wakanda and Black Panther, knows that's never a good sign. He sends his son and M'Baku off to Chicago and safety while Wakanda braces for an invasion. T'Challa wants to keep his head down and blend in, but M'Baku couldn't want anything less. The opportunity presents itself in the form of local middle school tough guy Gemini Jones and his gang, the Skulls. Kids whisper that Gemini's a warlock, but that doesn't stop M'Baku from falling in with Gemini and turning a cold shoulder to T'Challa. If middle school squabbling were the only problem, right? But nope, things are about to go south in a big wayl; luckily for T'Challa, his father packed a Black Panther suit for his son... just in case of emergencies.
This novel is SO GOOD. It's unputdownable, whether you're a superhero/Marvel fan or not. Ronald L. Smith brings his talent for creating interesting characters and conflict, plus his gift for writing about magic, and gives life to one of Marvel's most exciting characters.
Yes, I'm a Black Panther fan. Yes, I'm thrilled about the movie coming out. And yes, this book is fantastic and deserves its spot on every middle grade/middle schooler's library shelf. Representation counts, and by giving an African superhero his own novel, written by an award-winning African American novelist, Disney has shown readers their commitment to diversity and #ownvoices. I'm thrilled with The Young Prince, and want to read more. Maybe next, we can get a story about the Dora Milaje? How about a Shuri mention? (She's Black Panther's sister, in the comics.) Indulge me!
This novel is SO GOOD. It's unputdownable, whether you're a superhero/Marvel fan or not. Ronald L. Smith brings his talent for creating interesting characters and conflict, plus his gift for writing about magic, and gives life to one of Marvel's most exciting characters.
Yes, I'm a Black Panther fan. Yes, I'm thrilled about the movie coming out. And yes, this book is fantastic and deserves its spot on every middle grade/middle schooler's library shelf. Representation counts, and by giving an African superhero his own novel, written by an award-winning African American novelist, Disney has shown readers their commitment to diversity and #ownvoices. I'm thrilled with The Young Prince, and want to read more. Maybe next, we can get a story about the Dora Milaje? How about a Shuri mention? (She's Black Panther's sister, in the comics.) Indulge me!
literaryk's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent story telling! Easy read, perfect for a 5-8th grade classroom
alisonwonderland823's review against another edition
5.0
This book is perfection. Smith does a great job of giving T'Challa the gravitas and understanding of what his future holds without losing the fact that he's still a child. I'm so excited to get it into the hands of young readers at my library. I've been excited for the upcoming Black Panther movie for a while and this novel only further encourages my excitement!
derrpi's review against another edition
4.0
Smith pens an amazing, fun, and down to Earth origin story for the soon to be Black Panther. While someone my age could see what was coming towards the end, I believe scenes intended for the right audience will be in for quite the thrill ride. I’m actually excited for Spellbound, the sequel.
kentexmom's review against another edition
5.0
My 10 year old gives 5 stars "because I like the action." 3 stars from me. It's our first introduction to T'Challa's childhood.
abigailhaagen's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was a bit stiff, there wasn't much character development, and the mashup of sci-fi, urban, and magic genres was not blended well. However, it had a decent plotline and the characters were fun. Overall, it was a decent read.