Publishers Weekly
06/26/2023
Graphic novel and picture book merge in this red-hot superhero story from Barnes and Martinbrough with Lucas. On the first day at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities (AKWAA), Bobby Beacon, who reads as Black, indicates that “Beacons lead people and show them the way.” Wielding “the power of light and fire,” Bobby sometimes has difficulties controlling these abilities—something the school is supposed to help with. But a run-in with a critical teacher ends with Bobby in the principal’s office, where it’s made clear that the Institute for Supervillains could be the next stop for Bobby, as it was for a fellow Black-cued classmate. Even so, a new teacher, Miss Brooklyn, demonstrates calming methods, and when Headmaster Chaos of the Institute for Supervillains crashes an assembly looking to recruit Bobby, the narrator uses their knowledge to save the day. Thin-lined hand-drawn artwork with bold shadow effects conveys the dynamism of old-school comic books in this story that underscores teachers’ import while portraying one child’s experience within an educational system that falls short in supporting its Black students. Miss Brooklyn reads as Black; the AKWAA principal and Headmaster Chaos cue as white. Ages 5–8. (July)
From the Publisher
The best comic you’ve ever read about a firestarter, his amazing teacher, the school-to-prison pipeline, and fighting the power!” —N. K. Jemisin, five-time Hugo Award-winning, bestselling author of The Broken Earth trilogy and the Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel miniseries Far Sector
"Believing in yourself is important, but having a teacher or an adult who believes in us can make all the difference. Writer Derrick Barnes, artist Shawn Martinbrough and colorist Adriano Lucas have created a fun, gorgeous inspiring book that is going to changes lives." —Bill Sienkiewicz, Emmy-nominated, Eisner Award-winning artist
“Author Derrick Barnes is at the top of his game! Like Lava In My Veins is on fire!” —Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award winning New Kid
“Derrick Barnes pours into the power of teachers when they help young people find their super-power . . . My daughter—our children—will love it.” —Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
“In his latest literary masterpiece, Derrick Barnes once again captures and ignites our minds and hearts through his storytelling . . . Children will read this book feeling seen, loved and majestic!” —Dr. Gholdy Muhammad PhD
"Barnes’ storytelling is unmatched . . . Every classroom in America needs this book." —Dr. Bettina L. Love, PhD
* “With this lively and clever picture book, award-winning author Barnes tells an engaging story while skillfully conveying the idea that young people can flourish with guidance from empathetic educators. In particular, the narrative speaks to the experiences of Black students, who are disproportionately disciplined for misbehavior far more often than their White counterparts. Comic-book elements such as speech bubbles and panels work perfectly with the text; Martinbrough and Lucas’ dramatic art oozes action. . . . A thrilling story with a sound takeaway: Compassionate teachers are the real superheroes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This picture book has the visual style of a classic comic book, with dramatic shifts in perspective, dynamic onomatopoeia, and tightly controlled action sequences. . . . The superhero context lends it plenty of timely appeal, and its emphasis on adult support and acceptance is a strong reminder that problematic behavior can often be funneled into strengths with the right focus. . . . Bobby’s strong narration carries readers through his battle with Headmaster Chaos from the Institute, with a cliffhanger ending that assures readers there’s more action to come.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Graphic novel and picture book merge in this red-hot superhero story. . . . Thin-lined hand-drawn artwork with bold shadow effects conveys the dynamism of old-school comic books in this story that underscores teachers’ import while portraying one child’s experience within an educational system that falls short in supporting its Black students.” —Publishers Weekly
* “Barnes, Martinborough, and Lucas' smart and engaging book uses the metaphor of superpowers to explore commonly misunderstood behavior in children and emphasize the importance of guiding them with compassion and understanding instead of punishment. Martinborough and Lucas' superhero-comics style is perfectly matched to the subject matter. Wonderfully elevating and empowering the voices and needs of Black children in particular, this book's message of the importance of genuine nurture and support will ring true for just about any kid.” —Booklist, starred review
School Library Journal
06/23/2023
K-Gr 3—Blending the picture book and comic book formats, author and illustrator deliver a resonant story of Bobby Beacon, a Black kid with awesome superhero powers of light and fire. Because of his struggle in controlling his abilities, Bobby enrolls in a special academy for kids with special abilities, almost setting the school bus on fire on his first day because of a mean bus driver. Initially, the teachers don't seem to help or understand their students either, causing a girl named Pause to get expelled, and provoking Bobby into another fiery episode. Miss Brooklyn, a new, more empathetic teacher clad in Kente cloth turban and skirt, helps Bobby by making him feel more seen and at peace with himself. A sudden appearance of the institute for Supervillains at the school assembly threatens the young superhero's newfound friendships and mastery of his abilities. In an attempt to recruit Bobby for the evil side, Headmaster Chaos and Pause appeal to his outcast status. Their overtures do not succeed as Bobby's strong sense of self and belonging helps him triumph over the baddies and return Pause to the academy. Martinbrough's action-filled illustrations imbue the story with fun, nearly cinematic energy, masterfully juxtaposing panels with full-bleed illustrations, as well as a variety of shifting angles and points of view. VERDICT Fun, topical, and inspiring without being saccharine, a great choice for most collections.—Yelena Voysey
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-05-09
A Black youngster attends a school designed to help him control his superpowers.
Bobby Beacon can wield light and fire with impressive—and at times terrifying—results, but sometimes his talent seems to have a mind of its own. At the Academy of Kids With Awesome Abilities, he meets other superheroes-in-training. Not all the teachers are understanding, however; Ms. Flores either scolds or ignores Bobby—until frustration sets in, lava seems to fill his veins, and he accidentally melts his chair. Miss Brooklyn, a different teacher, is more understanding, and her techniques and willingness to listen set Bobby on the path to success. However, the Institute for Supervillains and its leader, Headmaster Chaos, do not intend to let a talent like Bobby’s elude their clutches. But Bobby and his classmates are ready to fight back. With this lively and clever picture book, award-winning author Barnes tells an engaging story while skillfully conveying the idea that young people can flourish with guidance from empathetic educators. In particular, the narrative speaks to the experiences of Black students, who are disproportionately disciplined for misbehavior far more often than their White counterparts. Comic-book elements such as speech bubbles and panels work perfectly with the text; Martinbrough and Lucas’ dramatic art oozes action. Miss Brooklyn and Ms. Flores are Black, while Headmaster Chaos is White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A thrilling story with a sound takeaway: Compassionate teachers are the real superheroes. (Picture book. 5-8)
