Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero (Isaiah Dunn #1)

In this heartfelt middle grade debut adapted from "The Rice and Beans Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn," a short tale in 2017's Flying Lessons & Other Stories, 10-year-old Isaiah Dunn's life has been spiraling out of control since his father died four months ago. His mother struggles with alcoholism, his family is in danger of being evicted from the cheap motel they moved into after losing their apartment, and his very real frustrations—being "the only one who gets in trouble," among others—are causing problems at school. The Black boy's only comfort comes in his father's notebook of stories featuring a superheroic, fictionalized version of Isaiah. Determined to earn the money needed for a new apartment, he tries his hand at selling candy to classmates and sweeping up hair at a barbershop, while quietly connecting with his father's stories through his own emerging talents as a poet and writer. Baptist offers an age-appropriate look at burgeoning homelessness without an overly neat ending, starring an indomitable protagonist who confronts bullies and faces his own flaws. Isaiah's optimism, drive, and loyalty to friends and family make him a hero to cheer for and lend a feeling of hope to this exploration of difficult topics. Ages 8-10. Agent: Gabrielle Barnes, Diction Media Group. (Aug.)

Gr 3-7—Isaiah Dunn is a 10-year-old boy who loves writing poetry. He develops a severe case of writer's block after his father's death leads to his mother's depression and his family's housing instability. Isaiah is trying to keep a low profile at school, but clashes with a classmate keep landing him in the principal's office. He's forced to take a mediation class with his school enemy. Isaiah tries to learn how to make peace with her as he looks for a way to make money to change his family's situation. His best friend, Sneaky, offers to let him in on his candy-selling side hustle at school. But that doesn't bring in enough money for an apartment, and his mother's depression is getting worse. Isaiah's one comfort is the notebooks full of stories about "Isaiah Dunn, superhero" that his dad left. He's hoping the notebooks will lead him to the help his family needs. VERDICT An accessible story about a child facing loss and home instability. Isaiah is a likable character; readers will identify with his struggle to rise above his family's housing issues to define himself. A great selection for school and public libraries.—Desiree Thomas, Worthington Lib., OH