Mask of the Warrior
Frank Cipriani
Paperback
(lulu.com, April 13, 2010)
The year is 1974, a time of great turmoil. We're losing in Viet Nam, our President is embroiled in scandal, hippies are challenging authority, all-white schools are getting their first black students, and Women's Lib is challenging long-held beliefs. It is an era where few people say what they mean, and even adults are questioning their reality. Meanwhile, Matt Rivetti, a fifth grader, is kidnapped by the dreaded Junkman. Suddenly, he's expected to rescue two scientist caught in a time warp, and has to stop a murderous Aztec from harming his best friend. Even worse, it's hard to tell friend from foe since most people Matt knows mask their true feelings. Matt, the Warrior finds that he can face wild dogs, bullets, racist neighbors and a stalking demon. What finally tests him to his limits is dealing with reality, especially when that reality forces him to choose between defending his closest friend and being humiliated in front of the whole school.