Defenders of the Universe - Hardcover

A fast-paced, well-written adventure featuring a secret club of six schoolchildren who model themselves on TV and comic-book superheroes sworn to ``fight evil wherever it is and help those in trouble.'' Newcomer Rachel, eager to be valued for her special ``power'' (her artistic ability, which earns her the secret identity of ``The Sketcher''), chafes under the heavy-handed leadership of Chris, the group's captain. When the Defenders witness a hit-and-run accident, Rachel provides the police with a sketch of the driver; but she really proves herself when Chris and his family are held hostage by a bank robber and she leads the others to the rescue. Kelleher strikes a fine balance between realism (wonderfully natural dialogue), idealism (multiethnic cast; diplomatic resolution of the leadership conflict), and fantasy (the youngest Defender can read the others' thoughts and sense the presence of evil), with just a touch of the bizarre (the mascot is a tarantula, ``Captain Kirk''). Costume detail, code words, and secret signals are sure to appeal to superhero fans. Sequels to this ``first'' adventure will be welcome. The b&w drawings are unremarkable but faithful to the text in mood and detail. A winning readaloud. (Fiction. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Grade 3-5-- This book sets the stage for the adventures of an imaginative and highly principled group of kids. The narrator, Rachel, has just moved to a new city and is happy to join a motley group of "superheroes" in order to make some friends. Little does she realize the full extent of their lofty goals; her schoolmates really do intend to defend the entire universe from evil. Rachel becomes part of this team, and soon finds herself involved not only in a game of pretend, but also in solving a real abduction and robbery. At this point, the pacing becomes uneven and both narrative and dialogue get tedious. Although the club handles the situation deftly (with the help of the police), Kelleher does not. The circumstances lack credibility, while the aims and agendas of these politically correct children hammer on and on. Although reminiscent of Encyclopedia Brown's style and the Boxcar Children's capers, The Defenders of the Universe lacks their believability and suspension of disbelief.
- Elizabeth Hanson, Chicago Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.