From the Publisher
"Award-winning contributors keep delightfully inclusive and accomplished company in this emotionally grounded, compassionate collection. . . . These are not your run-of-the-mill, cape-and-tights-clad superheroes. These are kids with relatable struggles learning to embrace that quirky bit of themselves that makes them unique." — Booklist (starred review)
"Broadly appealing. . . . An engaging and imaginative look at the powers of childhood." — Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
05/24/2024
Gr 5 Up—A collection of 13 stories, each written by a different author, centering ordinary characters with semi-extraordinary powers. The superpower is often small and easily missed by others, but can be inconvenient to the main character. When Meg Medina's Carla Perez, who has the power to shapeshift into a guinea pig, finds herself in a position where she must shift quickly, it requires removing all her clothes before doing so: "Geez! If anybody finds me in puris naturalibis and with my head in a cage, I'll be a guidance department case with no hope for parole." In Daniel Nayeri's dialogic entry, a boy grapples with a demon attached to his body in the shape of a claw. The line-up is full of notable authors, including Linda Sue Park, Brian Young, and Ibi Zoboi, and the majority of the entries are quite humorous. This book contains some language and imagery that may invoke some negative or scared feelings, and therefore may not be appropriate for younger children. Comic-panel artwork by Krosoczka is dispersed throughout. Diverse characters appear in each chapter. VERDICT This entertaining collection of stories is certain to keep readers interested from beginning to end. Great for those who love superheroes, short story collections, and humor.—Tracy Cronce
MAY 2024 - AudioFile
Gary Tiedemann and Greta Jung deftly portray the 13 middle schoolers with unique superpowers featured in these stories written by some of today's most popular authors. The diverse characters express themes of self-discovery and empathy, and the narrators fully embrace each role. Tiedemann, as Maximiliano, candidly describes time-jumping randomly into the bodies of others. Then Tiedemann becomes Corwin, a deeply concerned empath who is determined to help a classmate who is in emotional need. As Sophia, Greta Jung reflects upon stepping into the role of matchmaker, which her family has held for generations. Then Jung presents Gabby, an empathic advocate who refuses to allow unfairness to exist around her. The narrators make these stories engaging and accessible for the target audience. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine