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Ben Braver #1
The Super Life of Ben Braver
An extraordinary boy ends up at an extraordinary school for children with super powers in the first book in a new middle-grade series from Marcus Emerson, author of Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja .
Ben Braver is an ordinary kid. All he wants to do is finish his summer watching awesome TV shows and eating his favorite candy. But when some kid screams for help, Ben, like his favorite comic book heroes, tries to save the day. Let's just say it ends badly. But it does lead him to a secret school where kids with super abilities learn to control their powers. Ben's never had any powers―and never thought he could be special. So when he's offered a spot at the school, Ben realizes this is his chance to become the superhero he's always dreamed of.
Packed with black-and-white art and comic strips throughout, The Super Life of Ben Braver is the first book in a hilarious adventure series about the greatness that lies within any middle schooler who dreams big.
Ben Braver is an ordinary kid. All he wants to do is finish his summer watching awesome TV shows and eating his favorite candy. But when some kid screams for help, Ben, like his favorite comic book heroes, tries to save the day. Let's just say it ends badly. But it does lead him to a secret school where kids with super abilities learn to control their powers. Ben's never had any powers―and never thought he could be special. So when he's offered a spot at the school, Ben realizes this is his chance to become the superhero he's always dreamed of.
Packed with black-and-white art and comic strips throughout, The Super Life of Ben Braver is the first book in a hilarious adventure series about the greatness that lies within any middle schooler who dreams big.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2018
123 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Emerson
150 books292 followersMarcus Emerson is the author of several highly imaginative children's books including the popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series and the Secret Agent 6th Grader series. His goal is to create children's books that are engaging, funny, and inspirational for kids of all ages - even the adults who secretly never grew up. He is a 35-year-old comic book reader, video game player, and toy collector.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 9, 2024
The idea was cute, but execution not so much.
It was a kiddie wannabe version of X-Men. I did however, find this a bit offensive as someone who homeschools. The bully in this book was homeschooled and a dog abuser, which rubbed me the wrong way. I thought it was a poor representation of homeschooled children.
This is just my opinion. I’m entitled to it. If you loved it, i’m happy for you. But it was a hard DNF for me.
Tried to get my kids to read this (without the interference of my opinion) to see what they would think. They thought it was boring and asked if they could read something else.
So there you have folks. No dice for this family.
It was a kiddie wannabe version of X-Men. I did however, find this a bit offensive as someone who homeschools. The bully in this book was homeschooled and a dog abuser, which rubbed me the wrong way. I thought it was a poor representation of homeschooled children.
This is just my opinion. I’m entitled to it. If you loved it, i’m happy for you. But it was a hard DNF for me.
Tried to get my kids to read this (without the interference of my opinion) to see what they would think. They thought it was boring and asked if they could read something else.
So there you have folks. No dice for this family.
April 8, 2018
This story is like a better version of "Kid Normal". There was a little mild toilet talk which could have been left out but on the whole, this book was quite enjoyable to read. Am clueless about the reference to Adam West - I don't know who he was or is? Early part of the book fairly slow and his encounter with the bully Dexter seemed weird and not easy to follow.
But when he gets to the school and meets new friends and tries to work out what's going on was great although as he says it was boring like any other school except for the kids and a couple of school staff members in it. Also, Dexter and his friend and sister still stay bullies which I hope will get sorted out for the better in a later book in the series.
Yep! A good book.
Quick question: Did anyone notice something remarkable about the school timetable?
Will be keen to read the next in this series.
But when he gets to the school and meets new friends and tries to work out what's going on was great although as he says it was boring like any other school except for the kids and a couple of school staff members in it. Also, Dexter and his friend and sister still stay bullies which I hope will get sorted out for the better in a later book in the series.
Yep! A good book.
Quick question: Did anyone notice something remarkable about the school timetable?
Will be keen to read the next in this series.
May 20, 2023
I am not finished with the book but it has been really interesting and I would recommend it to other kids around my age.
December 17, 2019
Hmm it was okay. A bit messy.
February 22, 2021
Reading it as an adult, I thought it was "OK". I can see some 9 y.o. boys really liking it, though, and anything that gets kids reading is brilliant, so it gets 2 stars from me and 4 for the potential enjoyment by a child (average of 3).
Ben narrates the story like a diary and in a few places his inner dialogue takes away from the story, IMO.
Emerson could have used a better editor to cut/change some of the references to 80s/90s pop culture and humour that children wouldn't get (referencing Goonies? Really? It was completely random and didn't work).
It took a long time for the plot to develop. Then all of a sudden, it's unexpectedly scary (for a kid). This is a case of being glad I read it before I gave it to a child - I'd have to know the reader is ok with darker themes (along the lines of Goosebumps, which can get pretty horrific).
The vomit scene, besides being unnecessarily gross, is basically a rip-off of the anecdote in Stand By Me. I know there are kids, especially boys, who love this type of story, though.
The comic-type illustrations were good, but sometime the dialogue was part of the story and sometimes it wasn't. A little bit of consistency here would have been good.
Ben narrates the story like a diary and in a few places his inner dialogue takes away from the story, IMO.
Emerson could have used a better editor to cut/change some of the references to 80s/90s pop culture and humour that children wouldn't get (referencing Goonies? Really? It was completely random and didn't work).
It took a long time for the plot to develop. Then all of a sudden, it's unexpectedly scary (for a kid). This is a case of being glad I read it before I gave it to a child - I'd have to know the reader is ok with darker themes (along the lines of Goosebumps, which can get pretty horrific).
The vomit scene, besides being unnecessarily gross, is basically a rip-off of the anecdote in Stand By Me. I know there are kids, especially boys, who love this type of story, though.
The comic-type illustrations were good, but sometime the dialogue was part of the story and sometimes it wasn't. A little bit of consistency here would have been good.
May 2, 2018
2 stars. I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I wanted to like it but really did not. I thought the story was slow to develop and turned darker than I expected or would’ve liked toward the end. It also lacked a lot of humor compared to most books aimed this audience.
I read this book with my 9-year-old nephew in mind and sadly I did not feel compelled to pass it along to him.
I read this book with my 9-year-old nephew in mind and sadly I did not feel compelled to pass it along to him.
March 1, 2025
Great book! It was very awesome. I loved it.
March 26, 2020
You can find my full review on my blog, The Writerly Way, here.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Roaring Brook Press for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The moment I learned about this series, I knew I had to read it, because superheroes + humor = no brainer. Plus, Marcus Emerson also wrote Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja, which has freaking ninjas, so clearly, the author’s just winning at this writing thing in general.
Ben Braver is a series full of adventure, action, and comedy, where the laughs are almost as big as the egos of these heroes and villains. Just remember … not all powers are a blessing.
I was honestly surprised by just how much I loved this series. I always run mid-grade books through my own mid-grade reader when I get them to see if she’s interested, as a reluctant reader. Minion read the first two pages of this series and walked away with my copy. This review brought to you by my perseverance in tracking it down again and reclaiming what was rightfully mine.
After reading a little and looking at the pictures, Minion declared that the book reminds her of Danny Phantom. And you know what? She’s right! This has everything I loved about Danny Phantom and then some, so if you’re a fan of that show? Give this series a try.
My Thoughts:
- This is part book, part graphic novel, and that method of storytelling was super effective. It’s basically the best of both worlds. While the narrative itself is funny, the pictures add an extra layer to it, in an almost comic strip style, which made a lot of the punchlines land even better. Sometimes it’s just funnier to see the characters reacting to things than it is to read about it. Also, being able to see some of the powers? Soooo helpful and fun.
- Ben Braver makes a wonderful narrator, because he’s both relatable and hilarious. Who knew a peanut-butter-cup-loving, superhero-in-training, sixth grader would be so easy to understand? But boy is he. I mean, at the very base level, he wants a superpower and wow, who the heck doesn’t? If that struggle’s not relatable to you, I question your priorities. Despite being quite a funny book, there are some really touching moments in it, and Ben Braver has to grapple with some pretty big emotions. Can I just say that the parents in this book are so freaking cute, particularly Ben’s father? This book skirts the whole “parents interrupting kids’ ability to get in danger and hopefully get out of it again,” while still providing the protagonist two loving, supportive parents, and I want this trend to gain traction in middle grade, please. As a parent to a middle grader, I want her to know that she can both save the world and have parents who will cheer for her all the way.
- This book is chock full of superpowers. But boy, they’re not always a blessing like you’d think. I refuse to go into detail about this. No, you just need to read the book to find out, because that was part of the pleasure of this story. Needless to say, the powers are extremely varied, and sometimes they border less on power and more on curse.
- There’s a nice blend of character and action, enough to keep the story moving, but also giving me time to completely fall in love with these characters. After all, superheroes deserve big stories, right? So there obviously needs to be some sort of villain somewhere (and there is). But also … superheroes have backstories. While we don’t get most of the backstories of the side characters, we get to know them along with Ben, and we do start to piece together the backstory of the adults, little by little, throughout this series, and wow that sometimes kicks you right in the feels.
- The characters are all unique and colorful, and there’s not one that I didn’t love. Our main trio, in particular, Ben, Noah, and Penny? They make for a great leading trio, because Noah’s the smart and loyal one, Penny’s the female voice of reason, and Ben’s the doer, the one to launch into everything head first. The dynamic between them was fabulous.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Roaring Brook Press for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The moment I learned about this series, I knew I had to read it, because superheroes + humor = no brainer. Plus, Marcus Emerson also wrote Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja, which has freaking ninjas, so clearly, the author’s just winning at this writing thing in general.
Ben Braver is a series full of adventure, action, and comedy, where the laughs are almost as big as the egos of these heroes and villains. Just remember … not all powers are a blessing.
I was honestly surprised by just how much I loved this series. I always run mid-grade books through my own mid-grade reader when I get them to see if she’s interested, as a reluctant reader. Minion read the first two pages of this series and walked away with my copy. This review brought to you by my perseverance in tracking it down again and reclaiming what was rightfully mine.
After reading a little and looking at the pictures, Minion declared that the book reminds her of Danny Phantom. And you know what? She’s right! This has everything I loved about Danny Phantom and then some, so if you’re a fan of that show? Give this series a try.
My Thoughts:
- This is part book, part graphic novel, and that method of storytelling was super effective. It’s basically the best of both worlds. While the narrative itself is funny, the pictures add an extra layer to it, in an almost comic strip style, which made a lot of the punchlines land even better. Sometimes it’s just funnier to see the characters reacting to things than it is to read about it. Also, being able to see some of the powers? Soooo helpful and fun.
- Ben Braver makes a wonderful narrator, because he’s both relatable and hilarious. Who knew a peanut-butter-cup-loving, superhero-in-training, sixth grader would be so easy to understand? But boy is he. I mean, at the very base level, he wants a superpower and wow, who the heck doesn’t? If that struggle’s not relatable to you, I question your priorities. Despite being quite a funny book, there are some really touching moments in it, and Ben Braver has to grapple with some pretty big emotions. Can I just say that the parents in this book are so freaking cute, particularly Ben’s father? This book skirts the whole “parents interrupting kids’ ability to get in danger and hopefully get out of it again,” while still providing the protagonist two loving, supportive parents, and I want this trend to gain traction in middle grade, please. As a parent to a middle grader, I want her to know that she can both save the world and have parents who will cheer for her all the way.
- This book is chock full of superpowers. But boy, they’re not always a blessing like you’d think. I refuse to go into detail about this. No, you just need to read the book to find out, because that was part of the pleasure of this story. Needless to say, the powers are extremely varied, and sometimes they border less on power and more on curse.
- There’s a nice blend of character and action, enough to keep the story moving, but also giving me time to completely fall in love with these characters. After all, superheroes deserve big stories, right? So there obviously needs to be some sort of villain somewhere (and there is). But also … superheroes have backstories. While we don’t get most of the backstories of the side characters, we get to know them along with Ben, and we do start to piece together the backstory of the adults, little by little, throughout this series, and wow that sometimes kicks you right in the feels.
- The characters are all unique and colorful, and there’s not one that I didn’t love. Our main trio, in particular, Ben, Noah, and Penny? They make for a great leading trio, because Noah’s the smart and loyal one, Penny’s the female voice of reason, and Ben’s the doer, the one to launch into everything head first. The dynamic between them was fabulous.
May 7, 2019
Very funny. Love the graphic novel/chapter book hybrid.
July 6, 2019
Fun book. Lots of humor and action. Grabs you from the start and keeps you turning the page.
May 10, 2019
A bit predictable, but overall it was good
March 11, 2019
Watch out world, Ben Braver is here! A superfun superpowered read!
I spotted the second book of this series on Twitter and had to read the first one. I just love books about kids with superpowers, and this one was just such a delight to read. Though I did feel sorry for Ben, as he is, so far, the only one in the school without powers. Thankfully he has smarts, and can think of best plans, but of course... he still wants powers.
At first Ben's life is pretty unremarkable, he loves comics, he dreams of superpowers, he loves sweets (though his kind of sweet is one I will never eat, peanuts are death), but then one day he decides to save a kid from a bully and suddenly he finds out that superpowers are really real. I loved his reaction to it when he was told (as soon as he woke up), and I also loved his enthusiasm. Yes, it wasn't going to be easy given that he has to leave his parents and go live far far away at a special school. But he is going for it, one of his big dreams is coming true after all. It was great seeing him get used to this new school, make friends, meet people who he can trust, having a great time. He was really adapting, though you could see that he wasn't always having fun. And I can imagine, if I was that far away from my parents I would also feel alone, even if I had friends.
I still wonder what will happen next book, there were some hints to something, so I am very eager.
I loved finding out why some people had superpowers, and why others didn't. Apparently everyone who is descended from The Seven Keys has superpowers in one way or another. I was a bit doubtful though about this, given how many kids were wandering around the school, and how long the school has been open. It just didn't seem possible that only 7 people got such a big family, and that apparently no one is truly keeping tabs on these kids until they show their powers.
I knew immediately what was going on with the mysterious going-ons in the dorm rooms, the sneezing, the toilet flushing, and I was waiting to see how long it would take before the truth would come out, before our characters find out what was going on.
Next to Ben trying out this new school, deal with homesickness, seeing his friends try out their superpowers, he was trying to figure out his own superpowers (and being disappointed quite a bit) and then there was something happening to the students at school. Who is behind it, and what does it have to do with the first few pages of the book (with the big Ben)? I loved how well it was all written, everything felt so wonderfully together.
I loved both Noah and Penny! They were such delightful characters. Penny with her ukulele summoning animals and Noah spitting out fire after eating certain foods. I loved how much they supported Ben, and how they tried to make him happy when it seemed he wasn't having any powers of his own. They believed him when things hit the fan. It was just so much fun. Plus, along with Ben they made such a fun group of friends.
I did feel sorry for Penny though, thanks to Noah's firespitting. :P
The only thing I didn't like? The bully and his friend and someone else. Bleh. Can we just have a book without dipsticks like this? Urgh.
I also didn't quite like how the school, instead of teaching these kids how to handle their powers, told them to hide it, to make sure they got it under control so they wouldn't use it. You can imagine that these kids just tried their superpowers on their own, which is very dangerous. And later on we find even more reasons why you should just train them to use their powers so they know what they can expect, how far they can go. Of course, you can then later teach them why it is important to not throw fireballs around in public. :P
The ending was superexciting. I already couldn't put down this book, but that ending made me even more eager to read (if that is possible). There were twists and turns and a supervillain, ah, it was delightful!
I am still curious about the statue (it seemed to chip away each time we saw it).
There are several comics in this book, several about Ben trying to find powers and his friends making up all sorts of weird plans to get him to discover them. Next to these we also have TONS of fun illustrations that made the story more dynamic and fun.
All in all, a very fun book with a very sweet character (you will root for him), a book full of superpowers, comics, and more. Recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I spotted the second book of this series on Twitter and had to read the first one. I just love books about kids with superpowers, and this one was just such a delight to read. Though I did feel sorry for Ben, as he is, so far, the only one in the school without powers. Thankfully he has smarts, and can think of best plans, but of course... he still wants powers.
At first Ben's life is pretty unremarkable, he loves comics, he dreams of superpowers, he loves sweets (though his kind of sweet is one I will never eat, peanuts are death), but then one day he decides to save a kid from a bully and suddenly he finds out that superpowers are really real. I loved his reaction to it when he was told (as soon as he woke up), and I also loved his enthusiasm. Yes, it wasn't going to be easy given that he has to leave his parents and go live far far away at a special school. But he is going for it, one of his big dreams is coming true after all. It was great seeing him get used to this new school, make friends, meet people who he can trust, having a great time. He was really adapting, though you could see that he wasn't always having fun. And I can imagine, if I was that far away from my parents I would also feel alone, even if I had friends.
I still wonder what will happen next book, there were some hints to something, so I am very eager.
I loved finding out why some people had superpowers, and why others didn't. Apparently everyone who is descended from The Seven Keys has superpowers in one way or another. I was a bit doubtful though about this, given how many kids were wandering around the school, and how long the school has been open. It just didn't seem possible that only 7 people got such a big family, and that apparently no one is truly keeping tabs on these kids until they show their powers.
I knew immediately what was going on with the mysterious going-ons in the dorm rooms, the sneezing, the toilet flushing, and I was waiting to see how long it would take before the truth would come out, before our characters find out what was going on.
Next to Ben trying out this new school, deal with homesickness, seeing his friends try out their superpowers, he was trying to figure out his own superpowers (and being disappointed quite a bit) and then there was something happening to the students at school. Who is behind it, and what does it have to do with the first few pages of the book (with the big Ben)? I loved how well it was all written, everything felt so wonderfully together.
I loved both Noah and Penny! They were such delightful characters. Penny with her ukulele summoning animals and Noah spitting out fire after eating certain foods. I loved how much they supported Ben, and how they tried to make him happy when it seemed he wasn't having any powers of his own. They believed him when things hit the fan. It was just so much fun. Plus, along with Ben they made such a fun group of friends.
I did feel sorry for Penny though, thanks to Noah's firespitting. :P
The only thing I didn't like? The bully and his friend and someone else. Bleh. Can we just have a book without dipsticks like this? Urgh.
I also didn't quite like how the school, instead of teaching these kids how to handle their powers, told them to hide it, to make sure they got it under control so they wouldn't use it. You can imagine that these kids just tried their superpowers on their own, which is very dangerous. And later on we find even more reasons why you should just train them to use their powers so they know what they can expect, how far they can go. Of course, you can then later teach them why it is important to not throw fireballs around in public. :P
The ending was superexciting. I already couldn't put down this book, but that ending made me even more eager to read (if that is possible). There were twists and turns and a supervillain, ah, it was delightful!
I am still curious about the statue (it seemed to chip away each time we saw it).
There are several comics in this book, several about Ben trying to find powers and his friends making up all sorts of weird plans to get him to discover them. Next to these we also have TONS of fun illustrations that made the story more dynamic and fun.
All in all, a very fun book with a very sweet character (you will root for him), a book full of superpowers, comics, and more. Recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 24, 2020
"I'm the soggy fries on the bottom of the carton, the powder at the end of the box of cereal, the last kid standing when teams are picked. Unremarkable. That's me."
Ben Braver isn’t anyone special, in fact most people don’t even notice him. All that is about to change, however, thanks to Dexter Dunn. Dexter mostly stayed in his house, but when he came outside he was "a Grade A jerk." One day on his way home from school, Ben encounters Dexter bullying Caden Cameron and his dog. Ben steps in to stop the action and “the last thing I remember that night was a burst of white light before the sharpest cold I’d ever felt in my life.”
Ben wakes up hooked to monitors. Woah! Then, there’s some old guy named Donald Kepler in his house. He runs Kepler Academy, a “secret school for kids with special abilities.” He wants Ben to enroll right away. Ben is sure this is all some elaborate prank. He doesn’t have any special abilities. So Kepler makes him a deal: stay until Christmas. If you’re still unhappy by Christmas break (or you haven’t discovered your power), we’ll send you home, no questions asked.
Who wouldn’t want a chance to be remarkable? So Ben decides to go. From the moment the self-driving car picks him up, Ben knows this is going to be an unusual experience. When he arrives, his Octo-bot takes him to his room and Ben meets his roomie, Noah Nichols. Noah’s power is a little scary (he can shoot fireballs out of his mouth), but other than that he’s a real nice guy.
But school isn’t exactly what Ben thought it was going to be. He thought it was going to be all about developing your powers. It turns out he has to do math and science and social studies! What? The only class even remotely dealing with powers is Powers and Ethics. And to add drama to the situation, guess who’s there. Yep: Dexter Dunn.
Probably the most difficult thing Ben has to deal with is that, though many of the students, like Ben haven’t discovered their powers yet, Ben is a special case and everyone seems to know it. He’s the first student in the history of the school that isn’t a descendent of the Seven Keys, seven people who were involved in an experiment back in 1943 to make them superhuman or supersoldiers.
So why did Mr. Kepler ask him to attend this school? Does that mean Ben won’t ever get a power? How on earth is he ever going to make it to Christmas break?
Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid should enjoy this series. Ben’s voice is sarcastic and his situation is filled with humor as he tries to fit in. He’s the classic underdog that might just be the most special kid in the school. Who wouldn’t want to read about that?
Ben Braver isn’t anyone special, in fact most people don’t even notice him. All that is about to change, however, thanks to Dexter Dunn. Dexter mostly stayed in his house, but when he came outside he was "a Grade A jerk." One day on his way home from school, Ben encounters Dexter bullying Caden Cameron and his dog. Ben steps in to stop the action and “the last thing I remember that night was a burst of white light before the sharpest cold I’d ever felt in my life.”
Ben wakes up hooked to monitors. Woah! Then, there’s some old guy named Donald Kepler in his house. He runs Kepler Academy, a “secret school for kids with special abilities.” He wants Ben to enroll right away. Ben is sure this is all some elaborate prank. He doesn’t have any special abilities. So Kepler makes him a deal: stay until Christmas. If you’re still unhappy by Christmas break (or you haven’t discovered your power), we’ll send you home, no questions asked.
Who wouldn’t want a chance to be remarkable? So Ben decides to go. From the moment the self-driving car picks him up, Ben knows this is going to be an unusual experience. When he arrives, his Octo-bot takes him to his room and Ben meets his roomie, Noah Nichols. Noah’s power is a little scary (he can shoot fireballs out of his mouth), but other than that he’s a real nice guy.
But school isn’t exactly what Ben thought it was going to be. He thought it was going to be all about developing your powers. It turns out he has to do math and science and social studies! What? The only class even remotely dealing with powers is Powers and Ethics. And to add drama to the situation, guess who’s there. Yep: Dexter Dunn.
Probably the most difficult thing Ben has to deal with is that, though many of the students, like Ben haven’t discovered their powers yet, Ben is a special case and everyone seems to know it. He’s the first student in the history of the school that isn’t a descendent of the Seven Keys, seven people who were involved in an experiment back in 1943 to make them superhuman or supersoldiers.
So why did Mr. Kepler ask him to attend this school? Does that mean Ben won’t ever get a power? How on earth is he ever going to make it to Christmas break?
Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid should enjoy this series. Ben’s voice is sarcastic and his situation is filled with humor as he tries to fit in. He’s the classic underdog that might just be the most special kid in the school. Who wouldn’t want to read about that?
March 11, 2018
This was a fun, quick read that I think middle-grade readers will really enjoy. The combination of text and comic elements enhanced the story. I am looking forward the next adventure of Ben Braver.
August 10, 2018
After an altercation with the school bully, Ben Braver is chosen to go to a special boarding school for children with super powers. The trouble is that Ben doesn’t know what his super power is, plus the school bully has also been chosen to attend. Still, he has until Christmas to discover his super power and in a big school avoiding the bully shouldn’t be too hard. In the meantime, he makes friends with his roommate Noah, and Penny, the girl in the room immediately above theirs. With little homework and plenty of time, they become acquainted with the other students and their unusual powers.
Ben’s quest for a super power seems doomed, but then a strange illness spreads through the school infecting significant numbers of students. Ben takes on the challenge of solving the mystery and battles a supervillain. The author, Marcus Emerson, highlights a valuable lesson, which is that being a hero, is more about being a good friend then having super powers.
The book has black and white illustrations throughout, with comical conversations. It is an easy to read, fast paced story that would appeal to pre-teen boys as the humour is often based around food and bodily functions.
Thanks to Christian School Supplier for providing a free book for review.
Ben’s quest for a super power seems doomed, but then a strange illness spreads through the school infecting significant numbers of students. Ben takes on the challenge of solving the mystery and battles a supervillain. The author, Marcus Emerson, highlights a valuable lesson, which is that being a hero, is more about being a good friend then having super powers.
The book has black and white illustrations throughout, with comical conversations. It is an easy to read, fast paced story that would appeal to pre-teen boys as the humour is often based around food and bodily functions.
Thanks to Christian School Supplier for providing a free book for review.
March 7, 2020
What I Loved:
The first person perspective was so fun and it is perfect for a middle-grade reader! I really enjoyed the way Ben addresses the reader. I found him to tell the story with some humor which made the book extremely enjoyable!
How I Felt:
The Super Life of Ben Braver was a great book that was filled with escapades, potty-humor, and everything else a middle-grade reader is looking for. The story is told mostly through traditional paragraph writing-style, however, it mixes in some great artwork and graphic-novel moments.
Overall, The Super Life of Ben Braver is an exciting adventure for young readers. With special super-hero powers, fantasy, friendship, and a mission to save the day, it is a great book!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review will post to my blog on 3/11/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
The first person perspective was so fun and it is perfect for a middle-grade reader! I really enjoyed the way Ben addresses the reader. I found him to tell the story with some humor which made the book extremely enjoyable!
How I Felt:
The Super Life of Ben Braver was a great book that was filled with escapades, potty-humor, and everything else a middle-grade reader is looking for. The story is told mostly through traditional paragraph writing-style, however, it mixes in some great artwork and graphic-novel moments.
Overall, The Super Life of Ben Braver is an exciting adventure for young readers. With special super-hero powers, fantasy, friendship, and a mission to save the day, it is a great book!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review will post to my blog on 3/11/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
February 27, 2018
Ben Braver leads a fairly regular life; until the day he decided to leave his television as he wants a peanut butter cup. An altercation with the school bully leads to a life-changing experience. Ben Braver is selected to go to Kepler Academy, a school for children with super powers even though he doesn't actually have a super power. When he gets there he finds most of the time is spent learning to control a super power, not develop it. This is a funny, slightly irreverent book filled with jokes and one-liners, illustrations and pop culture references that will appeal to the most reluctant reader. This is the first of a planned three book series.
Suitable for 8+ - comedy, adventure, comics, super-powers
Suitable for 8+ - comedy, adventure, comics, super-powers
February 19, 2024
Super funny, laughed constantly
March 12, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Super Life of Ben Braver
Author: Marcus Emerson
Book Series: Ben Braver Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some dog abuse, bullying, vomit, illnesses, superhero powers, end of the world)
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ben Braver is an ordinary kid. All he wants to do is finish his summer watching awesome TV shows and eating his favorite candy. But when some kid screams for help, Ben, like his favorite comic book heroes, tries to save the day. Let's just say it ends badly. But it does lead him to a secret school where kids with super abilities learn to control their powers. Ben's never had any powers—and never thought he could be special. So when he's offered a spot at the school, Ben realizes this is his chance to become the superhero he's always dreamed of. Packed with black-and-white art and comic strips throughout.
Review: I thought this was a well-done book! It’s perfect for kids who are into graphic novels and want to branch out slowly. The illustrations are well done, the characters were compelling, and the plot is intriguing.
However, I did find the pacing slow and some of the references were a bit dated for this generation for kids unless they’re well versed in 80s/90s classics. The book had a few dark and gross themes as well and the plot took a bit to develop.
Verdict: Overall, I think this book is great for kids who are mature enough for some of the darker themes and it’s great as a middle ground between comics and novels.
Book: The Super Life of Ben Braver
Author: Marcus Emerson
Book Series: Ben Braver Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some dog abuse, bullying, vomit, illnesses, superhero powers, end of the world)
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ben Braver is an ordinary kid. All he wants to do is finish his summer watching awesome TV shows and eating his favorite candy. But when some kid screams for help, Ben, like his favorite comic book heroes, tries to save the day. Let's just say it ends badly. But it does lead him to a secret school where kids with super abilities learn to control their powers. Ben's never had any powers—and never thought he could be special. So when he's offered a spot at the school, Ben realizes this is his chance to become the superhero he's always dreamed of. Packed with black-and-white art and comic strips throughout.
Review: I thought this was a well-done book! It’s perfect for kids who are into graphic novels and want to branch out slowly. The illustrations are well done, the characters were compelling, and the plot is intriguing.
However, I did find the pacing slow and some of the references were a bit dated for this generation for kids unless they’re well versed in 80s/90s classics. The book had a few dark and gross themes as well and the plot took a bit to develop.
Verdict: Overall, I think this book is great for kids who are mature enough for some of the darker themes and it’s great as a middle ground between comics and novels.
March 2, 2021
“The Super Life of Ben Braver” is a delight from start to finish. I picked it up to see if it was suitable for my kids (it’s a little “too intense” as they would say; maybe in a couple years) but found I absolutely enjoyed it. Ben confronts a local bully who manifests super powers and is recruited to a top secret school where kids with powers are taught how to control them ... and not use them. Because powers are dangerous, ethically fraught, and lead to darkness. Ben’s the only kid there without a power and he has six months to figure out what his is, or he’ll have to leave the school. He makes friends, has adventures, and realizes there’s more to life than having powers. It’s an old formula but Emerson breathes enormous energy into it with mysteries and humor and lively art. The recurring full page comic strips where Ben tries to figure out his power and, later, tries various pieces of technology are laugh-out-loud funny (just ask my wife who had to put up with me snorting with laughter) and Ben feels absolutely real (the panels with his dad made me tear up). Nothing original, but an old formula done incredibly well. I can’t wait for the kids to be old enough.
And I’ll probably track down the sequel just for myself.
And I’ll probably track down the sequel just for myself.
Currently reading
November 8, 2021Begin your review here: Marcus Emerson: The Super Life of Ben Braver: The story takes place in a small town and an ordinary kid that loves to game and loves Reese's pieces. One day he gets in a fight then next thing he knows he gets to go to a superhero school, but he doesn't know what his powers are.
He meets his roommate Noah and a girl named Penny. So he and his friends try to find out what they are by getting in a bad situation and all sorts of stuff.
This story that I am reading is really funny, ironic, and serious. It's funny because it has some jokes and funny actions. It's ironic because I thought it was going to be a real superhero story but it turns out to be a funny comedy book about a kid that went to a superhero school. ````
I like the story because the author explains the actions and what is happening very well. I love how the author does the story. Some of the kids have bad superpowers but when they work together in the story they realize they like their powers. Penny has the powers to talk to animals, and Noah can spit a fireball when he eats jerky.
He meets his roommate Noah and a girl named Penny. So he and his friends try to find out what they are by getting in a bad situation and all sorts of stuff.
This story that I am reading is really funny, ironic, and serious. It's funny because it has some jokes and funny actions. It's ironic because I thought it was going to be a real superhero story but it turns out to be a funny comedy book about a kid that went to a superhero school. ````
I like the story because the author explains the actions and what is happening very well. I love how the author does the story. Some of the kids have bad superpowers but when they work together in the story they realize they like their powers. Penny has the powers to talk to animals, and Noah can spit a fireball when he eats jerky.
September 28, 2020
Surprise! Superpowers are real! And every kid with a super power goes to a boarding school together! And our hero finds this out just in time to be invited! And he doesn't know what his superpower is!
Yeah, I know, you've heard this concept before. Or something very adjacent to it, at very least.
But I liked this! It has a lot of mass appeal, but also a little quirk. I loved the weird powers some of the kids had. And the illustrations are fun and silly. Ben's tone/voice is a little over the top with its own cleverness, but once I got over that, it was a fun ride.
I do wish that the cast had been more diverse, overall. Although several primary characters (and the author) are not white, most of the background characters are. I can do some mental gymnastics and sorta explain that with spoilery plot reasons, but it feels a little more like laziness.
Still an easy shoe-in for my elementary visits, though, whenever those get to be again.
Yeah, I know, you've heard this concept before. Or something very adjacent to it, at very least.
But I liked this! It has a lot of mass appeal, but also a little quirk. I loved the weird powers some of the kids had. And the illustrations are fun and silly. Ben's tone/voice is a little over the top with its own cleverness, but once I got over that, it was a fun ride.
I do wish that the cast had been more diverse, overall. Although several primary characters (and the author) are not white, most of the background characters are. I can do some mental gymnastics and sorta explain that with spoilery plot reasons, but it feels a little more like laziness.
Still an easy shoe-in for my elementary visits, though, whenever those get to be again.
May 18, 2019
This was the first book my 11 yo son asked me to read.
He loved it so much that he wanted me to read it too.
An avid book lover, my son reads like most breathe.
The fact that this was the first book he recommended to me said a lot and I was curious to find out why.
Entertaining, funny, heartwarming and well-paced, this school geek hero adventure story for the MG set delivers a familiar new kid/fish out of water tale with re-spun superhero team tropes, classic pop culture references, and a few surprises that were intriguing and rewarding.
The CalArts-style illustration is charming and complements the fast and easy dialogue.
Growing up on MCU, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, comics in general and Disney fare, I can see why my son is ensnared with the world of Ben Braver and wanted to share it with me. I look forward to my son reading and recommending the next book in the series, too.
He loved it so much that he wanted me to read it too.
An avid book lover, my son reads like most breathe.
The fact that this was the first book he recommended to me said a lot and I was curious to find out why.
Entertaining, funny, heartwarming and well-paced, this school geek hero adventure story for the MG set delivers a familiar new kid/fish out of water tale with re-spun superhero team tropes, classic pop culture references, and a few surprises that were intriguing and rewarding.
The CalArts-style illustration is charming and complements the fast and easy dialogue.
Growing up on MCU, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, comics in general and Disney fare, I can see why my son is ensnared with the world of Ben Braver and wanted to share it with me. I look forward to my son reading and recommending the next book in the series, too.
April 17, 2020
Ben Braver was enjoying his day like another kid. Except for today, he had a craving for a peanut butter cup and had none left. He decided to go to the store and get some. On his way back home, he answers a call for help.
After Ben tries to help a stranger, he ends up getting an offer that will forever change his life. He receives an invitation to join a secret school for children with special abilities. Ben doesn't have a special power but, this is the chance he's been waiting for. Will Ben be able to become the superhero he always dreamed of becoming?
I thought this was a fun and cute read. The book was packed with adventure and thrills along with humor sprinkled through. I enjoyed reading the adventures of Ben and his classmates. This book is the perfect start of the series and young readers won't be able to stop reading it.
After Ben tries to help a stranger, he ends up getting an offer that will forever change his life. He receives an invitation to join a secret school for children with special abilities. Ben doesn't have a special power but, this is the chance he's been waiting for. Will Ben be able to become the superhero he always dreamed of becoming?
I thought this was a fun and cute read. The book was packed with adventure and thrills along with humor sprinkled through. I enjoyed reading the adventures of Ben and his classmates. This book is the perfect start of the series and young readers won't be able to stop reading it.
May 14, 2021
I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would. It reminds me of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life...but with super powers. There's lots of humor and lots of heart--I laughed out loud several times and also found myself a bit teary-eyed at times.
I honestly didn't care all that much about the super power stuff, though kids will definitely like that it's bizarre (one kid has an incredibly stretchy toe). I just really enjoyed watching Ben make friends and fit in.
The cartoons and illustrations really add to the story instead of distracting (most of them have to be read as part of the narrative), and I look forward to recommending this series to students.
I honestly didn't care all that much about the super power stuff, though kids will definitely like that it's bizarre (one kid has an incredibly stretchy toe). I just really enjoyed watching Ben make friends and fit in.
The cartoons and illustrations really add to the story instead of distracting (most of them have to be read as part of the narrative), and I look forward to recommending this series to students.
June 28, 2019
This is one of those books that I picked up at a Scholastic warehouse sale because it looked interesting and the little blurb I read sounded good. Marcus Emerson did not disappoint. This is the first book of his that I have read, but I think I may have to fix that ASAP.
I liked how the illustrations actually helped more the story along. Some of the dialog happens in an illustration and not just in the paragraphs around it. It brought everything together for me. I stayed up reading this way past my bedtime, and I'm an adult. The story sucks you in, and even after finishing it, I have questions. It's a good thing the second book is already out.
Author: Marcus Emerson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: March 6th 2018
I liked how the illustrations actually helped more the story along. Some of the dialog happens in an illustration and not just in the paragraphs around it. It brought everything together for me. I stayed up reading this way past my bedtime, and I'm an adult. The story sucks you in, and even after finishing it, I have questions. It's a good thing the second book is already out.
Author: Marcus Emerson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: March 6th 2018
September 3, 2020
311 pgs. This is an interesting adventure series with a boy named Ben who is a sixth-grader headed to Kepler Academy where he will figure out what his super-power is. He runs into a girl named Penny Plum and a boy named Noah Nichols who look like they will be either instant friends or sidekicks. There are lots of drawings throughout, giving the book a graphic novel feel. Boys will love the humor and general storyline. I read 55 pages and stopped at chapter 11. I honestly read enough to know it passes my test of interest and appropriateness. I have the next two in the series so this one is good to go. Highly recommended for Grade 5 - 6.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
I can't give this anything less than five stars. I could hardly put it down. It's about an 11 year old boy has his dreams come true when he's invited to this school for kids with special powers. While there he makes two good friends. Who together not only get better at their powers but try to help Ben find his powers. Along the way he runs into the mystery of A ghost who keeps eating thier snacks. Then something else wierd is going on at the school where so many kids are getting sick and look all pale and slimy which more and more seem to end up like that as the year continues. This book is so funny and entertaining I love I already have the second book and can't wait to start it.
November 20, 2018
What does a twelve-year-old obsessed with comics and superheroes think when he's invited to attend a school for superpowered youth? He thinks it's a mean prank, of course. Except Ben finally accepts that it is real and heads off with great excitement. Only to discover the point of the school is learning to repress and hide powers. And his is slow to manifest. But he's still making friends, and something mysterious is going on.
This is packed with illustrations, humor, sarcastic dialogue, and action. It's a fun, highly appealing package.
This is packed with illustrations, humor, sarcastic dialogue, and action. It's a fun, highly appealing package.
April 19, 2019
As an adult and not the intended audience, I give this book 2 stars. The descriptions I had read sounded like it had potential, but the story was kind of all over the place for me. It reminded me of many stories mixed into one (a combination of Marvel stories/Spy School/Captain Underpants). I kept hoping for Ben to realize and develop his superpower, so what eventually happens in the school is a bit of a letdown. I found the ending confusing but knew the twists were to allow for sequels.
The real test will be if my 9 year old students enjoy this book.
The real test will be if my 9 year old students enjoy this book.
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