MENZUO IN THE CALLING OF THE SUN PRINCE

By Keshawn Dodds

An amazing first effort by Springfield’s own Keshawn Dodds, this children’s tale combines all of the good qualities we wish to see in our children (and parents) with adventure and outright fun. It takes us back to a time when childhood was enjoyed by all and reminds us of how children used to settle disputes peaceably and fairly and how we love to root for the good guy.

The book’s message is timeless but it receives its update in the parlance and setting of today’s video game world in the form of a virtual reality tournament, where the hero, Menzuo, represents the fight of good over evil. This superhero reminded me of my childhood hero, Superman (Clark Kent), as Menzuo (Jammal) first trains to learn to use his powers and then fights to keep earth and the rest of the solar system from being destroyed by Morbid, the evil Pirate Warrior.

My hat is off to Keshawn, a product of the Springfield public schools, a former high school football star, and currently an elementary school teacher. The first book, in what he plans to be a series, about the exploits of Menzuo, it reminds us about what is possible. It teaches tolerance between the races--Menzuo (Jammal’s) two best friends are White and Hispanic. It shows the importance of family values as exemplified by Jammal’s adoptive parents. It reminds us of how to settle differences without violence, the Solar Warriors vs. the Sharp Shooters. It promotes equality between the sexes, the Solar Warriors vs. the Blade Runners. And it demonstrates that good always triumphs over evil. n