Who Was That Masked Man Anyway

In 1992, Avi published, "Who was that Masked Man Anyway?" a book that is set in America at the time of the Second World War. Avi's story is both entertaining and instructive to read. The main themes in this book are the use of radio dialogue, how entertainment helps people escape from reality, and friendship. The main characters in this book are a boy named Frankie, his friend Mario, his brother Tom, and his teacher Ms. Gomez. Frankie is obsessed with his radio programs and wants to "rid the world of all evil". Mario on the other hand, usually doesn't want to be a part of Frankie's adventures. Mario is a straight A student and isn't really the heroic type because his father died in the war. Frankie is the leader and Mario is the follower. Tom was a soldier who fought in the Pacific against Japan. After getting wounded in a battle, he came back to Frankie's house and is currently living there. Ms. Gomez is also an important character because she is trying to help Frankie do well in school. Frankie has a big problem: he is failing 6th grade. Three days after Tom comes back from fighting in the war, Frankie concocts a "fantastic" plan: to get Tom to marry his teacher so that he won't have to repeat 6th grade. Mario is eventually dragged into this mess and the two boys go on many adventures. In the end, Frankie is able to almost finish his plan. Ms. Gomez and Tom marry, but part that didn't work out was that he still had to do 6th grade again. The use of radio dialogue in this book was a major part of the book. It made the book unlike any other. Using the dialogue, you were able to show action and adventurous journeys. An example would be in the beginning, Frankie was listening to "Captain Midnight," a popular radio show at the time. "In a small, bombproof dugout the light of a candle flickers across the strained face of a general of the Allied army. Outside, the night is dark and cold. Suddenly, we hear--" "Major Steel?" "Sir everything is prepared." "You've found the man?" "I have." "Bring him in" "Yes Sir. You can come in now Captain." "You have your instructions Captain?" "Yes sir." "If you fail tonight, it will be the end for all of us." "Yes sir." "Your ultimate goal is to exterminate a fiend, coward, and traitor. I mean the one known as... Ivan Carr." "I understand." "Are you ready to go?" "Yes sir." "You are a brave man, Captain. Now Godspeed." "Thank you, sir." "And so, into the night roars a plane piloted by a lone man upon whose shoulders rest the fate of his country." "Hours later--" A reader can tell the setting, the character's emotions, and the way that the people talked from just reading dialogue. You could show basically anything by just writing skillful dialogue. I think that this book is a comic without graphics. In other words, writing is one of the most effective ways of showing things. You can also get a lot of entertainment from just listening. An example is so simple: stories! When you hear or read a good story, yo

Incredible! Avi has outdone himself this time. Using old radio, old wars, and new minds to create a fun, adventurous novel. His funniest book ever. If you haven't read this book yet, you haven't seen Avi's best book next to "The Man Who Was Poe."

... I was intrigued by the 1940's backdrop (I loved Number the Stars and Summer of my German Soldier--this was nothing like them at all). It is a comic romp following a pair of over-imaginate boys who listen to radio shows the way modern kids watch saturday morning cartoons. Avi even includes snippets from The Green Hornet and other popular radio shows of the time. A pretty school teacher and a war-injured big brother get mixed up in the boys attempts to aid the war effort in their own unorthodox way.

Beside's Harry Potter and maybe Bridge to Teribithia my favorite book! No exasuration i've read this book 24 times! I love it! It's a mix of Super Hero adventers, comedy, and mischous boys! This book has put my normal life into a whole new style! A MUST READ!

This was a very creative story. It shows the great imagination of a kid, and the life situations he has to deal with. It takes place around World War II, and shows you how life went on for kids during this grueling time.