Dan, Unmasked

This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that n ot 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? Finalist, Young Adult Category, Georgia Author of the Year Awards! Also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and an ABA 2020 Summer / Fall Indies Introduce pick. Whether theyre on the baseball field or in Nates basement, devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until theyre not. After an accident at baseball practicean accident that Dan is certain he causedNates stuck in a coma. Usually, Dan can rely on his and Nates superpowerthe secret language that only they know, a language of raised eyebrows and subtle nose taps. Now, if Dan ever wants to see Nate tap his nose again, hes got to figure out a way to wake him up. But for all the time hes spent reading about the adventures of Captain Nexus, Dan knows hes no superhero. Heroes have powersand without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend shaped hole in his heart. Theres no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right? Thirteen-year-old Dan blames himself when his best friend Nate is hit in the head by a baseball during practice--desperate to help, Dan seizes on the suggestion that even in a coma Nate may be able to hear him, and sets out to read to Nate from the superhero comic books that both boys love Thirteen-year-old Dan blames himself when his best friend Nate is hit in the head by a baseball during practice. Desperate to help, Dan seizes on the suggestion that even in a coma Nate may be able to hear him, and sets out to read to Nate from the superhero comic books that both boys love