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Superheroes, old and new

Superheroes are having a renaissance. Movies, books and TV shows are all cashing in on the craze. Some kids' books, like the Percy Jackson series, are even connecting modern fantasy fiction with ancient mythology to create new superhero adventures. Look beyond Superman, Wonder Woman and The Hulk to explore superheroes, old and new, at your next Read-Aloud.   

Recommended Books
  
The original superheroes...
  
Paul Bunyan by Steven Kellogg - Ages 5 and upnull
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.
  
  
nullJohn 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.
  
  
  
 daulaires greek myths
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.

  
nullThe Olympians series by George O'Connor - Ages 9 and up
Greek 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 8null
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

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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 null
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.
  
  
Snulluperdog: 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.)

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Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off
by Jacqueline Jules - Ages 7 to 9
Special shoes make Freddie super fast.
  
  
  

BnullabyMouse: 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 11null
Fighting crime and serving lunch every day!
  
  
  
  

  
Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper - Ages 7 to 11 
Having a fashion crisis?  Call Fashion Kitty!null

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

Constructive Conversations  

 

Get a super conversation going by  using a superhero name generator and having the kids make up the back story to their superhero.

 

Or, just ask some questions and see where the conversation takes  you:

 

If you could have a super power, what would you choose? Why?

 

Having a super power could be really great, but it could also have some drawbacks.  What would the downside of being a superhero be?

 

Have you ever had to be brave or push yourself to do something you didn't think you could do? 

Activities 

 

Play superhero charades. Have the kids each choose a card with the name and picture of a familiar superhero on it.  One by one, have the kids act out what their superhero does, until the others guess.  Remember:  No talking!

 

Make superhero masks and arm cuffs.  Break out the markers and
ribbon and get those superheroes geared up! Bring pre-cut masks and ribbon, using this template, toilet paper rolls (2 per kid) cut lengthwise up one side (instructions here), and let the kids go super crazy!

 

What's in a name?  After you read about Greek gods and goddesses, explain that the Romans had different names for many of the same individuals.  Make up a matching game using this chart, to help them learn and match Greek and Roman names to the first superheroes.

Join us for a run.  We're proud to announce we've been chosen as one of 10 charities for the Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Registration fees go to nonprofits.  We need you to come and register to support TRC! The race is Sunday, October 13, in Arlington, VA.  

 

Please tell your friends about the Race and register today!  Don't forget to designate TRC as the recipient of your support.

 

Calendar  

Sunday, October 13:  Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause, 2013.  See above for info and registration.  

 

Wednesday, October 30:  Read-Aloud Volunteer Seminar. "This is your brain on poverty." We'll examine the physical and emotional impact of poverty on children, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., location to be determined. 


            

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