Dickens & Rumi
Cover of STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME

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STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME

Jason Reynolds

As a coping mechanism for his “frets,” a young boy creates a superhero alter ego. (Ages 7 to 12)

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers; anxiety, bullying, family conflict, and emotional distress may need discussion, but the superhero framing and supportive themes are accessible. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Strong language1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild name-calling or schoolyard insults typical of middle-grade content.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Tension arises from the protagonist's anxiety and the emotional turmoil of his parents' arguments.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional physical confrontations or 'stunts' performed by the protagonist; playground conflict is typical for the genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates significant courage in facing his 'frets' and personal challenges.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The superhero identity, episodic adventures, and graphic-novel format strongly encourage imaginative play and inventive thinking.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Diverse representation of children in an urban setting, centered on well-developed characters with agency.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Excellent for discussing emotional intelligence and mental health with young readers.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on friendship, support, and standing up for others.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes positive messages about managing anxiety, resilience, and the importance of empathy and communication.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Portico is a relatable and brave protagonist, even when struggling, and he learns to articulate his needs.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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