The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michalel Chabon

The other day I was reading The New York Times Book Review, and on the list of bestseller picture books was a new book by Michael Chabon.  How did I miss the fact that my favorite author had a new kids book?  The beginning of the school year, a kidney infection, and a new puppy played a major part of being out of the loop; but missing this geez!

 

The very first author I saw speak ok was Michael Chabon.  He was read from The Mysteries of Pittsburg.  I remember sitting at the Tattered Cover, mesmerized by an author discussing the writing process. Over the years I have read his books and seen him speak a few more times.  Can you say groupie?  The Amazing Adventure of Kavalier and Clay is one of my favorite novels, even if I spent a lot of time looking up words in the dictionary.  I do use this example to show my students that all readers have to use different strategies to be successful.

The other day I had a dentist appointment, so I had a little extra time between when my guest teacher showed up and the hygienist mutilated my gums.  What does one do with an extra hour in the middle of the day?  Easy!  Spend the time loading up with books at The Bookies.  My copy of The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man was one of the many books in my box. 

I instantly fell in love with this book.  From the beginning the reader gets to know that Awesome Man is very special.  Throughout the book Awesome Man demonstrates his many talents.  He is so totally awesome that he can hug mutant Jell-O from Beyond the Stars.  Awesome Man shares his secret identity with the reader, or does he? 

When he reveals his secret identity half my class guessed incorrectly.  Do not worry there will be no spoiler alert.  Awesome Man is an enjoyable read aloud.  Kids laughed at his abilities and understood the importance of the ginormous Awesome Power Grip.

I have waited years for Chabon to write a picture book.  It is exciting that I finally get to share his writing with my students.