Short & Skinny

In this pop culture–studded graphic memoir from cartoonist Tatulli (Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic), it is 1977 in Willingboro, N.J., and seventh grader Mark has a summer goal: to bulk up with the help of mail-order, get-big-quick supplies he finds advertised in the comics he loves, and gain enough confidence to face his bullies and approach his crush. Then Star Wars hits theaters, and Mark makes a new plan: creating a Star Wars spoof movie. His confidence grows as he directs his energy and artistic skills into film and discovers his interests and talents, an idea the book develops well. Mark’s winning resilience contributes to making his embarrassing misadventures goofy yet relatable. The dynamic, cartoonish panels, occasionally contrasted with the protagonist’s own distinctly illustrated comics and storyboards, are filled with cinematic movements that drive the gag-filled story at a quick clip, while simple but expressive characters show authentic emotions. The highlight is the last third of the story, which focuses on the funny, genuinely impressive movie production process, with detailed costuming (tin foil and cut-up rugs), filming, and special effects (eggs and exploding firecrackers) sequences that prove pivotal to the protagonist’s artistic and personal growth. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (Oct.) [/em]