Project Superhero facts for kids
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| Author | E. Paul Zehr |
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| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Superhero, Debate, and Diary |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | ECW Press |
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Publication date
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2014 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 224 |
| ISBN | 978-1-77041-180-7 |
| OCLC | 869266615 |
Project Superhero is an exciting book from 2014. It mixes fiction (a made-up story) with non-fiction (real facts). The book was written by a scientist named E. Paul Zehr and has cool drawings by Kris Pearn. ECW Press first published it in September 2014. In 2015, the book won a silver medal at the IPPY Awards for books for young people. This was Zehr's third book, but his first time writing a story for kids.
How the Book Was Made
After writing two successful science books, Becoming Batman and Inventing Iron Man, author E. Paul Zehr was invited to speak at many places. These included big events like the San Diego Comic-Con International and even school assemblies.
When he spoke at middle schools, young students often asked if his next book would be for them. Zehr saw this as a great chance to write a science book for kids aged 12-15. He also wanted to explore the important roles girls and women play in science, sports, smart thinking, and art.
Zehr met Kris Pearn at a TEDxEdmonton event in 2012. Zehr was giving a talk called "the superhero in you." That's where their partnership began. Pearn is famous for his work on animated movies like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Arthur Christmas, and Surf's Up.
What's the Story About?
The story begins when Jessie, a 13-year-old girl, starts grade eight. Jessie loves superhero comic books and writing in her diary. Her Socials class gives her a big project for the whole year called the Superhero Slam.
In this project, students have a debate tournament. Each student picks a superhero and must argue why their hero is the best. They need to talk about different topics, such as:
- Wisdom and experience
- Physical strength and quickness
- Never giving up and being determined
- Smart thinking
- How they recover from challenges
- Courage
- Being prepared
- Leadership
Jessie prefers superheroes who are real people but have extra training and cool technology, like Batman or Iron Man. So, she chooses Batgirl as her top pick. She starts researching what makes Batgirl an amazing female superhero.
To learn more about how real people can become superheroes, Jessie decides to train herself. She practices martial arts with her aunt. She also learns about important skills like determination by writing letters to "real-life superheroes." She writes to and gets replies from:
- Mike Bruen
- Kelly Sue DeConnick
- Clara Hughes
- Bryan Q. Miller
- Christie Nicholson
- Yuriko Romer
- Nicole Stott
- Jessica Watson
- Hayley Wickenheiser
Kris Pearn's drawings of Jessie, her family, and friends add fun details to Jessie's diary entries.
Meet the Characters
- Jessie: She is the 13-year-old main character. Her diary entries show her year-long project, which ends with the Superhero Slam. Her research helps her understand what heroism means and what it takes to be a superhero.
- Audrey: She is Jessie’s best girl friend since they were little kids. Audrey also loves comic books. She is very good with electronics, computers, and robots.
- Cade: He is Jessie’s best boy friend. Cade also loves comic books. He is interested in sports and is very athletic in many different games.
- Dylan: He is Jessie’s rival. Dylan often argues with Jessie and her friends, saying that boys are better than girls. He debates against Jessie in the final round of the Superhero Slam.
- Shay: She is Jessie’s younger sister. Shay sometimes bothers Jessie but also supports her throughout the school year.
- Auntie G: She is Jessie and Shay’s aunt. Auntie G is Jessie’s martial arts teacher. She is an expert in karate and kobujutsu.
