Recommended Books
The original superheroes...
Paul Bunyan by Steven Kellogg - Ages 5 and up
What do you do with a super strong baby who pulls up trees? What happens when he gets older and wrestles with grizzly bears for fun? This picture book biography of Paul Bunyan chronicles his exploits from infancy to adulthood including how he made the Great Lakes and the Grand Canyon. Take time to explore Kellogg's detailed illustrations with the kids. And for a feminine take on super strength, try Kellogg's Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett.
John Henry by Julius Lester - Ages 5 and up
Rhythmic language and captivating illustrations make this picture book perfect for reading aloud. Lester follows John Henry from his birth to his legendary race with a steam drill to create a tunnel through a mountain. Encourage younger listeners to act out Henry's exploits and to look for the wild animals that witness his birth and then reappear throughout the book.
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
by Ingrid and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire - Ages 8 to 12
This beautifully illustrated collection provides a thrilling introduction to Greek gods and goddesses. Chose a couple members of Zeus' family or explore the story of King Midas or Heracles with a small group of older kids at your Read-Aloud. Or tap into the craze over the recent movie revival of Thor with D'Aulaire's Book of Norse Myths.
The Olympians series by George O'Connor - Ages 9 and upGreek myths in comic book form will engage even the most reluctant reader! Try these books in small groups with older kids. And check out the website for some fun activities:
http://olympiansrule.com/.
and some new superheroes...
The Adventures of Sparrowboy by Brian Pinkney - Ages 4 to 8
What happens when neighborhood paperboy Henry becomes Sparrowboy? He fights bullies, saves birds and delivers papers at lightning speed on his bike! This book will help kids understand that being like a superhero isn't too hard. For another take on how doing everyday things to help others can make you a superhero, check out Supersister by Beth Cadena.
Eliot Jones: Midnight Superhero by Anne Cottringer - Ages 5 to 8
By day, Eliot is very quiet. By night, he's a superhero who comes to the aid of mayors, the Coast Guard, queens and scientists. While this book details Eliot's daring nighttime exploits, it is a great starting place for a discussion of how superheroes are perceived when they aren't doing hero stuff. Ask the kids at the beginning of the story why they think Eliot is so quiet during the day.
SuperHero ABC by Bob McLeod - Ages 5 to 10
Who knew there was a superhero for every letter of the alphabet? This picture book introduces all of them, from A to Z, with eye-popping illustrations and silly, alliterative text. Encourage the kids to come up with more letter-matching descriptive words for each hero.
Superdog: The Heart of a Hero
by Caralyn Buehner - Ages 7 to 9
Dexter is an underdog determined to make himself into a superhero. With a bit of research, exercise and the help of a mail-order hero suit, Dexter transforms himself into Superdog and eventually wins over his greatest critic. Searching for hidden pictures of cats, rabbits and a Tyrannosaurus Rex can keep younger listeners engaged.
For kids ages 8 and up, try reading a part of these chapter books and graphic novels for some new superhero greatness. (You might be able to read all of BabyMouse or Lunch Lady to a small group in 20 minutes or so.)
Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off
by Jacqueline Jules - Ages 7 to 9
Special shoes make Freddie super fast.
BabyMouse: Our Hero by Jennifer Holm -
Ages 7 to 10
Sometimes you have to be your own hero!
Lunch Lady books by Jarrett J. Krosoczka - Ages 7 to 11
Fighting crime and serving lunch every day!
Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper - Ages 7 to 11
Having a fashion crisis? Call Fashion Kitty!