Isaiah's journey through middle school is both relatable and inspiring. The story beautifully captures his struggles and triumphs as he balances the challenges of school with his evolving living situation. What stands out is the way Isaiah learns to forge his own path—developing interests distinct from his friends and setting personal goals. The narrative skillfully highlights the importance of self-reliance and personal growth, all while maintaining the essence of genuine friendship. It’s a heartwarming exploration of finding one’s identity, communicating boundaries, and the value of pursuing individual passions amidst the dynamics of middle school life.

Follow up to Isaiah Dunn is my Hero, Kelly Baptist continues the story of Isaiah and his efforts to deal with the challenges life has thrown at him. His mother is doing better after rehab, his business with friend who is a girl Angel, he’s part of a mentoring program at school and has been matched with 3rd grader Kobe, and Sneaky is still up to mischief and mayhem. Great support network at school and at home with Miz Rita for a young man who might fall through the cracks and end up in trouble plus an excellent example of what good can happen when he is given a chance. Baptist does not sugarcoat the struggles and Isaiah is far from perfect which may be of great encouragement to readers in grades 4-7. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. Main characters are primarily Black.

Note: It is not required to read the first in series, but is suggested to appreciate Isaiah’s growth and the family’s background.

Hey, Isaiah Dunn. It's so nice to see you again so soon! I loved this follow-up to Isaiah Dunn is My Hero. Now that Isaiah has established a writing room at the local library in memory of his father and he is getting settled into his new home, it seems things are looking up. When Isaiah gets matched with a challenging elementary aged student to mentor, Isaiah is faced with a new set of obstacles to overcome.

Isaiah Dunn is an endearing character that is bound to stick with readers long after they finish the story. This sequel was no exception. I loved seeing Isaiah move to middle school and face a whole new set of challenges. Friends and school are changing but Isaiah knows he can make a difference mentoring a younger student. Unfortunately, this student isn't as easy to connect with as Isaiah wishes so seeing him work through this new challenge was inspiring and impactful.

This sequel proves that Kelly Baptist is an author to follow and that I'll read anything she writes featuring Isaiah Dunn.

This is the rare example of a middle grade realistic fiction sequel living up to the first installment. I loved reading about Isaiah's relationship with Kobe, and I thought the new characters in this book were so much fun. Usually, I have a hard time with sequels when the original was that solid because they just tend to drop the ball, but I didn't think there was anything missing from this that the original had, and everything new really fit nicely. Isaiah continues to grow and learn, and I love following his journey.

Poetic Hero

This is a great story for teaching about communication, compassion, caring and problem solving. It is also good with being a great friend and big brother.

Isaiah starts middle school, it is not easy. He joins a mentoring program and his mentee is trouble. Isaiah must find a way to communicate with him and find out what his troubles are so he can help him. He also must find time to spend with his friend Angela and their poetry greeting card business. Finding time to help his mentee and spend time with his friends as well as his little sister and get his school work done is a big challenge for Isaiah.

He takes on the challenges and manages to master them all like the hero he is.
I thought it was a wonderful story and would benefit all middle school age children.

Thanks to Kelly Baptist for writing a great learning story for children, to Random House Children's Books for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Random House Children's Books 08-02-2022

Another lovely book by Kelly J. Baptist. I was really excited to get back into Isaiah's world and see what was happening with his friends and family. This book did not disappoint! It was nice to see the growth of the characters from the first book. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Isaiah and his mentee Kobe. Kelly J. Baptist does a great job of creating characters that feel real. I've really enjoyed every book I've read by her. Readers that enjoyed the first will love revisiting these characters.

I love Kelly J. Baptist books, and I really loved the first Isaiah Dunn book. I was really happy to see his story continue, and to find that this sequel is just as charming and wonderful as the first without being syrupy. An excellent read!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

In this book, Isaiah is navigating through middle school and uses his writing to help a young boy that he is mentoring through the Rockets Reach Back program. Although their situations are different, and Kobe, his mentee, is initially difficult to deal with, it was lovely to watch Isaiah mentor him and learn what it means to be a hero in someone's life. It was a great reminder that there may be more to why someone is struggling or angry. I loved Isaiah's story and think it would be great to add to any upper elementary or middle grade library!

I can't wait to go back and read the first of this series, Isaiah Dunn is My Hero!

A satisfying sequal to Isaiah Dunn is my hero. Isaiah enters middle school, he and his sister have settled into a routine at Miz Rita's place, and his mother is more like the mom he remembers. Whenever Isaiah needs advice like how to handle Kobe, the boy he mentors, or how to get his poetry business off the ground, he still has the poetry and words of his dad to guide him.

Simple, real and hopeful, this book is a great addition to the middle grade shelves.

The sequel to Isaiah Dunn is My Hero, Isaiah is back and still trying to find his way in middle school. Kids have been asking for more and I'm happy to be able to provide it in the form of this book.

I loved Kelly J. Baptist's first book about Isaiah Dunn, and this follow up doesn't disappoint!

In the first book, Isaiah discovers writing and words with his father's death and mother's alcoholism (specifically his dad's writings) and in this book he uses his words to help a young boy in need of hope just like he was. Although their situations are different, and Kobe is initially difficult to deal with, it was beautiful to watch Isaiah mentor him and learn what it means to be a hero in someone's life.

While it does touch on tough emotions, there is still plenty of humor from Isaiah, his little sister, Charlie, and his two best friends and business partners (who are always bickering, Sneaky and Angel.

I hope there will be more books with these characters and Isaiah's poems!

I love this book series! Isaiah is such a great character, with his determination to be a good kid. He's a great big brother and friend, and I love how close his relationship is with his mom.

Baptist expertly captures what life is like for many boys of this age and it's so interesting to read about all the people in Isaiah's life. It's always fun going back into Isaiah's world.

Thanks #NetGalley @RandomHouse @CrownPublishing (Crown Books for Young Readers) for a complimentary e ARC of #IsaiahDunnSavesTheDay upon my request. All opinions are my own.

In this follow-up to Isaiah Dunn is My Hero, Isaiah and his sister and mom continue to live with Miz Rita. As Isaiah starts middle school, his home life is more stable, Mama is feeling better, his poetry business is growing, he continues to work at Rock’s barbershop, his best friend Sneaky has a new side hustle, he starts working with the Rockets Reach Back mentorship program, and he continues to rely on his dad’s journals for inspiration and guidance.

Isaiah is still the same lovable, kind, earnest, and creative boy from book one!

Although Isaiah Dunn Saves the Day can be read as a stand-alone, it’s a richer reading experience having first read Isaiah Dunn is My Hero.

Isaiah is an inspirational main character whom you can cheer for! He’s relatable, a caring big brother, a responsible son, and an excellent role model for young middle-grade readers.

So much to love: I love that Isaiah writes poetry and that his business partner is a girl. I love that Isaiah agrees to become a mentor for a troubled elementary school kid and that he is growing in his desire to help others. I love that he’s a writer. I love the way he meets life’s challenges and overcomes obstacles. I love that Isaiah is not perfect but he’s growing. Isaiah is one of my favorite young literary characters.

I love having reading recommendations for boys in the 9-11 age range! If you want to add more diverse reads to your home or classroom library, these books are an excellent choice. I hope the author will continue with the series as Isaiah grows and faces new challenges.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Isaiah Dunn is back and starting middle school. Life is going better as his mom is healing, his sister is doing better, and his poetry business is taking off. He commits to being a mentor for an elementary student and it is not a smooth process. Readers see him figure out what kind of person he wants to be and how he gives up and then tries again in various areas of his life. They will connect to his struggles and commitment to face challenges. Many will relate to grief and trauma in their lives.
Baptist has a gentle touch when writing about difficult life areas - death, grief, serious illness, bullying, friends, etc. She blends these areas as she shares Isaiah's life with family and friends. This sequel flows from the first book and builds on the themes set there.

"Being a hero big brother is hard work but it's up to me to do it!"

A beautiful and heartfelt story that shines the light on everyday heroes all through the eyes of the creative charismatic Isaiah Dunn

The community in this book is flat out the sweetest thing in the world and has so many echoings of memories from my own childhood of neighborhoods and cities coming together to cultivate a child's creative spirit.

One of my absolute favorite characters is Charlie! Her joy, light and energy jump off the page and make me appreciate my own younger sisters that much more!

This book is rich with culture: family culture, neighborhood culture, friendship culture, creative culture - it's really just so full and I can't get enough!

Also this book is HILARIOUS! Being in his head felt so much like being in my own and sometimes I could tell what Isaiah was gonna to think before he thought it which just made it funnier.

This story is a true gem and I want a physical copy to sit on my shelf so I can open it when I need inspiration, a laugh or to remember what a blessing it is to use our gifts to help others. Planning on getting my brother a copy too. THANK YOU KELLY J. BAPTIST!!

This sequel to Isaiah Dunn is my Hero brings back all of the characters from the first story. You can read Saves The Day on it’s own as it is a separate story picking up where the first left off. You will be convinced though to visit that first book after spending time with Isaiah.
Isaiah narrates the story and he’s a great character. He cherishes the journals of writing left by his dad who passed away on Thanksgiving. Life of course has been tough on both him and his mom and little sister, Charlie. They each are dealing with the loss in their own way.

When Isaiah gets invited to be a part of the Rockets Reach Back mentoring program at school he declines at first but his now best friend, Angel, convinces him otherwise (they have gotten over the tension between each other from book one). Many schools in my neck of the woods have this type of program where an older student will mentor a younger one.

Isaiah gets paired with the obnoxious Rome. Isaiah doesn’t understand the reason for the match as they are complete opposites. Isaiah loves to write poetry and even has a side business promoting his skill while Rome interests are totally focused on basketball. Nothing goes right at first and Isaiah gives up.

Through his dad’s writings and helpful advice from his own mentor in Rock—owner of a local barber shop—Isaiah does save the day for himself, family, and maybe even Rome. The first person narration is superbly crafted with every emotion brought forth from middle school and the healing still going on in Isaiah’s family.

A quiet story packing a solid punch of goodness.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Kelly J. Baptist, and the publisher for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Isaiah Dunn is a talented writer that is about to start middle school! Isaiah, his sister Charlie, and his mom are adjusting to living with Miz Rita as they get back on their feet after the death of Isaiah's dad.
Isaiah continues his poetry business with his friend Angel and hanging with his friend Sneaky. When Isaiah is asked to join a mentorship program he isn't sure. Especially since his mentee Kobe is so hard to deal with and talk to! Isaiah knows there s something deeper to Kobe and he is determined to find out what it is!

I absolutely loved this story! Isaiah looks like my students and faces problems that my student face both at home and at school. I think Isaiah is a wonderful role model both for Kobe and for real kids!

I think that Kelly Baptist does an amazing job with these early middle grades/advanced chapter book novels. Although these books read a lot younger than I usually pick up, even though I read a lot of middle grade books, I thoroughly enjoyed my read.
With the second book in the series, I admire Baptist's pivot into new challenges for Isaiah, challenges that make sense and also build upon what he experienced in the first book.
I have a hard time writing an in depth review for this book simply because I am far from the target audience for this book.
I will say that it met my expectations, set after reading the first book, and capably tackled all the elements of a good novel and avoided cliché pitfalls that many authors fall into when they attempt to "dumb down" their writing for young readers.

The perfect middle school read. Something definitely worth sharing or even reading aloud to middle school kids. They can both be stand alone, but it is really cool to see the growth and maturity of Isaiah from book 1 to 2.

An outstanding second book in this series, and a must read for YA readers.

I read the first book in the series for my YA literature class for my Library Science degree and fell in love with all the characters. Isaiah and friends are now in middle school, and more adventures are happening together again. Sneaky and Angel are front and center as friends that will stand with you even through you may have ups and downs together. Isaiah is in a stable home now and that made me so happy. This book is all about community and the beauty of how being in a community is important for kids. I feel this book is relatable through these characters and the writing outshines it all.