Who Was That Masked Man Anyway?
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
A fast-paced, madcap adventure from the always surprising raconteur, Avi!It's the spring of 1945 in Brooklyn, and while WWII rages in Europe, sixth grader Frankie Wattleson--inspired by the heroics of The Lone Ranger and other radio show idols--sets out to right the wrongs of the world. Frankie is so caught up in his superhero stories that he becomes convinced the tenant renting his brother's room is a mad scientist. Can Frankie and his trusty sidekick, Mario, save the world from an evil genius? Or will Frankie's mother pull the plug on their schemes before they can save the day?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
As expertly crafted as Avi's Nothing But the Truth , this lightning-paced satire set during WW II shows how Franklin D. Wattleson, a superhero fan, creates his own brand of adventure when taking on the identity of ``Chet Barker, master spy.'' With best friend Mario, 12-year-old Frankie stirs up considerable excitement and trouble carrying out his plot to dispose of evil scientist Mr. Swerdlow (the Wattlesons' upstairs boarder) and marrying off brother Tom (a wounded vet) to sixth-grade teacher Miss Gomez (whose fiance was recently killed in action). Ignoring continual reprimands for neglecting homework and snooping into other people's affairs, Frankie manages to complete his mission successfully. Nostalgia buffs in particular will be drawn to this book, which contains segments of old-time radio serials and commercials. Besides providing much hilarity, this ingeniously structured montage of broadcasts, fantasies and conversations exposes many ironies of heroism and war. Ages 9-up.
