Champion of Justice and Freedom

Champion of Justice and Freedom (Juvenile)

By Wayne Greenough

ASIN B007d58H71

Musa Publishing

Rating 5-Stars

Young Tate’s grandfather loves old Republic serials, and shows them to his grandson, telling him about heroes and champions of justice in the days of his youth, instilling in the young 7^th Grader the idea of becoming a hero at school, protecting the innocent and punishing evildoers. But to his sad discovery, things always backfire making him into the bad guy. Even when he takes on Mountain, the biggest boy in school as his helper, they still wind up in trouble with the principal and teachers. Especially when the Phantom Marker strikes.

Written in 12 chapters, like the old Saturday Matinee series of Republic Pictures, each chapter ending in something resembling a cliffhanger, the young boys must unmask the evil Phantom Marker before they are blamed for his misdeeds.

This was a fun little novelette featuring children who wanted to be heroes like Spy Smasher, The Lone Ranger, and all the great heroes of radio, comic books and serials. Meant for children, I think adults will also get a kick out of the innocence of hero-worshipping children. Now, if the author would just write a 12-chapter serial for us adults. Highly recommended for ages 7 to 12, and maybe some of us older kids.

Tom Johnson

Detective Mystery Stories