Brothers Unite

In this first book in the Secondhand Heroes trilogy, Hudson and his younger brother, Tucker, know something is up when the umbrella and woolen scarf their mother picks up for them at a yard sale appear to have lives of their own. The castoffs give the brothers superhuman powers; quick to see the possibilities, they improvise costumes, naming themselves Stretch and Brella. Hansen (Monster Hunter) gives the boys worthy villains to defeat and enthusiastic schoolmates to cheer them on. Piling on the fantasy gratification, Hansen teleports them to a medieval village where they meet a dragon, a fire-breathing mentor who cuts them no slack: “Also, I am female. If I hear he or him again, in reference to me, I will incinerate you. Continue.” Hansen meticulously drafts and colors every panel in painterly detail, giving his figures volume and heft. Smart characterization (including a memorable walk-on by a talking squirrel that sounds like a surfer bro), breathlessly paced adventure, and a dire cliff-hanger ending will make readers hope they don’t have to wait long for the sequel. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sarah Warner, Warner Literary Group. (July)