Spider-Man Kizuna Kizuna /

Gr 4--7--Yu is a Japanese elementary student with little confidence, no friends, and a huge imagination. One day, he befriends Spider-Man during a harrowing battle with the Green Goblin. One of Goblin's attacks turns Spidey into a noncorporeal being but gives Yu the ability to communicate and combine with Spidey to form Spider-Man: Kizuna! Now, Yu is thrust into the world of a superhero and must be confident, break out of his shyness, and use his imagination to stop Green Goblin's scheming, which includes using villain tokens to transform Yu's classmates and fellow citizens into villains from Spidey's New York past. This action-packed, breakneck story incorporates many favorite Spider-Man villains and is a delightful introduction for readers who may be new to the universe. The illustrations are drawn in a "chibi" style and the action realized in a very over-the-top, dramatic fashion to appeal to younger audiences. VERDICT A first purchase for elementary collections where superhero stories and graphic novels are popular.--Sara Smith