Public School Superhero - Softcover

Patterson, James; Tebbetts, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0316265985 ISBN 13: 9780316265980

Publisher: jimmy patterson, 2016

Synopsis

Inner city middle school student Kenny Wright imagines himself as a superhero-but when he faces peer pressure and bullying, can he find his strength in real life?
Kenny Wright is a kid with a secret identity. In his mind, he's Stainlezz Steel, super-powered defender of the weak. In reality, he's a chess club devotee known as a "Grandma's Boy," a label that makes him an easy target for bullies. Kenny wants to bring a little more Steel to the real world, but the question is: can he recognize the real strength and goodness inside himself? Or will peer pressure force him to make the worst choice of his life?
Interspersed with fantastic illustrations and comic-book panels, this book aims to both entertain and to provoke dialogue about identity, belonging, and doing the right thing.

About this title

About the Author:

James Patterson holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers, including Middle School and I Funny. He is a tireless champion of the power of books and reading, exemplified by his new children's book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY Book to say: "PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK." He has donated more than one million books to students and soldiers and has over four hundred Teacher Education Scholarships at twenty-four colleges and universities. He has also donated millions to independent bookstores and school libraries. James will be investing his proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 4–6—By day, Kenny Wright is an average middle school kid, living in Washington, DC. But he has three things against him: he loves his grandmother, earning him the nickname "Grandma's Boy;" he's smart, because Grandma makes him study; and he has an affinity for chess. These facts could make life rough for any kid, but at inner-city Union Middle School, it makes him a prime target for bullying. Enter his alter-ego, Stainlezz Steel, a superhero who performs feats of valor from thwarting a robbery by ruthless thugs to rescuing cats, generally keeping the city streets and his school safe for the weak and nerdy. Union Middle School faces some tough situations as well: budget cuts, teacher and principal turnover, and low-performing students. Trying to stay out of trouble seems to get Kenny in deeper and his new principal isn't having any of it. Can Stainlezz Steel save the day or will Kenny find a way to save it on his own? Packed with fast-paced, tween-speak, Public School Superhero will entertain and enlighten. Kenny is relatable and his relationship with his grandmother is touching. Kenny is African American and his classmates include kids from a rich and realistic diversity of racial and ethnic backgrounds, adding to the overall appeal of this novel. Readers will also enjoy the multiple pages of funny, comic book-style illustrations packed with superhero stunts and preteen angst. VERDICT Definitely buy this one.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH

About this edition

• Publisher: jimmy patterson
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0316265985
• ISBN 13: 9780316265980
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304
• Illustrator: Thomas Cory