Families who loved Superbad by Aaron Blabey 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 is feeling discouraged by their own 'shortcomings' or struggling with self-consciousness about being different. While it looks like a goofy superhero story, it actually addresses the vulnerability of having talents that feel messy, embarrassing, or imperfect. The Bad Guys crew must face off against the villainous Marmalade using superpowers that are frankly ridiculous, like blowing one's own pants off. Through the absurdity, children learn that even flawed efforts are valuable when you show up for your friends. This eighth installment in the series is perfect for ages 7 to 10, particularly for reluctant readers who benefit from the graphic novel format and high-energy humor. It normalizes the feeling of being an underdog and reinforces that 'goodness' is about your choices, not your reputation or your polish.