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<\/a>Michael Seidelman\u2019s latest novel for readers around Matthew and Declan\u2019s age \u2013 called Imaginary Heroes<\/i> \u2013 is propelled by fear and anger but resolved by putting those feelings to constructive use, refusing to be defined by others, trusting in ourselves and braving the day, whatever challenges we face.<\/p>\nLike the character of Matthew, Seidelman has Tourette\u2019s Syndrome and was bullied growing up because of it, which makes his descriptions of Matthew\u2019s feelings so realistic that readers\u2019 hearts will break a little.<\/p>\n
Most kids ignore Matthew\u2019s involuntary actions and sounds, a few laugh, but Declan menaces, with Booker, Booker\u2019s twin sister Sam, and Cricket as an audience. After a particularly nasty incident at lunch, where, thanks only to Booker\u2019s intervention, Declan steals Matthew\u2019s dessert instead of beating him up, Seidelman writes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe bell rang, and Matthew did his best to hold back his tears until the lunchroom was empty. Then he let it all out. Every day, he had to deal with those jerks, and this wasn\u2019t even one of the worst days. At least Declan hadn\u2019t hurt him physically this time. So far, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n Arriving just in time for class nonetheless, the teacher berates Matthew for not getting there earlier. The adults \u2013 teachers and other kids\u2019 parents \u2013 are little help to Matthew, just as they were to Seidelman as he was bullied growing up.<\/p>\n \u201cThough many teachers and school administrators were of little to no help with the bullying I endured, there were a few who stood up for me, and those individuals have not been forgotten,\u201d writes Seidelman in the acknowledgements. \u201cAnd again, I must thank my parents and family; without their support, I truly don\u2019t know where I would be today.\u201d<\/p>\n The character of Matthew also has a supportive, loving family. And he has two imaginary friends, who not only help get him through the school days, but really step up when he, Declan, Booker, Sam and Cricket find themselves in a literal hole, with no apparent way out. The journey that ensues is a danger-filled adventure during which all the kids find out more about themselves and one another, and what bravery and humanity entail not only in life-threatening moments, but also in life in general.<\/p>\n