Families who loved Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid by Marcus Emerson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.
