About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are the only 'ordinary' person in a room full of high achievers. It is a perfect fit for the middle grade reader who struggles with self-comparison or feels they lack a standout talent. Through the lens of a superhero academy, the story explores the anxiety of being an outsider and the pressure to perform under scrutiny. The story follows Ben Braver, a boy without any actual powers who finds himself enrolled at a secret school for kids with incredible abilities. While the plot is full of slapstick humor and fast-paced action, the heart of the book is about Ben's search for identity and his discovery that true bravery is a choice rather than a superpower. Parents will appreciate the way it addresses jealousy and the importance of loyalty, all within a format that is highly accessible for reluctant readers. It is a lighthearted yet meaningful choice for ages 8 to 12.
