Ragtag Team

February 1, 2021
It takes two in this middle-grade pro-wrestling sequel. Business has boomed at Slamdown Town arena ever since Ollie, a scrawny sixth grader, discovered magical gum that transforms him into Big Chew, a muscle-bound wrestler. For now, Big Chew is sidelined, as Ollie prefers cheering alongside gamer girl Tamiko in the crowd. Ollie and Tamiko are doubtful when promoter Linton Krackle's children, Leon and Luna, make their in-ring debut--and dumbfounded when they effortlessly defeat adult opponents. After battering the duo during an at-home exhibition, Ollie and Tamiko seek and gather evidence of corruption and learn the Krackle Kiddos are ignorant of any foul play. Meanwhile, Tamiko unlocks her own alter ego when a stream of arcade game pixels empowers her to shape-shift Shazam-style into wrestler Game Over. The best friends are, at last, in-ring partners--but Big Chew is a rule-abiding face whereas Game Over competes as a rule-bending heel. As Leon and Luna stack up suspect wins, the Ragtag Team works through their differences and earns hard-fought victories, culminating in a three-way dance for the tag team titles. Can Ollie and Tamiko find a way to conquer the champions while protecting the Krackle Kiddos from psychological and physical harm? Although matter-of-fact intergender matches are welcome, wrestling fans will scratch their heads at nonsensical move names while bookish types will bemoan the formulaic plot. Ollie is White; Tamiko's name cues her as Japanese American. This enhancement talent squash match simply runs too long. (Fiction. 8-12)

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