Book Review - Captain Superlative by J. S. Puller + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Janey Silverman is used to being ignored and treated like she doesn't exist. But when a student dons a blue wig, red mask, and silver swimsuit to impart a kindness on citizens, Janey is both in awe and confused by the masked hero, Captain Superlative. She is used to being in the shadows, but when she is accidentally pulled into the spotlight, Janey is unsure how to react. When Janey starts a friendship with the budding superhero, she is pulled out from her comfort zone. She starts to define who she wants to be in life. However, her newfound friendship causes Janey to be a target of the school's bully, Dagmar. When Janey discovers her superhero's dark secret, she questions their mission and their friendship. Will Janey and Captain Superlative be able to stay friends or will the secret tear them apart?

The novel was an emotional and wonderful read. While Captain Superlative's dark secret was a bit predictable, it was done with an emotional pull that made readers bond with the characters. The story showed readers a different way people can deal with tragedy along with delicate nature of friendships.  The novel shows how people have the power to chose their own destiny instead of having one specific trait define them. I found the novel to be an inspiring read with a satisfying ending.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book:

Title: CAPTAIN SUPERLATIVE

Author: J.S. Puller

Pub. Date: May 8, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 256

Find it: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

"Have no fear, citizens! Captain Superlative is here to make all troubles disappear!"

Red mask, blue wig, silver swimsuit, rubber gloves, torn tights, high top sneakers and . . . a cape? Who would run through the halls of Deerwood Park Middle School dressed like this? And why?

Janey-quick to stay in the shadows-can't resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the mask. The answer pulls invisible Janey into the spotlight and leads her to an unexpected friendship with a superhero like no other. Fearless even in the face of school bully extraordinaire, Dagmar Hagen, no good deed is too small for the incomparable Captain Superlative and her new sidekick, Janey.

But superheroes hold secrets and Captain Superlative is no exception. When Janey unearths what's truly at stake, she's forced to face her own dark secrets and discover what it truly means to be a hero . . . and a friend.

About J.S.: 

J. S. Puller a playwright and debut author from the Windy City, Chicago. She has a master's degree in elementary education and a bachelor's degree in theatre from Northwestern University. She is an award-winning member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and is actively involved in researching the social-emotional benefits of arts education with the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. When not writing, she can usually be found in the theatre. Her play, WOMEN WHO WEAVE, was published by Playscripts, Inc.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

3 winners will receive a finished copy of CAPTAIN SUPERLATIVE, US Only.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/30/2018- BookHounds YA- Interview

5/1/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review

5/2/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert - Review

5/3/2018- Wonder Struck- Review

5/4/2018- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

 

Book Review - A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi

The heartbreaking novel is narrated by "Destiny" who tells the story of a family who lives in the war torn Syria. Tareq is surrounded by his big close knitted family. He is surrounded by people who love and care about him. Unfortunately, that all changes when a bomb hits his neighborhood causing his family to suffer a few casualties. Tareq and his family that survived must leave Syria, if they hope to remain alive. Their journey to "freedom", is one filled with violence and heartbreak, but also of love and hope. Will Tareq be able to escape with his family? 

The tear provoking novel is so beautifully written that it allowed readers to be transported to the hellish experience Tareq and his fellow refugees endured. It is hard to read this novel and not be sympathetic to the plight refugees face, but also hopeful when they manage to make it. For young readers, this book offers the perfect gateway for having conversations about volunteering, being sympathetic to your fellow humans and also not to lose hope when you feel like all the cards are stacked against you. An emotionally charged novel with an interesting concept with part of the narration being told by "Destiny". I look forward to reading other books by the author!

About the author: An award-winning author and journalist--and a refugee herself--Atia Abawi captures the hope that spurs people forward against all odds and the love that makes that hope grow.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**