by Craig Silvey
First published 2018
Liam McKenzie pulls on his superhero costume and steps into the streets of his neighborhood. At twelve, he has claimed the role of the Masked Avenger, a hero whose abilities remain mysterious even to himself. His loyal companion Richie the Powerbeagle joins him on patrol through Franklin Street, where they tackle everything from criminal mischief to automotive emergencies. Liam takes his mission seriously, viewing himself as the guardian his community needs against disorder and wrongdoing. When he encounters a girl struggling with her own troubles, he approaches the situation like any superhero would, ready to save the day. But this rescue attempt leads him somewhere unexpected. Instead of simply solving her problems, Liam discovers something more valuable than any heroic victory. The connection he forms challenges his understanding of what it means to help others and transforms his solitary crusade into something richer and more complex than he imagined.
Genres: fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, superhero
Setting: Franklin Street
Period: 21st-century
96 pages · Kindle Edition · Sky Pony