How to Save a Superhero - Hardcover

Freeman, Ruth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823447626 ISBN 13: 9780823447626

Publisher: Holiday House, 2021

Synopsis

Ten-year-old Addie knows that Superheroes aren't real, and that they certainly don't hide out in retirement communities, but she may just have to change her mind.

Addie and her mom never stay in one place too long. They've been up and down and all around the country. When her mom, Tish, gets a new job at Happy Valley Village Retirement Community in Pennsylvania, Addie believes they'll be on the road again in a month. But this time, something is different--make that, someone. Mr. Norris, a grumpy resident of Happy Valley and. . .a former superhero?

Well, that's what Marwa, whose mom also works at Happy Valley, would try and have Addie believe. Addie and her friend Dickson know better even if there are things they can't explain. Like the time Mr. Norris was about to get hit by a car and was suddenly on the other side of the road or the way his stare seems to take root in Addie's stomach.

When a man starts prowling the Happy Valley grounds, claiming to be the great-nephew of a resident, Addie, Marwa, and Dickson soon stumble into a grand conspiracy involving the Manhattan Project, a shady weapons company, and the fate of the human race, in this smart, funny middle grade novel.

About this title

About the Author

Ruth Freeman is the author of One Good Thing About America, which received a Golden Kite Honor Award and was called a "touching novel" by School Library Journal. Ruth grew up in rural Pennsylvania but now lives in Maine where she teaches English language learners in an elementary school.

Reviews

Gr 3–5—Addie and her mom, Tish, have just moved again. Being a fifth grader and moving 11 times isn't something Addie's proud of. Missing Granny Lu, who passed two years ago, Addie is hoping to put down roots in a new place. Her mom has a month to prove herself at her new job, working in Happy Valley senior living home where a host of memorable residents keeps Addie entertained everyday after school. One such resident is Mr. Norris, who seems to have an old superhero suit in his bottom drawer. Events begin to occur that don't have a natural explanation and Addie and her two friends, Marwa and Dickinson, become suspicious that Mr. Norris just might be a real superhero. They're not the only ones on a quest to find out the truth however, and the appearance of a suspicious relative brings about even more questions for the trio. What ensues will keep readers turning the pages right up until the end. Freeman delivers on the mystery, adventure, and fantasy in this middle grade novel. Most characters are cued as white. VERDICT A solid purchase for libraries seeking additional superhero fiction with a twist of playful mystery.—Tracy Cronce

Edition details

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0823447626
• ISBN 13: 9780823447626
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272