A parent might reach for this book when their child is the new kid at school or is struggling with feeling invisible and ordinary. It tells the story of Janey, a quiet girl trying to blend in at her new middle school, whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a costumed, ridiculously cheerful real-life superhero named Captain Superlative. As Janey becomes the hero's sidekick and chronicler, she finds her own voice and courage. This humorous and heartfelt story explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of small acts of kindness. Perfect for kids 8-12, it's a wonderful choice to show a child that you don't need a cape to make a difference and that everyone has a hero inside them.
The book directly addresses a main character's chronic, life-threatening illness (a congenital heart defect). The topic is introduced later in the narrative and is handled with sensitivity in a secular context. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on friendship, community support, and living life to the fullest, rather than on a medical cure. Bullying is also a theme, depicted realistically through verbal taunts and social pressure.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11-year-old who feels overlooked or is navigating the social challenges of a new school. This child is likely introverted or shy, with a rich inner world, who needs encouragement to find their voice and see their own value. It's for the reader who loves quirky characters and stories about the power of friendship.
Parent Prep
A parent should be aware of the reveal of Dagmar's serious heart condition around Chapter 20. For a particularly sensitive child or one with anxieties around health, it would be beneficial to preview these chapters. The conversation is handled well but introduces a significant level of emotional gravity. A parent notices their child feeling lonely after a move, or hears them say something like, "Nobody at school even knows I'm there" or "I'm too boring to have friends."
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will connect most with the humor, the superhero antics, and the core friendship story. They'll see it as a fun story about being brave. Older readers (10-12) will better appreciate the nuances of Janey's character growth, the social commentary on popularity and conformity, and the deeper themes of legacy and mortality.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most school stories, it uses the superhero trope not for fantasy, but as a brilliant metaphor for everyday courage and nonconformity. Its focus on the "sidekick's" journey of self-discovery is a unique and highly relatable narrative frame, showing that you don't have to be the one in the cape to be transformed by heroism.
Read plot summary
Janey is the quiet new girl at Deerwood Park Middle School, content to observe. Her world changes when a costumed girl calling herself Captain Superlative appears, performing bizarre and wonderful acts of kindness, from returning lost items to standing up to the school bully. Janey is reluctantly pulled into her orbit, becoming Captain Superlative's official biographer and friend. As she documents the adventures of her new friend, Dagmar, Janey finds her own courage. The story addresses the mystery behind Dagmar's identity and motivations, which involves a serious health condition, culminating in a school-wide movement of kindness inspired by her actions.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Captain Superlative believes in doing 'superlative' deeds. What were some of your favorite good deeds she did, and what makes a deed 'superlative' instead of just 'good'?
2
Janey starts as a quiet observer but becomes Captain Superlative's sidekick and biographer. How does Janey change throughout the book? Do you think she could have become a hero without meeting Dagmar?
3
Dagmar keeps her identity and her illness a secret for a long time. Why do you think she did that? Was it the right choice? When is it important to share our secrets with friends?
4
At the end of the book, many other students start their own small acts of heroism. If you were a superhero at your school, what would your name be and what would your first good deed be?
