"First, I crossed my fingers and thought about
a world where flying cars that didn't rely on fossil
fuels were a normal thing that everyone had. Our
car didn't rise into the air after a few seconds, so
that was probably too big a wish. Next, I crossed
my fingers as we approached my dad's favorite
doughnut shop, hoping he'd want to treat himself
and we'd get the benefit. Sure enough, he put on
his turn signal. "It's Tuesday, why not?" he said."
If I were teaching in a middle years classroom, I would love to share these stories as a readaloud at some point of each day. There are 13 short stories and one graphic tale that connects each of those. The kids whose stories are shared are dealing with the same issues that many middle schoolers face: identity, responsibility, social justice, relationships, and their place in the world. What is unique is that they have a small superpower they can use to make a difference in the lives of others, or in their own. What they learn about themselves is equally compelling.
Written by esteemed authors, they are told with humor and compassion in diverse voices that offer imagination and engagement for readers. There are two sections: The Power of Discovering Who We Are and The Power of Being Who We Are. Their powers range from time-jumping to matchmaking, shape-shifting (only on Monday and only one part of her body) to telepathy, even the ability to sense when avocados are ripe.
The stories cause readers to pause and think. The graphic entries by Jarret Krosocczka introduce River whose superpower is imagining every one of the upcoming stories in her drawings. As she draws, she learns about these superheroes while using her artistic ability for good. The entries do not have to be read in order, except that River's drawings offer an introduction to the upcoming story.
This book begs these questions of readers: what is your superpower, and how can you use it to change your part of the world?
“Because everyone has a power, and that power matters, no matter how small or inconvenient it may seem.”
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