Locker Hero
(Misadventures of Max Crumbly #1)

Russell returns to the journal-style format of her bestselling Dork Diaries series as she introduces a hapless, comics-loving boy named Max who recounts many of his woes while stuck inside his school locker. Featuring the same doll-like black-and-white cartooning style and lined-paper backgrounds of the Dork Diaries books, the story strikes an awkward balance between slice-of-life underdog problems and over-the-top plot developments, shifting into the latter after Max escapes his locker and attempts to live out his superhero fantasies by foiling thieves who have infiltrated the school. Unfortunately, the book's comedy is forced and often misses the mark, weighed down by tired catchphrases ("Don't get it twisted!"; "That was just wrong on so many levels!") and gross-out gags, such as when Max imagines peeing on school bully Doug "Thug" Thurston in a fight-or-flight response. Early on, Max cautions that those who don't like "comic book cliffhangers" may not want to continue, but that caveat may not prepare readers for just how unsatisfyingly and abruptly Russell concludes her story. Ages 9-13. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (June)

Gr 4-6—From the creator of the "Dork Diaries" comes a new series starring a lovable new hero. Max's transition from homeschooling to public school is rocky, especially since he has asthma and an irritable bladder triggered by social anxiety. His plight deepens when a stereotypical bully, Thug, harasses Max and locks him in his locker—twice. The first time, Max is freed by his crush, Erin, and the two forge a connection. The second time, Max is stuck after school for hours. When he finally manages to escape, he discovers hidden sections of the ill-maintained school building. He also finds inept criminals stealing the school computers. With Erin's help, he manages to save the day. The character development is light, and the style is conversational. Fans of Janet Tashjian's My Life as a Book will be drawn to the journal-style format and crisp, manga-inspired line drawings. Those who enjoyed the melodramatic middle school mayhem in Chris Rylander's The Fourth Stall or Varian Johnson's The Great Greene Heist will appreciate Max's chuckle-worthy adventures. VERDICT A solid purchase for middle school libraries where "The Dork Diaries" series is popular. Max's goofy, embarrassing exploits will make this a popular and high-circulating item in most collections.—Karen Yingling, Blendon Middle School, Westerville, OH