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Heroes A2Z #10: Joey Down Under by David Anthony & Charles David Clasman

Reviewed by: Chris Singer

About the authors:

David Anthony is the co-author of Heroes A2Z and Knightscares. Along with Charles David, he’s written 19 books for children with many more to come. David lives in Southeastern Lower Michigan, not too far from Detroit (Go Wings!).
He started writing for children after he had his own. Being a parent of three boys gives him a perspective he didn’t have earlier in life. It also cleans out the fridge in a hurry!

Charles David Clasman is the co-author of Heroes A2Z and Knightscares. Charles lives in Southeastern Michigan with his wife, daughter, three cats, and a horse.  When he isn’t writing, he plays guitar, juggles, gardens, and makes short films for You Tube and the realheroesread.com website.

About the book:

Traverse City, Michigan is home to three special superheroes.

Meet Abigail, the oldest. When it comes to sports, she can’t be beat. Andrew is her twin. If it has wheels, he can ride it. Baby Zoe is the youngest but also the strongest. Don’t let the diaper fool you.

In this adventure, the Land Down Under has come to Mackinac Island. Welcome to Australian Days! Meet kangaroos, koalas, and a kid named Joey who puts the boom in boomerang.

My take on the book:

The Heroes A2Z series is an 11 (soon to be 12) book series featuring a dynamic trio of super hero siblings saving their home state of Michigan (and if need be, the world) from a contingent of villainous kangaroos, kung fu kitties and more. Like the Knightscares Series, Anthony and Clasman have co-authored another action-packed series, this time geared for younger children.

Joey Down Under is the tenth book in this series and tells the story of Abigail, Andrew and Baby Zoe battling against a boy from Australia named Joey who has become all powerful thanks to a mysterious boomerang. The book is truly a fast-paced adventure with quick, short chapters and lots of good illustrations which surely leaves young readers wanting more. As with the Knightscares series, the characters feature both strong boy and girl role models for young readers to identify with as well. While I think this book and the Heroes A2Z series would appeal to many young readers, it possibly holds a greater appeal for children in Michigan. Many of the books take place at cities around the Wolverine State and many key landmarks are mentioned. This presents an even greater opportunity for teachers to use the book in their classrooms, as not only are students building their reading skills, but they also are able to learn about Michigan geography and history.

Be sure to check out the authors’ website (www.realheroesread.com) as it has much more on this series including a Fan Club, videos and more