copyright date: January 1, 2021
primarily marketed for: middle grades
The Greatest Superpower by Alex Sanchez is a gem. I was in a bit of a reading slump until I picked up this book, thanks to NetGalley.
This middle grades book is about comic book loving Jorge who is navigating his parents' divorce and his first crush on a girl. Jorge's parents not only announce they are getting divorced, but his father also reveals to Jorge and his twin brother Cesar that she is transgender and wishes to live as her true self.
Although this announcement is a confusing surprise to Jorge, his love for his father ultimately trumps all. Cesar, however, is angry at their dad and works to prevent Jorge from sharing the truth with his friends.
In the midst of the changes in Jorge's family life, he and his friends are trying to invent a new superhero for a comic book contest. When Jorge blurts out the idea of the superpower to gender-shift, his friends jump on board.
Conversations about the superhero contest, as well as conversations with and about Jorge's dad allow Sanchez to represent and address big ideas like gender norms and transphobia to middle school readers in ways that encourage readers to think for themselves. Although Sanchez shows the harsh reality of transphobia, he also models ways to speak openly, think openly, and act positively toward and about the transgender community.
Sanchez has created a cast of characters with depth, especially the object of Jorge's interest--Zoey. Zoey is a well-developed character who exists as a character outside of her role as the girl Jorge and his friend compete to win over. This book will surely make you laugh as much as it will open your heart and mind.
Reading threads:
Middle School's A Drag: You Better Werk by Greg Howard
Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake
The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Jung
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