Review Detail

Maverick's mother has trouble keeping a job due to her alcohol consumption, which probably also influences her bad taste in men. When her current boyfriend becomes abusive, Maverick vows that he will try to help out the people around him the way that super heroes do, and he carries a small badge that his deceased father gave him as a reminder. He fails at it, though, getting into impulsive problems at school, where it doesn't help that his locker is right in between those of boys who give him a hard time. He is called before the "scary" principal Mr. Overby, "The Bee"twice on the first day. To his surprise, the principal is fairly understanding. Could it be because he really believes the sign Maverick sees in his office: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."? Maverick is told to call his mother, but when she doesn't answer, he calls his Aunt Cat, and claims that she is his mother. As the situation at home gets worse, things start to fall apart at school as well. Luckily for Maverick, the teachers at school are supportive, and Aunt Cat is willing to step in when Maverick needs her. Maverick starts the year wanting to save others, but he will be lucky to make it through sixth grade saving himself.