A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems

by Leah Henderson, Gary D. Schmidt, Pablo Cartaya, Nikki Grimes, Jarrett J. Krosoczka Narrated by Greta Jung, Gary Tiedemann

Overview

In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping with a minor superpower-while also discovering their power to change themselves and their community, find their voice, and celebrate what makes them unique.

The kids in these humorous short stories each have a minor superpower they're learning to live with. One can shape-shift-but only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another can always tell whether an avocado is perfectly ripe. One can even hear the thoughts of the animals in the pet store! But what these stories are really about is their young protagonists “owning” a power that contributes to their individuality, that allows them to find their place in the world, that shows them a potential they might not have imagined.

Because if you really think about it, we all have something special and unique about ourselves that makes us a little bit super. We all have the power to change as an individual, to change our communities for the better, to have a voice and to speak up. These playful, thought-provoking tales from some of today's top middle grade authors prompt readers to consider what their own superpower might be, and how they can use it.

Written by Pablo Cartaya, Nikki Grimes, Leah Henderson, Jarrett Krosoczka, Remy Lai, Kyle Lukoff, Meg Medina, Daniel Nayeri, Linda Sue Park, Mitali Perkins, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Gary D. Schmidt, Brian Young, and Ibi Zoboi; coedited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt.

Editorial Reviews

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

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160532936
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/23/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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