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.
African American Point of View Newspaper
I actually picked up Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince at a bookfair by accident and decided to test it out…Now, this book will delight children - especially ones that complain about their being a lack of African-American heroes they can relate to, or if they enjoyed anime/manga like Sailor Moon or shows like Teen Titans, since this can easily fall in the magical girl/boy or superpowered kid genre. The words are easy enough for a 9 or 13 year old to grasp and the story will keep them going… It’s a good quick read for a rainy day at least…The author has very unique ideas and I look forward to reading more from him.
Zee Rose – Amazon.com Customer
This book was excellent! It captures your interest from the minute you open it and keeps readers glued to the pages from the very first chapter all the way through to the end. It is about a boy who found out that his life on Earth was more important than he thought. The main character learns that he is actually from another planet and that his duty is to protect Earth an evil pirate warrior. He eventually has a battle with the pirate warrior that will ultimately decide the fate of Earth. If you like action then this book is for you!
Dr. Bobbie Rennix – Former Elementary School Principal
Very interesting storyline, with very good character development. Good 'real life' dialouge, doesn't sound made up like other kids books......great book for youngsters, though I enjoyed it myself, and will use it for my elementary school classes. Can also help with vocabulary skills with good symbolism throughout the book and with the characters names. The book was read to my class (5th grade) and all the students looked forward to hearing it every day. Good action and interesting story, I highly recommend it to both adults and children.
William Walpole – Elementary School Teacher
This is one of my favorite books. I read this book a month ago when it was available at Barnes & Noble and I just wanted to write this review and tell everyone how good this book was! This was my first Super Hero book and it certainly isn¿t my last. Word of caution though: when you sit down to read this book make sure you have a lot of time for you won¿t be able to put this book down. I felt that this book was refreshing, inspirational, easy to read, high energy, full of action and very enlightening. Enjoyable reading for all ages¿ I loved this book. It was great fun reading it and wished it never ended. I am anxiously waiting for the next series 'Menzuo in the Legend of the Blue Diamond' (Solar Warriors). One of the best books I have ever read! This is a book that you will read again and again.
Barneandnoble.com Customer
Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince was a very good book for me to read. I went to Keshawn Dodds' book release party with my family. After hearing him speak, my parents bought the book for me. I started reading it on Thursday and finished reading it on Saturday. I couldn't put it down. Now my mom and dad are reading it. We all can't wait to read the next book, 'Menzuo in the Legend of the Blue Diamond.' I can't wait to see what Menzuo gets into in the next six books.
Springfield Public School Student
This is one of my favorite books. I read this book a month ago when it was available at Barnes & Noble and I just wanted to write this review and tell everyone how good this book was! This was my first Super Hero book and it certainly isn?t my last. Word of caution though: when you sit down to read this book make sure you have a lot of time for you won?t be able to put this book down. I felt that this book was refreshing, inspirational, easy to read, high energy, full of action and very enlightening. Enjoyable reading for all ages? I loved this book. It was great fun reading it and wished it never ended. I am anxiously waiting for the next series 'Menzuo in the Legend of the Blue Diamond' (Solar Warriors). One of the best books I have ever read! This is a book that you will read again and again.
Fernanda Cloutier – New Fan of the Menzuo-Solar Warriors Series
As I move forward with re-establishing my Menzuo –Solar Warriors series, I will be releasing several books as well as helping people realize their dreams of becoming published authors. I am developing a network that will help support writers and illustrators realize their dreams and allow them to move forward with their own projects. The Kingsmen Writers and Illustrators Network will help open doors for people to learn more about the publishing business and also to link them with people who may need their services on different projects. This is an absolutely “FREE” service that I am creating for people. 
