Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (a life-threatening contest)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
After the Super Sidekicks rescue a royal baby from a bunch
of creepy clowns, they receive a call from H.E.R.O (Heroic Earth Righteousness
Organization) inviting them to visit. The leader of H.E.R.O., Super Supreme, says
the only way these kids can become members of his exclusive superhero club would
be to successfully complete the Trial of Heroes, an ancient life-threatening test
of one’s true heroism. The rest of the team is not interested, but since Junior
Justice wants to be part of H.E.R.O. so badly, they agree to go along. The team
faces three challenges, representing the three pillars of superheroes, and inadvertently
uncover a surprising truth about Super Supreme.
Since this is the third book in the series, references to
their past adventures are asterisked and briefly explained in footnotes - very
helpful if you haven’t read the previous books yet. The four Super Sidekicks are
very likable, and their abilities are clever and entertaining, despite Junior
Justice’s expression appearing a bit manic at times. Who wouldn’t enjoy reading
about limitlessly stretchy Goo flying out of Junior Justice’s nose as they battle
the clowns? Or about Flygirl with her bug balls and a shape-shifting dinosaur? Middle-grade
fans of superhero graphic novels will enjoy traveling around the world with these
Super Sidekicks, from England to Australia to New York City to the fertile
crescent, while cheering them on as they support and encourage of each other through the challenges of the trial, illustrated with easy-to-follow and brightly colored panels. Courage, persistence, and compassion and empathy
are worthy superhero values, indeed.
Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MLS, elementary school teacher-librarian
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