Superhero Playbook, super traits from heroes that kids can benefit from

Our children, in no way shape or form want to actively talk about emotions. Both of our boys can sense an upcoming talk on emotions or feelings from a mile away. And for two kids who don’t want to talk about emotions, they sure get emotional when it needs to be discussed. Granted, part of that stems from the fact that talking about your feelings could lead some kids to question their strengths or magnify their faults. That’s the beauty of Superhero Playbook by Randall Lotowycz with illustrations by Tim Palin.  It looks at a myriad of superheroes, as well as their superpowers and presents it in a way that kids aged nine and up can learn from.

This is not rote ‘learning’. This is the fun, read-along learning that kids will want to do. In a way it’s like a book I’m reading now called The Psychology of the Simpsons. It is a psychology book, but it looks at real, serious psychological traits through the eyes of each character in the show. Superhero Playbook, Lessons in Life From Your Favorite Superheroes, does the same thing, but for the superstars of Marvel and DC.

Each chapter is between five and six pages and dedicated to a superhero or group of them. There’s a kid who resembles a physical or character trait for the superhero in the chapter. If young readers aren’t familiar with them, there’s also a short page that introduces them. These pages are really well done and boil down the essence of what makes the person or team super. Even if your young reader isn’t familiar with all of the DCU of Marvel Universe they’ll be able to understand the basics behind their story.

It also goes a bit deeper. For example, after we meet Black Panther kids will learn about what it takes to be a good leader, like constructive criticism, making hard choices and listening to everyone. All of the chapters also scratch the geek end of the character’s mythos. Again, with Black Panther, we’re reminded about his sister, Shuri. She’s very smart and wanted to make his suit even better and more protective in battle. Her desire to never settle for good enough is a standout lesson that kids will discover.

Again, I’m reminded of when I was a kid and I received a “C” in class. “It’s average, isn’t that good”, I responded to my parents when they seemed to want more. In my mind ‘average’ wasn’t bad.  However, when you have the ability to do excellent work, yet the product you continually produce is ‘average’, it’s disappointing. Had I been in charge of Black Panther’s suit he would’ve lost many battles.

Superhero kids who know their stuff will appreciate that the book isn’t simply stacked with ‘A’ list people. Robin, Squirrel Girl and others who haven’t had their own movie are also in the book. The text is on level for most nine year-olds to read it them self and because each chapter is relatively small they can be read in one sitting. The pages are jammed with bright graphics, text in-lays, word blocks and more that invite kids to keep reading. The combination of all of this is that kids find themselves reading more about superheroes that they don’t know; which includes characteristics that every kid could benefit from.

Superhero Playbook, Lessons in Life From Your Favorite Superheroes is by Randall Lotowycz with illustrations by Tim Palin and on Duopress Books.

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