Almost Super
#1 of 2 in Almost Super Series
on Goodreads (1,365)
What’s inside...
Every leap year on February 29th at 4:23 p.m., members of the Bailey family over twelve receive a superpower. Rafter and Benny Bailey anticipate receiving powers like their ancestors to continue their duty of protecting the world from the villainous Johnsons. However, their received powers are disappointing; Rafter can light matches on polyester, and Benny can change his belly button from an innie to an outie. Their perspective shifts when they encounter Juanita Johnson, who believes her family are the superheroes and the Baileys the villains. Rafter, with Benny and a new ally, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about their families and redefine what it means to be a hero. Perfect for fans of Pixar's The Incredibles, Almost Super is a fresh, funny middle grade adventure about two brothers in a family of superheroes who must find a way to be heroic despite receiving powers that are total duds. Filled with humor, heart, and just the right kind of heroics, Almost Super is a winning story that will satisfy would-be heroes and regular kids alike.
Character compass
Rafter Bailey
Juanita Johnson
Benny Bailey
Discussion points
What would you do if you suddenly discovered you had a superpower? How would you use it to help others?
Which character in the story did you relate to the most and why?
What do you think the story tells us about the importance of teamwork and family?
How did the characters change from the beginning of the book to the end? What caused those changes?
If you could create a new superpower for one of the characters, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the values of empathy and kindness as you discuss the story, asking your child how characters in the book displayed these traits.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine their own superpowers and how they would use them.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to deepen your child’s understanding of right and wrong.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of family and working together to overcome challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Almost Super' must work together to overcome challenges despite their differences. This demonstrates how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by cooperating with others in group activities at school or in sports, understanding that everyone has unique strengths.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: The protagonists in the story have unique, quirky superpowers that they learn to appreciate and utilize. This teaches that everyone's unique traits are valuable.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique talents and those of others, promoting self-esteem and acceptance among peers.
Example Lesson: The significance of integrity
Explanation: Characters face moral choices that test their integrity. Making the right choice, even when it's hard, is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of honesty and making ethical decisions in their daily interactions with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite initial failures, the characters keep trying, showing persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance when facing their own challenges, whether in learning new skills or handling personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters learn to see things from different perspectives, understanding each other’s situations and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy in real life, leading to more harmonious interactions and an inclusive attitude towards others.