Villains Rising

Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major social transition, such as changing schools, leaving a sports team, or feeling like they no longer fit in with their old friend group. It speaks directly to the discomfort of being the new kid with a complicated past. Following Alex Knight as he moves from a family of supervillains to a team of heroes, the story explores the nuance of identity and the courage required to reinvent oneself when others still see you as your old self. Parents will appreciate how it models the difficult work of building trust with former rivals. While the superhero action is high energy and engaging for ages 8 to 12, the heart of the book is about the messy, brave process of choosing who you want to be regardless of where you started. It is an excellent choice for children who feel misunderstood or are struggling to find a sense of belonging in a new environment.