suzannedix's review against another edition
2.0
I kept expecting a super hero book to be exciting but 100 pages in I just couldn't find the interest to finish. I was really disappointed because the set-up was fantastic: three feisty girls dealing with discrimination and bullies, the backdrop of WWII and they mysterious "cape." Alas, maybe I'm giving up too early but I just need to set this one aside.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
Very cool how Hannigan combines historical fiction with super hero characters. And part of the story is told through comics, reminiscent of the Marvel/DC Comics.
curlyheadedone's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read an eARC of this book!
Cape is set in Philiadelipa during WWII and follows the story of Josie, Akimo and Mae. The girls meet at a puzzler job tryout..where they soon learn about the evil Mr. Hissler and The League of Secret Heroes. The girls get their powers when the put of the boots, mask and cape of a super hero that disappears right in front of them.
So what I really love about this story is all the girl power in it and also how it didn't shy away from some topic. Our main characters are a diverse group of ladies and they do face prejudice because of the time period it is set in. I love how Josie sees how wrong that is.
"And it occurred to me that prejudices were a lot like allergies. They made it hard for us to really see."
Other things that I loved is how the book has few pages that are written like comic book. I really enjoyed that. I like that the author included the real life history behind the story. Also how some of the characters in the book were real people. She also gave the reader websites and book incases they wanted to learn more.
Overall I think this is a great middle grade book. It has a Agent Carter/ Wonder Woman feel and it as plenty of action packed scenes! I think that readers (not just kids but adults too) are going to love it!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Cape is set in Philiadelipa during WWII and follows the story of Josie, Akimo and Mae. The girls meet at a puzzler job tryout..where they soon learn about the evil Mr. Hissler and The League of Secret Heroes. The girls get their powers when the put of the boots, mask and cape of a super hero that disappears right in front of them.
So what I really love about this story is all the girl power in it and also how it didn't shy away from some topic. Our main characters are a diverse group of ladies and they do face prejudice because of the time period it is set in. I love how Josie sees how wrong that is.
"And it occurred to me that prejudices were a lot like allergies. They made it hard for us to really see."
Other things that I loved is how the book has few pages that are written like comic book. I really enjoyed that. I like that the author included the real life history behind the story. Also how some of the characters in the book were real people. She also gave the reader websites and book incases they wanted to learn more.
Overall I think this is a great middle grade book. It has a Agent Carter/ Wonder Woman feel and it as plenty of action packed scenes! I think that readers (not just kids but adults too) are going to love it!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
panda_incognito's review against another edition
5.0
When I learned that Kate Hannigan is publishing a WWII superhero/spy series, I was 300% here for it, and the first novel didn't disappoint. This combo of prose and graphic novel scenes was so entertaining, well-written, and fast-paced that I couldn't put it down, and that's saying a lot from me, because I pride myself in my ability to stop reading and go to bed.
This book showcases diverse characters of different strengths, deals with a variety of social issues from the WWII American home front era, and has resources in the back that show how historically based many elements of this novel are. Although this story is set in an alternate universe with superheroes, it is very attentive to the details, emotions, and events of history. I loved this, recommend it to boys and girls of all ages, and will eagerly await the following books.
This book showcases diverse characters of different strengths, deals with a variety of social issues from the WWII American home front era, and has resources in the back that show how historically based many elements of this novel are. Although this story is set in an alternate universe with superheroes, it is very attentive to the details, emotions, and events of history. I loved this, recommend it to boys and girls of all ages, and will eagerly await the following books.
jprisk724's review against another edition
3.0
Such a great concept and I wanted to love this book...but I struggled to get through it. Too much going on over a really short period of time and I just couldn’t develop a love for any of the characters. Probably more like 2.5 stars.
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
Who says girls don't like comic books?!
These were fantastic explorations of comic book inspired tween super-powered girls in WWII who work with the world's first computer programmers, known as the ENIAC Six, and the women who wrote the algorithms for our troops on the ground, fighting Nazis and fascists.
Each book features four sections of several pages of comic-book art and text that both illustrate and further the plot. It's a sure-fire way to engage and hold onto reluctant readers or just readers who still need or enjoy a visual element as they read. The art, by Patrick Spaziante, even caught my husband's attention, and he's a hard-core Marvel/ DC reader!.
The story's pretty simple: super heroes have vanished from America, right when we need them the most -- WWII. No one knows why. Just...they're gone, and apparently not coming back.
Enter 12-year-old Josephine O'Malley, who's doing her "part" for the war effort by busing tables at a local diner. She knows it's important, but it sure doesn't feel heroic. There's a cypher contest and it's a few days before the last day of school. Despite what the boy bullies in the neighborhood say, she's determined to try out, maybe make more money to help pay her mom's rent.
At the test, Josie meets Akiko Nakano, whose family is being kept in a Japanese internment camp, and Mae Eugenia Crumpler, of Chicago, who's Black. But the test administrator, a man named "Hissler" dumps all the girls' exams into the garbage. (You know where this is headed, right? Hiss-ler? Hitler, but with scales? What a snake!)
He's caught in the act, and Ms. Boudica, one of the women programmers, catches him and invites the girls to see what the programmers do, although they don't get to see what's going on in the mysterious, top-secret Room 12. She bears a striking resemblance to a "missing" super hero.
The girls scheme their way back into the building, determined to figure out what the women in Room 12 are doing (and it's better than being in school on the last day, when you do absolutely nothing, right?) at the exact same moment there's a confrontation between Hissler and The Stretcher, one of the last remaining legendary superheros. The Stretcher erupts in a flash of white light, leaving behind only his cape, mask and boots (Hint: Look at the titles!), which the girls pick up and put on.
Each book then features their adventures against the various villains: the Hissler and an evil clown named Side-Splitter. Shudder. Clowns really are scary.
I won't spoil how the girls learn to master their powers and save the day.
Just know Mask ends on a cliff-hangar, and I'm eagerly awaiting (like any good comic book fan!) the next book, which I'm assuming will be Boots!
Enjoy the read!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
These were fantastic explorations of comic book inspired tween super-powered girls in WWII who work with the world's first computer programmers, known as the ENIAC Six, and the women who wrote the algorithms for our troops on the ground, fighting Nazis and fascists.
Each book features four sections of several pages of comic-book art and text that both illustrate and further the plot. It's a sure-fire way to engage and hold onto reluctant readers or just readers who still need or enjoy a visual element as they read. The art, by Patrick Spaziante, even caught my husband's attention, and he's a hard-core Marvel/ DC reader!.
The story's pretty simple: super heroes have vanished from America, right when we need them the most -- WWII. No one knows why. Just...they're gone, and apparently not coming back.
Enter 12-year-old Josephine O'Malley, who's doing her "part" for the war effort by busing tables at a local diner. She knows it's important, but it sure doesn't feel heroic. There's a cypher contest and it's a few days before the last day of school. Despite what the boy bullies in the neighborhood say, she's determined to try out, maybe make more money to help pay her mom's rent.
At the test, Josie meets Akiko Nakano, whose family is being kept in a Japanese internment camp, and Mae Eugenia Crumpler, of Chicago, who's Black. But the test administrator, a man named "Hissler" dumps all the girls' exams into the garbage. (You know where this is headed, right? Hiss-ler? Hitler, but with scales? What a snake!)
He's caught in the act, and Ms. Boudica, one of the women programmers, catches him and invites the girls to see what the programmers do, although they don't get to see what's going on in the mysterious, top-secret Room 12. She bears a striking resemblance to a "missing" super hero.
The girls scheme their way back into the building, determined to figure out what the women in Room 12 are doing (and it's better than being in school on the last day, when you do absolutely nothing, right?) at the exact same moment there's a confrontation between Hissler and The Stretcher, one of the last remaining legendary superheros. The Stretcher erupts in a flash of white light, leaving behind only his cape, mask and boots (Hint: Look at the titles!), which the girls pick up and put on.
Each book then features their adventures against the various villains: the Hissler and an evil clown named Side-Splitter. Shudder. Clowns really are scary.
I won't spoil how the girls learn to master their powers and save the day.
Just know Mask ends on a cliff-hangar, and I'm eagerly awaiting (like any good comic book fan!) the next book, which I'm assuming will be Boots!
Enjoy the read!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
jbrooxd's review against another edition
4.0
[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Thoroughly enjoyed this historic fantasy story full of superheroes and super powers, but set during a version of WWII with supers. I loved the historic pieces about the real women who worked on the first electronic computer (The Eniac Six). Fascinating author's note in the back about the historically accurate pieces she wove into the story. Great list of resources so readers can learn more about the history of comics, women's roles during WWII, and women in technology as well as other topics. The diverse group of girls who lead this story - one Irish, one African American and one Japanese - introduce a little of the racial issues of the time, too.
The structure of this one is interesting - mostly prose but with 4 sections told in comic book panels/art. The art is a nice visual anchor for some of the superhero action. It's a clever idea that fits the book so well. Don't miss this one!! Looking forward to book 2 already.
Thoroughly enjoyed this historic fantasy story full of superheroes and super powers, but set during a version of WWII with supers. I loved the historic pieces about the real women who worked on the first electronic computer (The Eniac Six). Fascinating author's note in the back about the historically accurate pieces she wove into the story. Great list of resources so readers can learn more about the history of comics, women's roles during WWII, and women in technology as well as other topics. The diverse group of girls who lead this story - one Irish, one African American and one Japanese - introduce a little of the racial issues of the time, too.
The structure of this one is interesting - mostly prose but with 4 sections told in comic book panels/art. The art is a nice visual anchor for some of the superhero action. It's a clever idea that fits the book so well. Don't miss this one!! Looking forward to book 2 already.
bibli0phagist's review against another edition
4.0
My boys and I loved this story. It was very fast paced and engrossing. Every night my son would ask to continue the story. I was able to get the audiobook for it so we could continue our story while riding in the car. The only thing I wish is that the story had more history imbedded in it. Regardless, it did bring up topics and conversations about history that my seven year old son had. I highly recommend this book.
kristinakg's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0