Super

Gr 5–7—In Cody's sequel (2012) to Powerless (2011, both Knopf), the children with special powers find that the Shroud, a.k.a. Herman Plunkett, may still be alive even though he was buried beneath a rock slide. Herman's nephew Theo has moved to town and there are questions as to whether the boy takes after his uncle's evil ways. Non-endowed Daniel discovers that he can borrow his friend's powers, although he doesn't really know how it happens, and he needs those powers when the Supers come under attack from the Dementor-like Shades. Those unfamiliar with the first title in the series will be very confused by the many red herrings and unexplained elements in this story. The author reads his own work and does an adequate job at differentiating characters, but doesn't really build suspense through his pacing and tone. Purchase only where Powerless was very popular.—Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston