Underdog City

Nothing in 12-year-old white-cued Mortimer Bray's beloved home of Townsend Heights has felt the same since elderly Mrs. Opal--the community council president and Mortimer's good friend--moved away and passed the title on to Mortimer's mother. Even worse, though, was the death of his pup following an incident while on their regular walk. Now, Mortimer is too anxious to continue with the dog-walking business he founded with his best friend, and he hasn't spoken to Mrs. Opal in a long time. A Puerto Rican family moving into the house next door with their pet rooster, who crows loudly every morning at 5 a.m., further upends life in Townsend, as does the knowledge that the history behind a nearby vacant lot is spreading apprehension throughout the community. Things begin looking up for Mortimer when he persuades Will, the visiting granddaughter of his new neighbors, to help him investigate the property, but overheard, racially charged conversations about her family sow tension around town. Mortimer's anxiety is powerfully portrayed and realistically permeates every aspect of his life. Kind community members, both human and dog, help him manage his constantly racing thoughts and support him during his grieving process in this discerning celebration of connection and healing. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A touching, timely, and humorous tale of friends and family (and dogs and roosters) learning the true definition of community, Underdog City teaches us how compassion and goodwill can overtrump discrimination and division and shows us that a real neighborhood is so much more than lines drawn on a map.
— John David Anderson, bestselling author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day

Dogs and friendship take center stage in this heartfelt story about the power of courage and community. Once again, Negron nails the nuance of the inner life of boys. In Mortimer, we meet the ultimate underdog, and he shows us how ordinary kids can rise to extraordinary heights.
— Nicole D. Collier, author of The Many Fortunes of Maya

The perfect read for any kid who has ever felt like an underdog. A heartfelt story of triumph, Chris Negron shows deep understanding of relationships and how a little bit of courage can save the day.
— Rosalind Bunn, co-author of the All Aboard series

With the help of the Red Devil and man's best friend, Mortimer's insecurity evolves to valor in this sweet, inspiring tale. Relatable to readers of any age, Negron makes sure to spark that sense of ambition when it comes to something we truly value.
— Maggie Bunn, co-author of the All Aboard series

The first-person narrative... builds momentum as Mortimer regains his self-confidence, learns about Townsend Heights' history, and works with friends both young and old on a counterproposal. Mortimer... is well meaning and wise beyond his years, and animal antics provide comic relief. A meaningful exploration of young people's involvement in community activism." — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for THE LAST SUPER CHEF: "Food descriptions and attention to preparatory details pop as Negron serves up a toothsome tale filled with insight into the unseen obstacles even idols face, accented by commentary on poverty and different forms that family can assume. — Publishers Weekly

With a winning concept, and full of humor and hijinks, middle grade readers are going to eat up THE LAST SUPER CHEF. A truly delightful read that is packed with so much heart. — Jasmine Warga, New York Times bestselling author of Other Words for Home

Perfect for fans of Chopped Junior. — Kirkus Reviews

This book had me grinning ear to ear from page one to the very end. There might have been a tear or two shed as well. Chris Negron is fast becoming one of my favorite voices in middle grades fiction. — Greg Howard, author of The Whispers

PRAISE FOR DAN UNMASKED: Dan Unmasked is a grand slam of a debut: timeless, moving, and filled to the brim with heart. I can't stop thinking about it. — Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Dan Unmasked is about sports and comics but also about the complicated nature of guilt and grief and the healing power of community. A beautiful new addition to the middle grade canon. — Aisha Saeed, New York Times bestselling author of Amal Unbound

Stirringly hits every despairing low and thrilling high of a sports movie. — Kirkus Reviews