An entertaining book but not very suitable for read-a-louds. ( )

Love the art. The story, less so, but still fun. ( )

This is an interesting tale about a paper boy who encounters a magic sparrow while delivering on his route one morning. All of a sudden the paper boy turned super hero can fly, and uses his abilities to help out the neighborhood. The illustrations are very unique as Pinkey definitely has a style of his own. The colors are very eye catching and the way the text is shown throughout the story makes it seem like you’re reading straight from a comic book. ( )

Book Review
In the book “The Adventures of Sparrow Boy” by Brian Pinkney comics, superheroes, and saving the day come together on an ordinary boy’s paper route when he realizes he has the power to fly. Which is when the plot of the book really takes flight as we see the main character help save the day.

Personal Reflection
I think “The Adventures of Sparrow Boy” is a great multicultural children’s book.
It really gives kids of color the representation they may have been needing in the story. The book also allows the children’s mind and imagination to start flowing which I think is great in this day and age.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Class could be given a worksheet where they can create their own superhero with movable arms and legs.
2. Create a short story about an adventure they have went on and share with the class.
3. The class could put on a play in the classroom and reenact the story. ( )

This story captured me, as a reader, not only because of the high paced plot, but also the comic style illustrations and deep development of characters. The illustrations are the first aspect a reader will notice. They look to be quickly hand drawn and are set up in a comic strip format almost as if they had come straight out of the newspapers that Sparrowboy had to deliver. The creativity in illustration made it seem as if I wasn’t really reading at all, I felt as if I was watching the story take place. In addition to the comic setup the author also included a high paced plot where the main character Henry had to face a number of obstacles, just like any superhero would have to. These obstacles included things that Henry faced in his everyday life but now that he was “super” he could easily overcome them. Finally the most important aspect was the growth of the main character Henry. At first he was shy and reserved felt as if he could not truly make an impact or help anyone, but by the end with the help of his “superpowers” he knew that he could and would do anything. Henry’s transformation speaks to the author’s main message that everyone, no matter their powers, has the ability to make a difference. ( )