Marcus Makes a Movie

Gr 3-6–Marcus loves to draw comics about Toothpick, a young Black boy superhero. When his father insists he join an after-school club, he chooses the filmmaking class. It occurs to him that he can use this opportunity to turn his Toothpick comics into a movie. He isn’t thrilled to see Sierra in his class, having had an unfortunate encounter with her on a bus—then he learns that while each student can work on their own project, the class will also work together on Sierra’s screenplay, Phone Zombies. In a temper, he quits. But Sierra makes him a deal to return if the class will help with his project too. The learning curve is enormous and the amount of work intense, but Marcus wants to succeed so badly that he puts in the work. With the help of the other kids, Sierra especially, and a lot of trouble-shooting, it seems his dream may become a reality. Things take a downturn when Marcus insists on sneaking into a hospital to film a scene. It seems his movie will never be made unless Marcus can come to terms with his mistake and his reasons for making it. Marcus i a flawed but appealing character with a dream that young readers will be able to relate to easily. The movie-making details are integrated smoothly and make for an interesting glimpse of the process. Cooper’s black-and-white illustrations add humor and excitement to the text. The underlying themes of learning from your mistakes and working hard to pursue your dreams shine through.