Book review - Captain Superlative

Title: Captain Superlative
Author: J.S. Puller
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher
                      Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Rating:

a solidly inspiring tale of real life heroes

Summary (provided by publisher): "Have no fear, citizens! Captain Superlative is here to make all troubles disappear!"
Red mask, blue wig, silver swimsuit, rubber gloves, torn tights, high top sneakers and . . . a cape? Who would run through the halls of Deerwood Park Middle School dressed like this? And why?
Janey-quick to stay in the shadows-can't resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the mask. The answer pulls invisible Janey into the spotlight and leads her to an unexpected friendship with a superhero like no other. Fearless even in the face of school bully extraordinaire, Dagmar Hagen, no good deed is too small for the incomparable Captain Superlative and her new sidekick, Janey.
But superheroes hold secrets and Captain Superlative is no exception. When Janey unearths what's truly at stake, she's forced to face her own dark secrets and discover what it truly means to be a hero . . . and a friend.
Debut author J.S. Puller delivers an inspirational story full of heart, humor, and breathtaking revelations.

My opinion: I went into this book somewhat dismissive. How quickly I was corrected. It's funny because I can point to specific elements that would normally annoy me: making excuses for bullies, ill children living freely, the bullied kids coming together to defy the bully. I would normally be rolling my eyes at such moments. Instead I enjoyed most of it, because it's so much more. It's an exploration of putting kindness into the world even when it has been treating you unfairly. It's determining your legacy. It's being fearlessly weird. It's pain and joy. Dynamic, appealing characters in a halfway believable plot.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Squirrel Girl

Free Comic Book day has been on my mind lately. In preparation for the event, I made a Squirrel Girl peg doll to add to my collection of superhero pegs.

And then, when I had an opportunity to have an artist draw a character for me at FCBD, I got another Squirrel Girl.

Did you attend any FCBD events?

May the Fourth be with you!

I sort of inadvertently created a tradition for myself two years ago when I drew young version of a Wookie for Star Wars day. Last year I added Admiral Ackbar. This year, after a couple of false starts, I went with Greedo.

Happy Star Wars Day, my friends.

Ira the pikalope

I sat down to add wings to a plastic animal last week. That was the plan. The problem was, the wings didn't look quite right with any of my animals. What I found instead was the body of a plastic horse and a plastic cowboy, so I figured I'd make a centaur.

This, of course, left me with some cowboy legs. Rather than throw them out, I looked for another animal to cement to the top. Once I glued on a fish head, though, I quickly became enamored with the new being. I've since abandoned the centaur. Instead, I added some antlers, making a creature I've since dubbed the pikalope. I think he makes a good companion to the sharkticorn.

 

 

Book 12 complete - The Black Island

The Black Island by Herge

Tintin books are a great source of simple criminal machinations and adventure. This particular book adds a fair amount of slapstick comedy to the mix (including a two page spread involving the fire brigade and a missing key). While it's not my favorite Tintin book, it's a good one to end my 24 hours of reading.

Book 11 complete - A Brief History of Time

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Full disclosure: I understood very little of this book, but then I didn't really expect to understand it. Had I planned my readathon list in advance, this would not have been the audio book I'd have selected. I soldiered through for two reasons. 1) It was an ideal length. 2) It was already on my phone. All that to say, I'll probably revisit this book at least two more times in future. What I gleaned from it this time is that very little in physics can be cleanly and definitively stated and Dr. Hawking was not only brilliant but funny.

Book 10 complete - The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate

The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate by Tim Collins

Given the title and the cover art, I was expecting a more humorous story. While I can appreciate using a story to teach, I didn't find the plot particularly enjoyable or believable.