Do you still remember the Muppit Boy, who has saved the world from Dr. Drug's evil allergies and become a top secret federal agent at the age of 12? Today marks the official release of Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power, the second installment in the series by award-winning author Michael J. Bowler. Let's celebrate with an awesome giveaway! Prizes include signed copies of the book, audiobook downloads and a $50 Amazon gift card. There will be ten winners in total.
My Review:
Packed with action and surprises, Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power excites middle graders with a stimulating superhero adventure that explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, self-worth, self-discovery, altruism and heroism.
After harnessing his superpowers at a 6-week boot camp, Mo finally gets to reunite with his friends Kash and Barn at a carnival, where a falling Ferris wheel prompts him to transform into his superhero alter ego Condor Kid. The unexpected rescue mission serves as test for his training as well as for his friendship. Is it possible to remain honest with his friends without compromising the confidentiality of his identity? If the accident is orchestrated by Dr. Drug, what is the mad scientist up to this time? When Mo receives his first mission to investigate into the suspicious disappearance of hyperactive, athletic boys, he makes the bold decision to get Mason Rizzo on board. Can the bully be trusted as his sidekick?
Written from Mo's point of view, the narrative invites readers inside Mo's mind to understand his thoughts, feelings, inner debates, and the challenges he has to tackle as he adjusts to his new superhero identity. It's not easy to be a well-publicized hero. It's even harder to be a neurodivergent one. While he takes pride in saving lives and helping others with his talents and superpowers, he struggles to stop people from making the connection between Muppit Boy and Condor Kid. He's still concerned about his self-image and what others think of him, which shows his side as an ordinary adolescent that young readers may feel close to. Although he's involuntarily frozen in age, his growth as a kind, courageous, and responsible person continues as he perfects the use of his superpowers and gives his nemesis the chance to shine.
Friendship remains a major theme of the story. Mo values his friendship with Barn and Kash so deeply that he gets torn between telling the truth and keeping a secret. It's great to see how he manages to stay connected with old friends to the best of his ability. Meanwhile, the unlikely friendship between Mo and Mason Rizzo blossoms after Mo learns about the causes of Rizzo's behavior and entrusts him with the new mission. Mo's trust and forgiveness motivate Rizzo to turn over a new leaf and discover his self-worth.
The contrast between Mo's mom and Rizzo's dad implies the impact of parenting styles on a child's emotional health. A child showered by love is more likely to thrive than one being neglected and berated. Mo's kind heart and heroic actions inspire young readers to help others and treat every life with respect. In addition, the story hints at the lack of accommodations for neurodivergent students in the formal education system and the presence of prejudice against children with developmental disorders.
Entertaining and invigorating, Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power makes a remarkable addition to the series, which action and adventure lovers of all ages can enjoy.
About the Book:
Ages 9–12 | 240 pages
Publisher: Michael Bowler (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8-9936486-5-1
MUPPIT BOY IS BACK…AND THIS TIME, HE FLIES
Elmo Fitzroy, known worldwide as Muppit Boy, takes on a new alter ego in this latest adventure: Condor Kid! Revolutionary nanite technology has made Mo the world’s first superhero. That is, if he can learn to fly without faceplanting every time.
Hiding his superpowers from best friends Barney and Kashvi is harder than it looks in comic books, especially with someone as sharp as Kash. She doesn’t miss a trick, so after Condor Kid pulls off a dramatic rescue at a local carnival, Kash is hot on the trail of this new masked hero and determined to uncover his identity.
Meanwhile, athletic, overly energetic boys labeled ADHD by their schools are vanishing as part of a devious plot to make use of their competitive spirit. Mo’s boss, Oscar Silverman, assigns the case to Mo and his Big Brother mentor and spying partner, Ari. What the crime-fighting duo really needs is a hyper, athletic boy to go undercover. Unfortunately, everyone knows Muppit Boy is a nerd, not an athlete.
Can Mo save the lives of a hundred kidnapped kids from a scientist who’s exploiting them in the craziest scheme ever, or will he need help from the last person on earth he’d ever expect to work with?
Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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