Wonder Kid Meets the Evil Lunch Snatcher

Brian and Sarah's family moves to a new town when their out-of-work father is offered a job. The children's first day at school is marred when their lunches are confiscated by Matt, a sixth-grade bully. But they do make friends with Robbie and Lisa, a brother and sister who empathize with the new kids' dismay over Matt. Sharing a love for superhero comic books, Brian and Robbie invent a persona, Wonder Kid, and use special effects to scare off Matt. This entry in the Springboard Book series is composed of short chapters and easy vocabulary, but it is sharply tuned in to genuine concerns of third and fourth graders. Matt, of course, seems a bit gullible to be falling for these tricks, but the end of the bully's reign is worth cheering for. Ages 7-9. (April)