Marcus Makes a Movie

Marcus thinks middle school is bad enough, but his dad insists Marcus sign up for the after-school program, Afternoon Adventures. His dad works long hours, and since Marcus’s mother died, his dad wants Marcus to do more than sitting and playing video games. Marcus just wants to draw his comics about his superhero, Toothpick, but the art class is doing origami. He finds out they have a filmmaking class and that sounds good. But Marcus discovers making a movie isn’t a simple thing. It takes teamwork, and the one person he really needs on his team is Sierra, a bossy know-it-all girl. But if his movie is going to be made, Marcus needs to put in the work and swallow his pride.

Authors Kevin Hart and Geoff Rodkey are both really funny guys, and this book showcases their quick wits and writing chops. Kids will love the wacky characters, the twists and turns the story takes, and the wild ride Marcus takes to find his truth. Fun, cartoony illustrations by David Cooper complete this terrific middle-grade novel. This will be a big hit with young readers and will pull even reluctant readers through to the end.