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brandypainter's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Super hero books are always a lot of fun, and Almost Super by Marion Jensen is no exception.
Every Leap Year any Bailey that has turned 12 since the last Leap Year gets their super power. Because the Baileys are a family of Supers. This time its Rafter and his brother Benny's turn. On the much anticipated day, disaster strikes. Instead of getting amazing powers to help their family of supers fight crime, Rafter and Benny get silly ridiculous powers. Benny can change is belly button from an innie to an outie. Rafter can strike a match on polyester. This is bad, and the boys are worried because they go to school with Juanita Johnson. The Johnsons are a family of super villains and Juanita was supposed to get her power too. But she didn't get an amazing power either. The Baileys suspect the Johnsons are up to no good as usual, and the Johnsons suspect the Baileys are up to no good. After Juanita confronts Rafter and Benny at school, it is clear that there is much confusion. Because the Johnsons think they're the heroes and the Baileys are the villains. When all the supers lose their powers, it is up to Rafter, Benny, and Juanita to figure out what has gone wrong and save the day.
I have said it before, but it's always worth repeating. Kids love stories where the kids run circles around the grown ups when it comes to being the heroes. Almost Super is a book that captures that well. In the process it makes all the adults seem a bit too ridiculous, but for the tone of this book it works just fine. I enjoyed all three of the kids, but Rafter and Juanita steal the show in this one. They both have a fierce sense of what is right and a desire to do good. Rafter can not wait to take on the mantle of hero. Juanita is more reluctant, but has her reasons. She definitely comes through when her friends and family need her though. I thought Benny's character acted a little younger than his age, but that could be his immaturity next to Rafter. He seemed more like an 8 year old than a 12 year old though.
The mystery in this was a fun one, and watching the kids figure out what the grown ups have been missing for decades is entertaining. There are also exciting gadgets, hidden lairs, and everything that makes a good super hero tale. This is on the younger side of MG, perfect for 3rd-5th graders who love super hero stories but aren't quite ready for Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities or Sidekicked yet.
Super hero books are always a lot of fun, and Almost Super by Marion Jensen is no exception.
Every Leap Year any Bailey that has turned 12 since the last Leap Year gets their super power. Because the Baileys are a family of Supers. This time its Rafter and his brother Benny's turn. On the much anticipated day, disaster strikes. Instead of getting amazing powers to help their family of supers fight crime, Rafter and Benny get silly ridiculous powers. Benny can change is belly button from an innie to an outie. Rafter can strike a match on polyester. This is bad, and the boys are worried because they go to school with Juanita Johnson. The Johnsons are a family of super villains and Juanita was supposed to get her power too. But she didn't get an amazing power either. The Baileys suspect the Johnsons are up to no good as usual, and the Johnsons suspect the Baileys are up to no good. After Juanita confronts Rafter and Benny at school, it is clear that there is much confusion. Because the Johnsons think they're the heroes and the Baileys are the villains. When all the supers lose their powers, it is up to Rafter, Benny, and Juanita to figure out what has gone wrong and save the day.
I have said it before, but it's always worth repeating. Kids love stories where the kids run circles around the grown ups when it comes to being the heroes. Almost Super is a book that captures that well. In the process it makes all the adults seem a bit too ridiculous, but for the tone of this book it works just fine. I enjoyed all three of the kids, but Rafter and Juanita steal the show in this one. They both have a fierce sense of what is right and a desire to do good. Rafter can not wait to take on the mantle of hero. Juanita is more reluctant, but has her reasons. She definitely comes through when her friends and family need her though. I thought Benny's character acted a little younger than his age, but that could be his immaturity next to Rafter. He seemed more like an 8 year old than a 12 year old though.
The mystery in this was a fun one, and watching the kids figure out what the grown ups have been missing for decades is entertaining. There are also exciting gadgets, hidden lairs, and everything that makes a good super hero tale. This is on the younger side of MG, perfect for 3rd-5th graders who love super hero stories but aren't quite ready for Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities or Sidekicked yet.
manju_beth's review against another edition
5.0
Funny MG with a great take away - talk a problem out instead of fighting.
kylauren1723's review against another edition
4.0
Good fun and a great read for middle grades. I loved the silliness while still maintaining the heart of the characters and story.
Update: This was so fun to read with my students! They got really into it and I’d highly recommend for middle schoolers. We had a lot of great discussions about what makes someone a hero.
Update: This was so fun to read with my students! They got really into it and I’d highly recommend for middle schoolers. We had a lot of great discussions about what makes someone a hero.
channywax's review against another edition
5.0
SUCH a fun book. If your kids like superheros, check this one out. Loved it!
asimilarkite's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent concept. Perfect for book-talking. AA++ will definitely be book-talking for 3rd-5th graders for summer reading.
I really like the idea that just because you see yourself as a hero, other people might not. And that you should probably
Cute, funny, fast-paced, surprising twists -- just over all entertaining and well done.
I really like the idea that just because you see yourself as a hero, other people might not. And that you should probably
Spoiler
do some investigative work into the family you think is made up of super villains before assuming they are actually super villains.Cute, funny, fast-paced, surprising twists -- just over all entertaining and well done.
readertz's review against another edition
3.0
This is a humorous look at a family of superheros. The Bailey family has always fought the villainous Johnson family, but no one knows exactly why. It takes the kids to find out just what the Johnson family is up to. This book is a good choice for anyone who enjoys superheros and stories about families.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
5.0
Love this story. This will be a huge hit with my kids at school. Love the fact they became super by not being super. Great book.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Rafter and his younger brother Benny have been waiting years to receive their superpowers, just like all Baileys receive on the leap day after their twelfth birthday. But when they finally come, it is nothing but a huge disappointment. Unable to take their rightful part in their crime-fighting superfamily, Rafter and Benny set out to find answers. But first they must protect themselves from their middle school classmate, Juanita Johnson, part of the supervillianous Johnson family. It is while talking to Juanita, that they realize things are not always what they seem. Can the three of them join forces to protect the world from a greater evil? An excellent superhero adventure as well as a look at ingrained, baseless discrimination. Recommended for grades 4 & up.