Review by Booklist Review
When 16-year-old Lionel and his nemesis, a neighbor girl named Mickey, are caught in a fire at a pet store, they struggle to free a man trapped under a fallen shelf. As it happens, the store's many cameras are on live feed at the time, and Lionel's seemingly heroic efforts go viral. Unfortunately, the cameras don't show Mickey or Lionel abandoning the rescue because of a punishing leg cramp or him subsequently passing out. Because of the heavy smoke and general confusion, it appears Lionel is a hero, just like his late movie-star grandfather, Papa Shades, who readers will quickly realize was a jerk--but don't tell Lionel that, because he worships the man at the expense of his diffident father, whom he doesn't respect. Speaking of which, will Mickey get the respect she deserves? Will Lionel's lie of omission be discovered? Wasson's novel, though at times a bit contrived, is nevertheless agreeable and its characters empathetic. A good read for a long winter night.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Though 16-year-old Lionel Honeycutt III always admired his late grandfather, a famous Black movie star, he also felt "intimidated comparing myself to him." Then Lionel and his friend-turned-nemesis Michaela "Mickey" Kyle are caught in a pet store fire. Lionel's quick thinking, caught on video, ensures that he, Mickey, and the other customers survive the ordeal, branding him as a hero. The only problem is that since Lionel "still can't piece together everything that happened," he's not certain that he's the one people should be celebrating. But he's also reluctant to relinquish the spotlight, especially now that everyone wants to know more about him, including Lionel's crush, social media influencer Josefina Ramos. As Lionel navigates his newfound fame, he grapples with his inadvertent deception, grows closer to Mickey, and reckons with his grandfather's legacy. Wasson (Seven Minutes in Candyland) blends comedy and drama into a cinematic, heartfelt story that explores themes of toxic masculinity, intergenerational conflict, and the complex realities of popularity and social recognition. At the core of this theatrical novel is a genuine earnestness, conveyed through Lionel's everyman nature and an enemies-to-lovers romance. Supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 13--up. Agent: Jon Cobb, HG Literary. (Apr.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Lionel Honeycutt III has grown up in the shadow of his famous actor grandfather, who recently passed away--and now he must figure out the kind of man he wants to be. Lionel, a Black 16-year-old, has always admired his grandpa's drive, athleticism, and ambition--and he's acutely aware that, by comparison, he and his dad don't "measure up." When a fire breaks out while he's at a local pet store, Lionel finally has the chance to be seen as a hero. Leaked video footage seems to show him saving the life of another customer. The only problem is that Lionel doesn't actually remember these events. Nevertheless, he leans into the narrative and quickly finds himself at the center of a whirlwind of interviews, extra attention at school (including admiration from his crush, Josefina Ramos), and viral stardom. But when a mystery witness calls his heroics into question, Lionel's newfound fame is threatened. Wasson explores hypermasculinity and unhealthy intergenerational dynamics among men and boys as Lionel works through what it means to be a hero both on and off screen, and while people who knew his grandfather paint a picture that challenges his hero worship. The book's initially slow pace later ramps up significantly and Lionel reflects on challenging issues that will spark recognition from many readers. An introspective, character-driven look at masculinity and self-acceptance.(Fiction. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
