Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas

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(as of Feb 24, 2025 02:28:14 UTC – Details)

When fifth-grade best friends Izzy, Hazel, and Scarlet are given magical hairnets from the three old lunch ladies, with the promise of superpowers, the girls can’t wait. However, their hopes of sparkly capes and tight-fitting super suits are soon crushed as they put on the hairnets only to find themselves transformed into grannies with baggy pantyhose, huge bottoms, and saggy arms. Can the girls still save the day and take down the bad guys as old supergrandmas? Will their friends find out their secret? And why did Hazel’s super suit come with a banjo? Get ready for the zaniest new superheroes on the planet—the Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas.

From the Publisher

MEET THE GANG

Meet Scarlett, Hazel, and Izzy, taking on the superhero responsibilities from the old lunch ladies who are retiring from the superhero biz. Thinking they would get awesome capes and amazing super suits with a snazzy logo on the front, they sadly learn they will be fighting crime as old ladies. Scarlett’s stuck with baggy stockings, Izzy has an abnormally large backside, and what’s with the banjo?

Jackson, the cool kid, who Izzy just might have a secret crush on, but she’s not telling anyone, so keep that to yourself.

Ben sits behind Hazel in class and has tormented her since the first grade. He just may get some payback.

And then there is their teacher who may not be who she seems. Hmm.

Oh no, Grandma and Gramps are staying at Izzy’s house this week while her parents are out of town!

“Can we make a rule that Grandpa has to use the bathroom downstairs. . . away from everyone!” – Max

More Books By MIKE KNUDSON

Praise for MIKE KNUDSON’s books!

BANJO PICKIN’ KARATE KICKIN’ CRIME FIGHTIN’ GRANDMAS:

Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas by Mike Knudson is the story of three fifth-grade best friends: Izzy, Hazel, and Scarlett. There is nothing extraordinary about them, but one day their lives take an unexpected turn during lunch. The mysterious lunch ladies at school offer them three hairnets that turn the wearers into superheroes. As the girls put them on, they find themselves transformed into bizarre-looking grandmas with superpowers. They are desperate to save the world from bad guys, but every time they try to utilize their special abilities, they get into more trouble. One day Hazel discovers a surprising lead to a notorious bank robber, and the girls decide to get involved. Can this be the breakthrough they need in their careers as superheroes?

I knew from the title that I was in for a treat when I picked up Mike Knudson’s Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas. The first few pages removed all doubts. I absolutely loved Mike’s portrayal of superheroes in the form of grandmas with strange traits, which is unique and hilarious at the same time. The girls do not turn into perfect superheroes in an instant and make silly mistakes due to inexperience and overexcitement; I think it makes the characters more believable as well as comical. Another beautiful thing about the story is the way the friends stick together in the face of all their troubles and challenges, despite their differences. I would definitely recommend the book to children aged 9–12. -Readers’ Favorite

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Mike Knudson’s book is a comical delight! Told from Izzy’s point of view, it’s easy to relate to her and her friends or relive the nostalgia of dodgeball and first friendships. Scarlett, Hazel, and Izzy’s superhero alter egos move outside the bounds of age and deliver messages to young girls – for example, that there is beauty in everyone, no matter their age. Vaughan Duck’s illustrations provide more humor and give readers a clearer picture of the three girls and their superhero images. The story is easy to read and fun to share, and the author leaves hints for the next book in the series. In addition, Knudson enjoys the banjo and provides some fun facts about the instrument at the end of the story. Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas is a great selection for children who enjoy stories with a hint of mystery about quirky friends and unlikely superheroes. – Readers’ Favorite

MORE EDITORIAL PRAISE FOR MIKE KNUDSON

RAYMOND AND GRAHAM RULE THE SCHOOL: Grade 2–4—A rollicking, laugh-out-loud look at fourth grade through the eyes of two lifelong pals..—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

RAYMOND AND GRAHAM RULE THE SCHOOL: The authors draw a bead on the fourth-grade funny bone and hit a bull’s-eye. -Kirkus Reviews

RAYMOND AND GRAHAM BASES LOADED: “Knudson’s focus on sports adds some flair to a series that is already winning fans.” –Kirkus

RULE THE SCHOOL: 5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh out loud funny!!! My 9-year-old son and I read this book together. It’s got to be the funniest book we’ve read so far. My son totally related to Raymond’s feelings about old Mrs. Gibson. These characters are timeless. We can’t wait to see what Raymond and Graham are up to next.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLDT2215
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Silver Lake Press (October 30, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 252 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8988909903
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 – 12 years
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.63 x 8 inches