Public School Superhero

By: James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts

Narrated by: Joshua Boone

Inner city middle school student Kenny Wright imagines himself as a superhero-but when he faces peer pressure and bullying, can he find his strength in real life?

Kenny Wright is a kid with a secret identity. In his mind, he's Stainlezz Steel, super-powered defender of the weak. In reality, he's a chess club devotee known as a "Grandma's Boy," a label that makes him an easy target for bullies. Kenny wants to bring a little more Steel to the real world, but the question is: can he recognize the real strength and goodness inside himself? Or will peer pressure force him to make the worst choice of his life?

Interspersed with fantastic illustrations and comic-book panels, this book aims to both entertain and to provoke dialogue about identity, belonging, and doing the right thing.

Critic reviews

Praise for Public School Superhero:

"The authors never get too preachy for their own good.... Told with the humorous style characteristic of Patterson when he's in preteen mode, the novel fits right in with I Funny, Middle School, and the like. Adding to the book's charm [are] comic-filled pages that help further illustrate Kenny's inner workings as well as present just plain fun superhero stories. A smart and kind story topped with just the right amount of social justice."—Kirkus Reviews

"Packed with fast-paced tween-speak, Public School Superhero will entertain and enlighten.... Readers will also enjoy the multiple pages of funny, comic book-style illustrations packed with superhero stunts and preteen angst.... Definitely buy this one."—School Library Journal

"With admirers of all ages, don't be surprised if everyone wants to get their hands on [Patterson's] latest."—Booklist

Praise for I Funny:A #1 New York Times Bestseller

"....Poignant.... Readers learn about [Jamie's] devastating loss and recovery from a tragic event....The affecting ending, which reveals a more vulnerable Jamie behind the guise of his humor, celebrates Jamie's resilient spirit."—Kirkus Reviews

"In all, a brimming bucket of bada-bing!"—Booklist

"The broad humor that runs throughout this heavily illustrated story... masks personal pain, demonstrating resiliency in the face of tragedy."—Publishers Weekly

Praise for Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life:

* "As Patterson artfully weaves a deeper and more thought-provoking tale of childhood coping mechanisms and everyday school and family realities, readers are drawn into a deeper understanding of and compassion for the main characters."—School Library Journal, starred review

"Readers will discover the best kind of child: one that is intelligent, artistic, and brave.... A world perfectly described through a 12-year-old's point of view...a satisfying and progressive tale with real sweetness."—Kirkus Reviews

"A keen appreciation of kids' insecurities and an even more astute understanding of what might propel boy readers through a book.... a perfectly pitched novel."—Los Angeles Times

"Cleverly delves into the events that make middle school so awkward: cranky bus drivers, tardy slips, bathroom passes and lots of rules.... Hopefully, this isn't the last we hear from Rafe Khatchadorian."—The Associated Press

"It's a chatty, funny, engaging book, one that often addresses the reader directly. It's filled with energetic cartoons... that will appeal to your little rebel, depicting teachers as dungeon-keepers, matadors and flying dragons. Patterson... knows how to structure a plot and builds in some surprising--even touching--twists.... Rafe is the bad boy with a heart of gold."—The New York Times

Great read

Students that struggle with peer pressure and do t think there is a way out need to read this book! A well written book with funny antidotes and a serious middle school issue that has realistic problem solving. And of course, one has to like a book that has a superhero!

The best book for any age

What did you love best about Public School Superhero?

This book is really funny.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Public School Superhero?

When Kenny tells his grandma everything about his troubles.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can not pick.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part when Ray Ray teaches Kenny to be more confident.

Any additional comments?

Read it and you will feel the same way I do.

Great for this fourth and six greater kids

I love this book so much
It is funny and inspirational I rated it five because I love it so much