This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes and is perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Ali Benjamin.
Whether they're on the baseball field or in Nate's basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they're not.
After an accident at baseball practice, Nate's fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he's got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus's book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.
But heroes have powers--and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There's no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right?
Chris Negron is the author of several novels for children, including Georgia Author of the Year finalist and Sakura Medal nominee Dan Unmasked. His latest novel, Underdog City, released in the fall of 2023, again from HarperCollins. He holds a computer science degree from Yale University, but it was his years of playing Dungeons & Dragons in friends' basements that inspired him to write stories about the things he loves, including comic books, baseball, competitive cooking shows, and dogs. Visit him at chrisnegron.com.
Pete's Wife, Always a Mom, Book Lover, Learning Enthusiast, Tech+Education Devotee
Thanks so much @CNegronWrite for 'meeting' our 8th grade classes today. The kids enjoyed the chat, and I know they will love your book #danunmasked. Thank you for all you do to nurture the love of reading! #HCSLibraryMedia @SocasteeMiddle
Middle grade author. Rep'd by @AlyssaJennette. DAN UNMASKED (finalist, GA Author of the Year) and THE LAST SUPER CHEF. UNDERDOG CITY, Fall '23 @HarperChildrens
Hi I'm Chris Negron, author of two middle grade novels - The Last Super Chef and Dan Unmasked. I'm always so happy when I'm actually online and on Twitter when #MGBookChat is going on!
"Dan Unmasked is a grand slam of a debut: timeless, moving, and filled to the brim with heart. I can't stop thinking about it." -- Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
"Dan Unmasked is about sports and comics but also about the complicated nature of guilt and grief and the healing power of community. A beautiful new addition to the middle grade canon." -- Aisha Saeed, New York Times bestselling author of Amal Unbound
"Stirringly hits every despairing low and thrilling high of a sports movie." -- Kirkus Reviews