As Fast As Words Could Fly

Review
By Prose and Kahn

There is great power in the simplicity of this story and that power is reinforced by the art of Eric Velasquez. The oil on watercolor paper paintings absolutely glow. . . . The depiction of Mason’s lonely journey [is what] causes tears to threaten as he maintains a dignified presence each time he quietly stands for what is right. Oh, the anger I felt towards that librarian, the typing teacher and the school principal! There are lots of sideways glances aimed at Mason from all sides. While his triumph is undercut by the roaring silence and condescending compliments of his principal and typing teacher, the final portrait redirects the focus, the strength of Mason’s family.

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