Project Superhero

September 1, 2014

Gr 4-7-Jessi is excited to start eighth grade and when she discovers that her class will engage in a yearlong project centered on superheroes, her excitement only multiples. What follows is her diary of learning about superheroes and her own personal growth. Jessi decides that she will champion Batgirl in her class project and learn all about superhero characteristics like courage, perseverance, and determination. This leads her to write letters to famous figures-from comic book writers to Olympians to scientists. They reply to these letters, which end up in Jessi's journal. The eighth grader also learns about the science, nutrition, and even technology that can develop superhero characteristics in anyone. There is a lot to like in this hybrid novel, notably the lively illustrations by veteran animator Pearn, but it is ultimately a little too didactic. The work includes actual letters from real people inserted in the narrative. In principle, this is a fun and interesting element and the people Zehr has chosen to include are genuinely fascinating. But the real letters written to a fake character feel clunky and they slow the story. Jessi is an engaging protagonist, and learning more about girls and women in comics is a welcome contribution to the genre. Recommended for larger collections and those with highly circulating graphic novel collections.-Angie Manfredi, Los Alamos County Library System, NM

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2014
For quiet eighth-grader Jessie, an assignment about superheroes evolves into a journey of transformation. Jessie's superhero research spans the duration of the school year, concluding with a final debate-style competition in which Jessie must demonstrate why her selection is the ultimate superhero. When a longtime rival compares her to a sidekick, Jessie decides to apply her superhero's qualities to her own life. She soon compiles a list of Batgirl's traits, including physical and mental capabilities, to nurture. In diary format, Jessie chronicles her diligent research and attempts at self-improvement. While the journal entries convey Jessie's enthusiasm, they also reveal her insecurities. Pearn's illustrations further illuminate Jessie's personality, capturing her inquisitiveness and determination and comically portraying her efforts with zing. Through Jessie's investigations and discoveries, Zehr provides information on a variety of topics: pioneering women, martial arts, scientific and technological advancements, nutrition and comic-book lore. An aspiring journalist, Jessie conducts a portion of her research through interviews, and Zehr incorporates the actual words of several notable individuals in the narrative. The written responses of a police sergeant, filmmaker, astronaut, Olympic athletes and others to Jessie's questions motivate her to continue pursuing her goals. Jessie enters the final debate with a newfound wisdom gleaned from her endeavors. Readers should readily respond to Jessie's mission of self-improvement. (Fiction. 10-15)

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