Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero

October 16, 2020

K-Gr 3-Pilutti spins an endearing new take on the superhero story. A white child, Lava Boy, and his action figure, Captain Magma, have gone on many adventures together thanks to Captain Magma's incredible super strength and lava vision. Following a once-in-a-lifetime flight, with the help of a bird, sometimes Captain Magma wishes he could fly. But would Lava Boy set him aside for a cooler, flying superhero? Thanks to the creativity of Lava Boy, they come up with a 10-step DIY plan for Captain Magma. Additionally, readers meet a Black child, Star Girl, and her action figure, Meteor Shower, who join in this adventure of creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. Pilutti's weaving of a story of friendship and loyalty with one of new horizons and problem-solving is a great lesson in collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking. Adorable drawn illustrations in a dynamic cartoon style show all the action-so much action-and a genuinely sweet resolution VERDICT An excellent addition to the superhero landscape that finds a new way to tackle topics of making friends and persistence.-David Roberts, Salem P.L., OH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2020
A toy superhero tries to fly with help from his human child sidekick. Lava Boy, a White child, and Captain Magma, a superhero toy who presents as a White male, work together to save the day all the time. Captain Magma has many powers: superstrength, lava vision, and friendliness so strong it wins over evil villains. But he can't help but wish he could fly. Once, a bird picked him up and flew with him; he dreams of repeating the experience, but to no avail. And he secretly fears Lava Boy might replace him for a better superhero, like Meteor Shower, a Black female superhero who flies. Captain Magma enlists Lava Boy to help him learn to fly, with a 10-step plan involving craft supplies, feathers, a high launching spot, and, of course, trying again if you fail. After Meteor Shower rescues Captain Magma, Lava Boy and Meteor Shower's human sidekick, Star Girl (who is also Black), run off together, clad in their superhero costumes and clutching their respective toys. While some of the later plot turns feel a bit arbitrary, this simple, easy-to-read tale explores childcentric issues of relationships, trust, and learning with a humorous touch. Bright illustrations in primary colors with green backgrounds, fun lettering, and occasional speech bubbles evoke the comic-book superhero tradition. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 67.5% of actual size.) There's an apple neatly hidden in this superhero candy treat. (Picture book. 3-7)

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