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Family Is A Superpower
BATMAN, SUPERMAN, and WONDER WOMAN have many extraordinary abilities, but their greatest superpower of all? Family! In this new addition to the bestselling DC Super Heroes Picture Book series, the diverse family structures of the World's Greatest Heroes mirror the lives of real-life children and their equally diverse families. Along with bright, bold illustrations and poetically spare text, award-winning author Michael Dahl (Bedtime for Batman, Good Morning, Superman, and Be a Star, Wonder Woman) makes all families no matter how big or how small, feel SUPER!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dahl
597 books157 followersMichael Dahl is the author of over 200 books for children and young adults, including the acclaimed Finnegan Zwake mystery series and The Library of Doom. His works have earned Edgar and Anthony Award nominations and national design honors. As Editorial Director at Stone Arch Books, he champions engaging, award-winning stories that inspire young readers everywhere.
He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.
He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 11, 2019
Cute book for a 1st grader... teaches you that everyone is a superhero when you have certain qualities.
October 19, 2018
Very good, beautiful and even a bit emotional. It shows how a family is kind of a super-hero team, supporting, helping, encouraging each others in different situation. Really put in the idea of a loving/supporting family which is a very good thing and a thing we lost sight too often in our modern world. Really loved it!!
December 19, 2018
Have you ever thought about your family having a superhero in it? Well guess what? I'm pretty sure you do if you just look hard enough! Each and every family comes in different shapes and sizes. We are all different yet we are all the same. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, the color of our skin, or even if we are a boy or a girl, each one of us is a superhero all on our own. With your family around you should never be afraid to face challenges, you should always have someone around to protect you, we should have courage to face any fears, and always be there to lend a helping hand. Families are important and it is your main objective to find the superhero in each and every person in your family, including yourself!
This books is absolutely incredible. The way Michael Dahl wove in the superheroes that we all know and love and paired it next to an every day family situation is amazing! The illustrations are magnificent with the bright, bold colors and they will captivate any reader. This is one of my top picks for 2019!!! Do not miss this one!!
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This books is absolutely incredible. The way Michael Dahl wove in the superheroes that we all know and love and paired it next to an every day family situation is amazing! The illustrations are magnificent with the bright, bold colors and they will captivate any reader. This is one of my top picks for 2019!!! Do not miss this one!!
Follow me:
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.com/
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
Instagram - laurieslibrary - https://www.instagram.com/laurieslibr...
Twitter - @laurieevans27 https://twitter.com/laurieevans27?lan...
Goodreads - Laurie Purser - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/auburngirl2...
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulD...
February 8, 2023
For many readers, it could be a plus that this picture book reads like a movie trailer.
Glitzy illustrations go right with the sentiment that "Family Is a Superpower." This vague slogan remains vague throughout the book, except as an pretext to mix in some words about "family" with superhero-type illustrations.
Personally, I feel very strongly that childhood is a time to learn to value what is human. The extraordinary imaginations of childhood can bring inner beauty to life, and help us to develop intelligence, empathy, curiosity.
None of that was on offer in this book, at least not for me.
Glitzy illustrations go right with the sentiment that "Family Is a Superpower." This vague slogan remains vague throughout the book, except as an pretext to mix in some words about "family" with superhero-type illustrations.
Personally, I feel very strongly that childhood is a time to learn to value what is human. The extraordinary imaginations of childhood can bring inner beauty to life, and help us to develop intelligence, empathy, curiosity.
None of that was on offer in this book, at least not for me.
March 25, 2021
A superpowered book about the importance of family! You don't have to have a super power to play an important role in other people's lives.
March 26, 2021
What superpower does Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman have in common? Family.
⠀
As an elementary school teacher, I’ve become familiar with the Justice League characters because my students, the enthusiastic fans, look up to them as their heroes. This book will instantly spark dialogue and discussion as children spot their favourite fictional characters in the bright and bold illustrations within the comic picture book layout.
⠀
What might surprise you, is that this book goes way beyond superheroes saving the day. This book is a tribute to the power of family. Flipping through the pages you will find your favourite superheroes on one side and on the other, it showcases a diverse array of families that represent many different types of family structures within our communities. Each page shows the similarities between the well known heroes and the heroes within each of us because of the kind, loving, supportive things we do each day for our family.
⠀
💡Community Circle: As an educator, it is my job to connect to the students and get to know all of them as individuals. In the classroom teacher role, the most meaningful part of my day was first thing in the morning when the students and I began our day with a community circle. Not only does this time encourage oral language development, vocabulary building, active listening skills, etc. but it was a way for the class to connect with one another and give every student a voice. There weren’t any prompts, students could freely share (or pass) whatever was on their mind that morning. What do you think they talked about the most? Family.
⠀
This book would be a perfect way to celebrate our families and continue the meaningful conversations whether they are during a community circle at school, around the dinner table or on a long car ride.
⠀
Family is a Superpower is written by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Omar Lozano.
⠀
As an elementary school teacher, I’ve become familiar with the Justice League characters because my students, the enthusiastic fans, look up to them as their heroes. This book will instantly spark dialogue and discussion as children spot their favourite fictional characters in the bright and bold illustrations within the comic picture book layout.
⠀
What might surprise you, is that this book goes way beyond superheroes saving the day. This book is a tribute to the power of family. Flipping through the pages you will find your favourite superheroes on one side and on the other, it showcases a diverse array of families that represent many different types of family structures within our communities. Each page shows the similarities between the well known heroes and the heroes within each of us because of the kind, loving, supportive things we do each day for our family.
⠀
💡Community Circle: As an educator, it is my job to connect to the students and get to know all of them as individuals. In the classroom teacher role, the most meaningful part of my day was first thing in the morning when the students and I began our day with a community circle. Not only does this time encourage oral language development, vocabulary building, active listening skills, etc. but it was a way for the class to connect with one another and give every student a voice. There weren’t any prompts, students could freely share (or pass) whatever was on their mind that morning. What do you think they talked about the most? Family.
⠀
This book would be a perfect way to celebrate our families and continue the meaningful conversations whether they are during a community circle at school, around the dinner table or on a long car ride.
⠀
Family is a Superpower is written by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Omar Lozano.
January 29, 2019
I received this book from the publisher as part of Multicultural Children's Book Day 2019, in exchange for my honest review:
This dynamic picture book by Michael Dahl is a beautiful tribute to the power of family. Dahl features heroes, both well known and ordinary, in situations where they draw on each other’s strengths. The overarching theme of the book is how we draw our strength from our families, and how the different values we focus on in our own family become the superpowers we use to face challenges throughout our lives.
Illustrator Omar Lozano’s exciting artwork will resonate with little readers. Children are able to see some of their favorite DC superhero characters, as well as a diverse array of families that reflect the many different types of families within a community. The greatest feature of “Family is a Superpower” is that it is very inclusive of family structures that are often not included in children’s books-with interracial, LBGTQ, immigrant, multigenerational, single parent, and adoptive families all depicted. A rare picture book that includes so many family types is so valuable for children from those families, and for their peers who are more used to seeing themselves on the pages of a book.
My kids are really into heroes at the moment (thanks Incredibles), so this book was right up their alley. We’ve read it many times, and it would appeal to a wide age range of about 2-8, thanks to the inclusion of the popular DC heroes. It would also make a sweet gift for any parent that is a DC fan.
This dynamic picture book by Michael Dahl is a beautiful tribute to the power of family. Dahl features heroes, both well known and ordinary, in situations where they draw on each other’s strengths. The overarching theme of the book is how we draw our strength from our families, and how the different values we focus on in our own family become the superpowers we use to face challenges throughout our lives.
Illustrator Omar Lozano’s exciting artwork will resonate with little readers. Children are able to see some of their favorite DC superhero characters, as well as a diverse array of families that reflect the many different types of families within a community. The greatest feature of “Family is a Superpower” is that it is very inclusive of family structures that are often not included in children’s books-with interracial, LBGTQ, immigrant, multigenerational, single parent, and adoptive families all depicted. A rare picture book that includes so many family types is so valuable for children from those families, and for their peers who are more used to seeing themselves on the pages of a book.
My kids are really into heroes at the moment (thanks Incredibles), so this book was right up their alley. We’ve read it many times, and it would appeal to a wide age range of about 2-8, thanks to the inclusion of the popular DC heroes. It would also make a sweet gift for any parent that is a DC fan.
February 9, 2019
I love this book. It was obviously thought out very well, offering glimpses of a very inclusive range of families alongside super heroes. I particularly appreciate the fact that for the first few pages, the costumed characters appear on the left, and families on the right, but later on, they switch back and forth, which seems to me, to be a way to show that all the actions are equally heroic. In addition, I feel like each superhero is matched well with their non super counterpart, highlighting some aspect of each. While some books in this vein can seem very formulaic, I don't get that feeling here, just a satisfaction that someone took some time and thought to create a great superhero book for kids.
July 27, 2019
A (suprisingly?) touching look at family from the DC cannon of characters. Everyone is here it seems and shows how families are what you make of them with your favorite superheroes as anchors for the message. There's quite a diverse cast of characters (just look at the cover) that forgoes the tradition of superhero books in most cases and is a good way to drive home the message of family as love rather than obligation.
Always good to see the heroes of DC and the illustrations are sure to keep the attention of younger readers who may be there for the characters but will see the message in all the smiling faces and togetherness.
Always good to see the heroes of DC and the illustrations are sure to keep the attention of younger readers who may be there for the characters but will see the message in all the smiling faces and togetherness.
Want to Read
February 21, 2020Family is a Superpower
Picture Book
Superhero and comic book fans will love this story that illustrates how families are like superheroes, standing up for each other and helping and supporting each other at all times. This book has great comic book style illustrations that include culturally diverse families. The text is limited and the storyline is simple, but each page presents situations that will promote conversations appropriate for school-age children about healthy family relationships and social skills. Family is a Superpower will leave kids feeling like they have the ability to become a superhero in their own family.
Picture Book
Superhero and comic book fans will love this story that illustrates how families are like superheroes, standing up for each other and helping and supporting each other at all times. This book has great comic book style illustrations that include culturally diverse families. The text is limited and the storyline is simple, but each page presents situations that will promote conversations appropriate for school-age children about healthy family relationships and social skills. Family is a Superpower will leave kids feeling like they have the ability to become a superhero in their own family.
June 24, 2019
Gotta admit, I wasn’t excited about this one and then it surprised me! It pairs a character trait of a superhero and how that trait looks in a family. Every page has a picture of a family and of a superhero exhibiting the same trait. I am buying it for my sisters to share with their kiddos, because it was kind of awesome and will CERTAINLY appeal to their superhero loving crowd.
August 2, 2020
A wide range of famous characters from the DC universe and a collection of ordinary families are portrayed side by side in comic book style to celebrate the everyday heroes within the family unit. I loved the diversity of the families and the relatable scenarios featured, allowing children to find similarities within their own lives and that of their favourite superheroes.
June 27, 2019
The illustrations are gorgeous. The book shows a variety of family structures and diverse characters. Each two-page spread shows an image of superheroes in action and then an image of a family in action.
July 17, 2019
Beautiful book about the power of family and how families come in all different forms. Popular superhero figures have adventures that complement the adventures of diverse families protecting and loving each other. Five stars for both the text and illustrations.
June 29, 2024
I guess I just don't care for books where the whole point is to be "inclusive" but there isn't actually a plot. It's like giving a lecture to a kid that they don't need to hear, and on top of that this book uses superheroes to attract kids to it even though it's really not about superheroes.
March 2, 2019
Parallels the power of regular families and superhero powers.
May 30, 2019
I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING.
June 14, 2019
This is an excellent book!
July 10, 2019
I like this book because they're heroes and they save the world, but this isn't about that: this is about love, courage, everything like love and courage.
October 18, 2019
Read 2x back to back by request of 9yo and 6yo. They wanted to go back and look at the pictures more closely. Loved the message and the superhero checklist at the back.
October 19, 2019
In a two fold story where one side shows the action with superhero's and the other with ordinary people, the power of family is showcased. Preschool and up
November 25, 2019
Knowing your family is one of your greatest strengths is a valuable lesson. The book is laid out to try and keep you guessing but with the power already given in the title, it seemed a bit off.
June 22, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cute story filled with super heroes. A great message about identifying your "super power."
Cute story filled with super heroes. A great message about identifying your "super power."
June 27, 2020
Touching book about the extraordinary power of family. Family ties, bonds people together through hard times and good.
Very nice story
Very nice story
January 13, 2021
This was a nice read to go with the rest of the series. The story “pits” superheroes against real people to show kids that they are one and the same.
July 30, 2021
Looks like it might be lame, but isn't at all.
January 16, 2023
Different superhero families show that their greatest superpower, which gives protection, support and encouragement, is family.
August 21, 2025
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 24, 2018
This is a cute and positive book. The support of a family is highlighted as being a source of strength for a variety of superheroes, along with more "normal", i.e., not super, families. The "superpowers" families have to encourage, support, and love one another are shown throughout the book.
I appreciated the diversity of the families shown in this book. As a single mother by choice (through foster care adoption), I'm always on the lookout for books that highlight diverse families. I would have loved to see the message be a little bit more explicit for the target age group (I'm assuming it's aimed at kids near my kids' age, and mine are five) just to further draw the comparison between the strengths and "superpowers" of heroes and families. Still, it's a cute and positive book, with great illustrations.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated the diversity of the families shown in this book. As a single mother by choice (through foster care adoption), I'm always on the lookout for books that highlight diverse families. I would have loved to see the message be a little bit more explicit for the target age group (I'm assuming it's aimed at kids near my kids' age, and mine are five) just to further draw the comparison between the strengths and "superpowers" of heroes and families. Still, it's a cute and positive book, with great illustrations.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2018
The cover caught my 7 year old daughter's eye immediately because of the Super Heroes.
I liked the theme of the strength of families being compared to the strength of Super Heroes. Really liked the diversity represented in the family pictures. This book would be a nice real aloud for school guidance counselors.
My daughter's review
"I thought that this book really brought out the point of family. I thought this book was amazing. And the pictures were excellent."
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
I liked the theme of the strength of families being compared to the strength of Super Heroes. Really liked the diversity represented in the family pictures. This book would be a nice real aloud for school guidance counselors.
My daughter's review
"I thought that this book really brought out the point of family. I thought this book was amazing. And the pictures were excellent."
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews