by Linda Urban Publishers Weekly In this delightfully funny and realistic story, third grader Max Leroy embarks on escapades with his newly divorced father. During their first weekend together, Max decides that he, as Agent Pepperoni, and his father, as "helper spy" Agent Cheese, must dress with fake mustaches and scars, bandanas, fedoras, and sunglasses to uncover suspicious local activity. "This disguise is so good even I don't know who I am," says Dad. The two bond as they surreptitiously take photos, follow unsuspecting characters, and even save the day when a tourist wanders away from his tour group. In subsequent weekends, Max helps his father meet neighbors, face his fear of performing in public, and buy new furniture. Urban's (Milo Speck, Accidental Agent) subtle and perceptive take on divorce will resonate with children facing similar predicaments as she blends Max's worries and "someone-sitting-on-his-chest" feelings with a vivid imagination and good intentions that take father and son on some very entertaining adventures-with future ones planned. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6-9. Author's agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved Book list Now that Dad has moved out of the house, Max spends weekends with him in his new apartment. This appealing chapter book tells of their first three weekends together. First, Max imagines himself a spy, Agent Pepperoni, and deputizes Dad as Agent Cheese. Together, they investigate their new neighborhood and get comfortable with each other in their new home. They shop for furniture at the INEEDA store (where even toothbrushes have names), get together with a few neighbors, and invite Max's best friend for a sleepover. Divided into weekend segments, the narrative includes plenty of amusing and lovable moments, while not glossing over the times when Max feels uncomfortable in the new apartment, or the fact that Dad sometimes gets the blues (or a cold). The cast of characters grows throughout, but at the heart of the story is Max's warm, easygoing relationship with his father. Illustrated with pleasing black-and-white drawings, this book opens a three-volume series. Urban, who wrote A Crooked Kind of Perfect (2007), offers an engaging choice for chapter-book readers.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission. |
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