Review by Booklist Review
Heavy-hitting, notable writers join forces in a memorable collection of short stories "about middle-school kids who discover in themselves some sort of small superpower." And by "small," the authors took this assignment seriously. These aren't characters who can lift cars or fly, but, rather, consist of an emotionally intuitive time jumper with no control over which host body he'll inhabit, a restaurateur's daughter whose ability to magically discern perfectly ripe avocados saves their bottom line, and even a lonely seventh-grader whose "right arm is now possessed of a . . . demon in the shape of a claw." And there are rodents. So many rodents. In other words, these are not your run-of-the-mill, cape-and-tights-clad superheroes. These are kids with relatable struggles learning to embrace that quirky bit of themselves that makes them unique, and empathetic lessons follow. The book's 13 digestible, independent stories are divided into two sections, the first featuring characters gazing inward toward self-acceptance, and the second with kids harnessing their potential to serve their community's greater good. Numerous award-winning contributors (think Meg Medina, Kyle Lukoff, and coeditor Schmidt) keep delightfully inclusive and accomplished company in this emotionally grounded, compassionate collection that's perfect for sharing alongside Flying Lessons & Other Stories (2017), edited by Ellen Oh, and the authors' individual works. Interstitial art was unavailable for review.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
This imaginative collection presents thirteen stories from an all-star team of authors, including Nikki Grimes, Pam Muñoz Ryan, and Linda Sue Park. A heartfelt introduction by the coeditors sets up the theme and through line: these are short stories of middle-school kids growing in self-knowledge and empathy as they realize that they each have some sort of gift. ("Because everyone has a power, and that power matters, no matter how small or inconvenient it may seem.") The compilation is cleverly organized into two parts: "The Power of Discovering Who We Are" and "The Power of Being Who We Are." Abilities portrayed include time-jumping, shape-shifting, telepathy, the courage to speak truth to power, the ability to sense when avocados are ripe, and more. In Kyle Lukoff's story, a child learns to take steps to trust and affirm his own wishes about his gender identity; in Mitali Perkins's, a chameleon gives a girl magical cultural code-switching abilities. Whether big or small, silly or serious (or both), every power is brought to life through a nuanced, diverse cast of characters and entertaining, thought-provoking plots. While the narratives lean whimsical, this entire project offers readers a careful, serious, and profound invitation to reflect on issues of identity, responsibility, social justice, and the myriad ways that people's gifts -- in both perception and application -- can affect others' lives, relationships, and the wider world. Illustrations not seen. Elisa GallMarch/April 2024 p.91 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A collection of 13 short stories by acclaimed authors for young people featuring kids who use real and imagined superpowers to positively affect their lives and those of others. The kids in these entries are dealing with many common challenges: wanting to fit in, feeling shy, longing for real friendships, and developing courage. In Pablo Cartaya's "2.4 Seconds to Sonder," Maximiliano has become accustomed to fading into the background: His time-jumping abilities take him into the bodies of "random extras in history," but he learns that "nobody's life is random or pointless," whether they're noticed or not. In Nikki Grimes' "Shift," which is told in poetry form, Imara uses her shape-shifting abilities to try to blend in with the mean girls at her school, but this doesn't make her happy. She learns an important lesson: "Who are they to say / I'm not perfect / exactly the way I am?" In Pam Muñoz Ryan's "Matchmaker," Sofia Delvechio uses mystical powers from her family's matchmaking business to build a friendship network and help others. This collection of stories, which is divided into two sections--"The Power of Discovering Who We Are" and "The Power of Being Who We Are"--is broadly appealing; the diversity of characters, powers, and voices serves to highlight the protagonists' inner lives and the importance that relationships play in helping them develop their senses of self. Final art not seen. An engaging and imaginative look at the powers of childhood. (Anthology. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
