Superhero School
Kindergarten-Grade 4—Super psyched to attend superhero school, Leonard and his classmates are disappointed to find themselves belaboring math problems with Mr. Tornado instead of focusing on important subjects, such as destroying alien death rays and conquering supervillains and mad scientists. When the unthinkable happens and the teachers are kidnapped by the ice zombies, the class shifts into superhero mode faster than anyone can text "HELP." The obstacles they face are only solvable by application of their newly discovered comprehension of multiplication, division, and fractions. When Mr. Tornado rewards the class for their amazing rescue with an A+ on the math quiz, it registers with Leonard and his fellow superheros that they may have been duped by the faculty. Now the youngsters realize that math is a useful and enjoyable subject. Rash's illustrations in digital collage of gouache and Sharpies create his trademark cartoons that pulsate with energy and engage readers. Reynolds creatively blends the use of math skills in word-problem superhero settings that are playful, smart, and positive. This title is sure to be a winner with children who are anxious or reluctant about math.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NYEND