Superheroes are fearless, enigmatic, and technologically advanced warriors for justice. In middle-grade novels and picture books for young readers, they also make excellent characters. Here are 21 of our favorite superhero novels for kids, so don your cape and mask.
Lava Boy emphasizes the fundamental principles of super-heroism through the example of his action figure Captain Magma. Of course, as these sidekicks demonstrate, “Saving the day is more fun with a companion.”
Manny enjoys using his rainbow of capes to play the superhero at home. But when he sees bullying at school, his “invisible cape” gives him the courage to speak out and inspire others to do the same. This story can be used to illustrate how having an ally gives you the possibility to become a superhero.
It was challenging to pick just one Super Manny book; in this sequel to the first one, Manny and his sidekick Gertie put their skills to use protecting the earth. Litterbugs have no chance against these two brave individuals!
Because his preferred superhero is a female, Max’s friends make fun of him. Max, though, is confident in Megapower’s capabilities. He has seen her knowledge, strength, and the ability to “see straight through barriers” thanks to her “ultravision.” Students should draw the heartwarming conclusion that Max’s favorite superhero is undoubtedly a mother.
Being your brother’s continual shadow is challenging, especially when your brother is a young superhero! But it’s Jack’s sibling skills that save the day when Stan’s stuffed animal slips into the zoo’s (actual) bear enclosure.
This educational classic exemplifies some of the most valuable teachings that superheroes can impart, including the benefits of perseverance and hard work, volunteering advantages, and friendship’s unbreakable strength. With your brave one, Dex, you’ve won our hearts.
Bumblebee Boy and Ladybug Girl’s friend Sam wants to play the superhero game his way. Even after being repeatedly told that “Bumblebee Boy flies alone,” his younger sibling won’t stop interjecting. Sam concludes that having a sidekick is occasionally helpful and enjoyable.
We chose this book because a Pulitzer Prize-winning author wrote it. Still, we stayed for the clever, ironic descriptions and invented superhero jargon (does anyone want to know what a “thermovulcanized protein-delivery orb” is?)—additionally acknowledging that every superhero has a “secret-identity Mom” in charge of maintaining the Fortress of Awesome.
The Big Bad Wolf forced the three pigs to use all of their superhero skills, but when he managed to escape from the “Happily Never After” prison with plans for retaliation, their abilities were put to the test. This is a great story with many plot turns, jokes, and a strategically placed jetpack.
Fly already possesses many superpowers, so why wouldn’t she aspire to become a recognized superhero? This one is humorously educational, like the titles about Fly’s friends Worm and Spider.
This film, a sequel to Even Superheroes Have Bad Days, has the same original group of heroes as its predecessor, including “Laserman” and “Icky,” the web shooter. Social-emotional learning is woven throughout the rhyming text, and the images provide many discussion points.
This step-by-step manual covers everything you need to know to achieve your title, making it the ideal inspiration for classrooms studying procedural writing or simply children who want to be superheroes (who doesn’t?). There are many further options, such as selecting a superhero name, creating a disguise, and deciding on a superpower.
Lucia is “a KA-POW sort of upset” when the playground boys inform her that girls can’t be superheroes. Lucia understands what she’s supposed to do when her Abuela tells her about luchadores, brave and skillful wrestlers who wear masks. Check out Lucia the Luchadora and the Million Masks for more information about her upcoming journey.
What could be more engaging for students than a thrilling superhero tale? One that centers on a superhuman librarian who “saves the world with the right book at the right time” may be interesting. Be sure to pay attention to Lyric’s armory of books’ perfectly clever titles.
Many superhero origin stories are available to inspire young readers, but we prefer this D.C. Superheroes Origins series for the additional back-matter content. The glossary’s high-utility words can be used to expand your vocabulary, and the discussion questions provided can be used to assess your understanding.
This illustrated early chapter book series blends princess and superhero appeal masterfully and hits many boxes. As a monster-fighting team, Princess Magnolia and her horse Frimplepants lead an adventurous double life.
They are introducing Eugene, a.k.a. Captain Awesome! Duty asks Captain Awesome to locate the lost class hamster, Turbo, not long after starting at a new school. Kids are introduced to a wealth of elements and characters in this first book, both good and bad, to pique their interest in this enjoyable early chapter book series.
Nobody in Amanda’s sixth-grade class understands her obsession with insects. Amanda acquires insect-like skills and must utilize them to stop the invaders from posing a threat to the community. Anyone who wanted superpowers to get through middle school will understand Amanda’s goal. Additionally, look at Bug Girl: Fury on the Dance Floor, the sequel. Superpowers might be more beneficial at a middle school dance than anywhere else.
Being old enough to get your superpower is a highly anticipated milestone when you come from a family of superheroes. It’s a shame that Rafter and Benny’s abilities aren’t more spectacular. This charming and humorous middle-grade book examines friendship, identity, and connection topics.
Ben, a typical middle schooler, aspires to be a hero. When he is chosen to enroll in a covert school for children with superpowers, he is given an unexpected opportunity to realize his dreams. This brand-new hybrid graphic novel series is entertaining and quick-paced.
Superheroes, or super dogs, are the ideal topic for Dan Santat’s clever artwork. Various animals compete to become Captain Amazing’s next sidekick in this comic novel. This one will appeal to fans and newcomers to comic books alike.
