Middle Grade Review: The King of Average by Gary Schwartz

The King of Average
by Gary Schwartz


Description:
James isn’t the world’s greatest kid, but he’s not the worst, either: he’s average! When he decides to become the most average kid who ever lived, James is transported to another world where he meets Mayor Culpa, a well-dressed talking Scapegoat who recruits him to become the new King of Average.

He’s joined on his quest by a professional Optimist and his grouchy companion, an equally professional Pessimist. Together, they set out on a journey of self-discovery that leads them all the way from the Sea of Doubt to Mount Impossible, the highest peak in the Unattainable Mountains. When James stumbles into a Shangri-la called Epiphany, he uncovers the secret of who he really is.

Follow James on his hilarious, adventure-packed journey to find self-worth in this heartfelt middle grade novel The King of Average by debut author Gary Schwartz.


My Review:
The King of Average is an adventure set in a world where the geography and its citizens are divided by just how above or below average they are. James, who is rather ordinary, gets pulled into the world when he decides he’d like to be the most average boy ever and then gets recruited for the job of King of Average.

For me, the humorous characters were the biggest draw. Mayor Culpa the scapegoat is great, always shouting out that whatever it is, it is his fault. The optimist and pessimist are also pretty funny the way they play off each other. Besides that, the story highlights the range of human nature and builds in some life lessons. 

I also enjoyed that the main character has to work for his goals and that he and his friends face real dangers on his quest. It makes for an exciting tale.
As for the puns, well, I think those might be more for the adults, though the author did a good job of paraphrasing and giving context so it’s not too over the heads of the younger readers. I liked them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I’d recommend it to folks who like adventure and humor. It not only seemed appropriate to younger readers, but also something I’d have liked to read at that age.

I received the review copy of this book from the publisher.


About the Author:

Gary Schwartz began his professional career as a mime at age 13,  performing up and down the Hudson River with Pete Seeger and the great folk entertainers of the 1960s. In the 1980s he appeared in numerous film and television projects including the Oscar-winning feature film Quest for Fire. Schwartz has lent his voice to hundreds of film and TV projects and is the voice of several well-known video game characters, including Heavy Weapons Guy and Demoman in Team Fortress 2.

Schwartz has written for two children’s television series in which he co-starred: Zoobilee Zoo, where he played Bravo Fox; and the Disney Channel’s You and Me, Kid.

Schwartz studied with and became the protégé of Viola Spolin, the creator of Theater Games, the basis for improvisational theater in America. He is a passionate, dynamic improv coach and facilitator devoted to carrying on Spolin’s techniques.

The King of Average is his first novel. To learn more visit:

Blog: http://gary-schwartz.com/
Acting Blog: http://www.improv-odyssey.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/improvmaven
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garyschwartz.writer
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/improvodyssey/
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14203127.Gary_Schwartz
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Schwartz/e/B016DTSL48/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1444430087&sr=8-4