Backpack Stories

Plot Summary

You don't think much about your backpack.  It's just kind of dirty and crammed with stuff.  But wait - did you know the backpack has a history?  That it could be a superhero's secret weapon?  Or an exploding science experiment?  Or even a living creature of immense proportions? Kevin O'Malley has created four surprising comic-book style stories to entertain and amaze backpack wearers everywhere.

Awards

IRA-CBC Children's Choices 2010

Reviews

"Ordinary backpacks get humorous treatment in four brief stories, told in sequential art, that make good use of puns and tropes from comic books, TV and movies." Publishers Weekly

"A tongue-in-cheek history of backpacks from prehistory to the 21st century kicks off O’Malley’s comics-inspired collection of four short tales....A pleasing diversion for anyone who’s ever lugged a zillion-pound backpack." Kirkus Reviews

"O’Malley once again proves that he has a keen appreciation for the funny bones of his intended audience. Children will make room in their backpacks for this creative tribute to an object that has become an essential part of their everyday lives." School Library Journal

"The subject of this colorful graphic novel-style picture book—backpacks—is certainly a universal one for kids, and these four tongue-in-cheek stories present an imaginative look at the secret lives and power of these carryalls." Booklist

"[T]he simple pleasure of the snarky take on an all-too-familiar burden." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Comic book-style illustrations add to the humor. This may be a good choice for a classroom library or an elementary school library"
Children's Literature

Associated Keywords
backpack; comic; back-to-school