The Big Book of Superheroes

by Bart King, Greg Paprocki (Illustrator)

"The Big Book of Superheroes" is packed with activities and humor. It will help readers with everything from finding a perfect superhero name to avoiding costume wedgies. Apprentice superheroes can also learn how to...

—Defend themselves from preschooler super-villains
—Craft a rousing battle cry
—Customize their Secret Lairs
—Engage in hand-to-hand (and foot-to-butt) combat

So if you're wondering if you have what it takes to be a superhero—of course you do. Just open this book!

As a child, author Bart King discovered he could punch people into outer space. Sadly, he lost a lot of friends that way. Today, Bart is one of the world's most in-demand superhero experts. He's also the author of bestsellers like "The Big Book of Boy Stuff" and "The Pocket Guide to Mischief."

Genres: Nonfiction, Superheroes, Humor, Childrens

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2014

About the author

I write funny and educational books for kids and immature adults. In 2026, two of my projects will hit shelves: FATHER HUMOR (a new edition of THAT'S HOW EYE ROLL), and a new Choose Your Own Adventure title that is still untitled.

Jeff Kinney described my CYOA tales in TIME TRAVEL INN as being full of "mind-blowing adventure and heart-stopping thrills!", so I have that going for me.

Back in 2016, Disney-Hyperion published my funny science-fiction novel, THE DRAKE EQUATION. Reviews:
— “This novel has a lot going for it. There’s an immensely likable protagonist and his marvelous twin friends, a school life that feels true —particularly the petty weirdness of other kids— and a mystery that really engages the reader. King tosses a lot of balls in the air, keeping the twists fast and furious, but thankfully, while the protagonist is suitably overwhelmed, the reader isn’t.” San Francisco Review of Books
— "Librarians will find that young readers empathize with the young birdwatcher and his friends.... children will enjoy the school and friendship aspects of the story." Teacher Librarian Magazine
— "Noah is a strong enough character to snag interest and keep it... there's clever humor and a great central protagonist to carry readers along to the end." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— "A clever sci-fi narrative with an enjoyable main character." Kirkus

I also wrote a Choose Your Own Adventure titled SPIES: MOE BERG, an espionage book titled THE POCKET GUIDE TO SPY STUFF, and THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES, a humorous guide to becoming a superhero, and then dealing with it.

What else? Oregon State University Press published AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDEBOOK TO PORTLAND. (It's medium-sized!) Finally, I taught middle school for many years. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to recover from it soon. (I kid; it was the best job I've ever had.)

Reviews

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his newest book, Bart King talks about how to become a great superhero. He gives advice on how to create your superhero’s name, tells you how to make a jetpack, and points out that it would be smart to join/start a superhero team. King gives great pointers, from how to fight supervillain-toddlers and how to run across a tightrope from a building to another to fight your arch-nemesis.

Mr. King has got everything you need to be a superhero packed in this book!

This is an amazing book. It is hilarious and has a bunch of things that make you laugh (e.g: there is a section on how to get a quickpass to being a superhero. Being an orphan, and being a handsome multi-millionaire are two.) I like how Mr. King has mini-quizes about superheroes (like, who has the most superpowers – Superman, J’onn J’onzz (the Martian Manhunter), or Spiderman?). I really like the pencil sketch-like illustrations that Mr. King has in the book. They add a lot of humor.
There is also a section on buying/making your own superhero costumes.
Mr. King has written a great story about becoming a superhero. loved this book and can’t wait to read what Mr. King comes up with next!
*NOTE I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Zoe Brozyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book!!! It's all about "how to become a superhero". It helps you master your heroic poses, pick a superhero name, tells how to "dress superhero", and, of course, get your superpowers! But that's not all. There are so many things you must memorize to become a superhero! There are also wonderful comic strips! It is a very funny, entertaining book, and I'm sad that I finished it because it was so good.

[☆Joycedale☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for my 9 yr old son and he absolutely loves it. Thinks he can be a superhero now. On the back of it it says "sidekick not included" and he said that's what his little brother is for lol.

I received this book from goodreads first reads.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this from the goodreads sweepstake. Luckily it came just in time for my son's 10th birthday :-) He started reading it as soon as he saw it and hasn't put it down yet. Thanks so much.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was obsessed with superheroes, and this book did not help to quell that obsession. I loved this book for its superhero crafts and superhero humor. Although now I feel that this book is kind of outdated, especially in its movie recommendations, and that some of the superhero facts are inaccurate and incomplete, I still like it. It is a super book, and so cute.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I did start skimming at a point, but I've read enough to think that lots of tween boys would probably like it. Chock full of nerdy superhero historical facts, humor, and a bit of life advice. Not bad.

[Ella Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's face it, superheroes are a big deal these days. Doesn't it seem like a new superhero movie comes out every other week? I can barely keep up with Marvel these days! As the mother of three boys my house is Iron Man, Captain America, and Hawkeye all day. It takes all my energy to keep them from turning common household items shields and crossbows.

So when I found the THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES I knew this would be perfect for my superhero loving kids.

Ninja style, I left THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES on the kitchen table.

"What's this, mom," my son said when he came home from school.

I shrugged. "Oh, I thought you might like that."

"Hmph," he said thumbing through the book.

A half hour later he was still sitting there reading, an occasional giggle or snort escaping from his throat.

Until his brother snatched it away.

The book kept my two sons entertained for days.

Confession: I might be a mom, but I love superheroes as much as my kids, and I loved this book as much as they did. Use this handbook to select a superhero name, power, and secret identity. Wondering how to make a jetpack? How about customizing a secret lair? And if you really want to mess with your parents: dog food and a toilet. Trust me on this one.

THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES is a fun lighthearted read for superhero loving kids (or their parents).

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super fun, and it's just about the perfect book for the 2015 SRP theme, full of silly jokes, fun activities, and superhero trivia. He does say that Catwoman was a librarian while we all know that it was actually Batgirl, but that was the only factual error I noticed.

[Mimi Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading this to my daughter, and we both ad a fun laugh. What a very fun, and laughable read to use to put your kids to bed. I loved it, and so did my daughter.

.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

some excellent ideas and resources in this book for next year's summer reading theme!!!! reference often!

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough (and Funny) evaluation of superhero culture. Includes activities and games to help kids develop their inner superhero.

[JBeartheBW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I loved it a lot because it was funny, information, and downright funny! Bart King does it again!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny enough and cute. Interesting fun facts and history.