FICTION

Even Superheroes Have Bad Days

by Shelly BECKER
illus. by Eda Kaban. 40p. Sterling. Sept. 2016. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781454913948.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Everyone has a bad day now and then—even superheroes. In this tale, readers see superheroes with great skills, abilities, and strength succumb to ill moods. Nonetheless, "upset superheroes have all sorts of choices…./Instead of destruction and loud, livid voices/they burn angry steam off with speed-of-light hiking/or super-Xtreme outer space mountain biking." The text acknowledges all the damage that the heroes could inflict, but "with great power comes great responsibility." Readers learn how these champions channel their energies in positive ways. This narrative is filled with diverse characters, from caped crusaders to badly behaving villains. However, the rhyming story is long and somewhat forced. The art is done with digital tools to create a cartoon appearance, full of action and vibrancy.
VERDICT A suitable read-aloud choice to acknowledge intense feelings and diversify superhero collections. A good way to soothe bad days away.
Reviewed by Briana Moore, Elmont Memorial Library, NY
Instead of causing destruction, a bevy of (invented) superheroes redirects its unhappiness to more constructive pursuits: "They burn angry steam off with speed-of-light hiking / or super-Xtreme outer space mountain biking." Some of the rhymes could use a super-mechanic, but the anger-management angle is inspired. Kaban's digitally created cast and settings have the look of animated cartoons.
 , Oct 01, 2016

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