Avi's unique approach to storytelling with Who Was That Masked Man Anyway?, which is told entirely through dialogue and radio shows, is a refreshing change of pace from more traditional children's books. Unfortunately, though, the dialogue-only text also makes Who Was That Masked Man Anyway? a more challenging read than other books aimed at the same age group. Without any descriptive text or even a simple, "...Mario said" or "...Frankie exclaimed," it is significantly more difficult to determine who's saying what and exactly what's happening. As a result, I'd be more likely to recommend this book to experienced readers looking for something different than to reluctant readers or kids for whom reading is difficult.

The new cover artwork is definitely exciting and appealing and likely to snag new readers to this 22-year-old book. And the plot, centering around radio show heroes and spies and kids' fertile imaginations, is still just as engaging.

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley. ( )

I loved this book when I was a kid (3rd grade I think) but it did teach me the phrase "what the hell?" which I then proceeded to use at school and get in trouble. Listen to the audio book if possible. ( )

00009108

00000966

I know, I know, you are wondering why I rated this a five. The book is dreadful. I'm in theater and still found it impossible to read. So why the high rating? Because the book on tape is amazing! It is a rare moment that I prefer an audio book to a printed version, but this is a classical example of an exception. LISTEN to the story, don't read it. ( )