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THE GREAT CAPE RESCUE by Phyllis Shalant

THE GREAT CAPE RESCUE

The Society of Secret Super-Heroes

by Phyllis Shalant

Pub Date: April 1st, 2007
ISBN: 0-525-47404-8
Publisher: Dutton

A magic talking cape smoothes Finch’s way into fourth grade, helping him work out friendship and family issues and encouraging him to solve problems through thinking rather than fighting. Worried that the schoolwork might be too hard, Finch and his friends, Raj, Kev and Elliott, are relieved when their teacher turns out to be male and their classroom filled with interesting things including a Critter Corner with hermit crabs to care for. And although Finch feared ridicule, the cape’s suggestions help them transform their superhero play into a series of good deeds culminating in a surprise party for their new teacher, who seemed to be having his own problems fitting in. The realistic setting, believable banter between friends and siblings and moderate suspense (will he or won’t he have to fight the class bully) contribute to the success of this briskly paced story for middle-grade readers. Realistic fiction with just a touch of fantasy—or imaginative play—this is a nice reminder that boys have relationship troubles, too. (Fiction. 7-11)