A review by oliviak07
Metaphase by Kelly Williams, Chip Reece

3.0

I have to start off by saying this is going to be a hard review to write, not only because of what my concrete thoughts are on the book, but that it is based around and a gift of encouragement for the author's son and others who might see themselves in Ollie's cape.

When I found Chip Reece's "Metaphase" and read the synopsis on our library's catalogue, I was hopeful that the tale of a young superhero with Down Syndrome would be an essential book to include in an on-going list of stories with leads who have a/multiple disabilities to de-stigmatize the topic for readers young and old. And although the book does a good job in reminding that true superhero powers come from a super positive and confident person, I have to admit parts of the book felt powerless.

This is not to say that the idea, plot, characters, conclusion, or style of illustrations were horrid, or made Ollie, and children similar to Ollie, horrible. Ollie is a wonderful hero both in terms of his goals to help his dad, and to inspire a 'can-do' and 'will-do' spirit in readers of all ages. I was just hoping for something a little more mind blowing instead of boggling.

I admire anyone who encourages their child to be themselves, and to see how incredible they are with or without superhuman speed, strength, or skills. I feel that Reece and Ollie should read "My Hero Academia" to keep the spirit going! Although it was not my favorite graphic novel, I would love to see the outcome for the dynamic duo in "Metaphase", and who will try (and fail) to stop them in their tracks!