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Sort of Super #1
Sort of Super
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova meets the HiLo series in this first book in a funny, lighthearted new middle grade graphic novel series about a boy struggling with new superpowers—and middle school.
Eleven-year-old Wyatt Flynn had something amazing happen to he got superpowers! Good ones too, like super-flight, super-strength, and super-speed. The only problem? Wyatt got his superpowers totally by mistake, and his dad—who’s been overprotective since Wyatt’s mom disappeared—thinks he’s too young for them and worries what would happen if everyone found out. So he makes Wyatt hide his powers.
Keeping such a huge secret from his best friends Beto and Nara is bad enough, but not being able to use his new abilities to defend them from the biggest bully at school makes Wyatt feel useless and frustrated. But his little sister thinks the good his powers could do is more important than following Dad’s rules. Slowly, the two of them become a dynamic crime-fighting duo right under their dad’s nose.
Lying to his dad isn’t much easier than lying to his friends. But Wyatt might be able to make a real difference in the community…and maybe even find Mom. That makes it all worth it—right?
Eleven-year-old Wyatt Flynn had something amazing happen to he got superpowers! Good ones too, like super-flight, super-strength, and super-speed. The only problem? Wyatt got his superpowers totally by mistake, and his dad—who’s been overprotective since Wyatt’s mom disappeared—thinks he’s too young for them and worries what would happen if everyone found out. So he makes Wyatt hide his powers.
Keeping such a huge secret from his best friends Beto and Nara is bad enough, but not being able to use his new abilities to defend them from the biggest bully at school makes Wyatt feel useless and frustrated. But his little sister thinks the good his powers could do is more important than following Dad’s rules. Slowly, the two of them become a dynamic crime-fighting duo right under their dad’s nose.
Lying to his dad isn’t much easier than lying to his friends. But Wyatt might be able to make a real difference in the community…and maybe even find Mom. That makes it all worth it—right?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2022
11 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 22, 2022
After being sprayed by a glowing space rock, drenched in nuclear waste, and then electrocuted, Wyatt Flynn, a pretty unlucky eleven-year-old, finds he possesses AWESOME super powers.
With the help of his super smart little sister, he may just survive long enough to use them.
This looks to be the very fun beginning to a great graphic series for middle grade readers.
All I can say is SUPER!
With the help of his super smart little sister, he may just survive long enough to use them.
This looks to be the very fun beginning to a great graphic series for middle grade readers.
All I can say is SUPER!
December 22, 2023
I so want to know what happened to their mom. I really loved the sister.
The story is silly, but also has a serious vein running through it. How do you deal with a bully protected by the father who is the superintendent and you can’t fight back because one punch could kill them due to super strength powers?
I honestly didn’t think bullying like that existed anymore, what with all of the acceptance of all peoples and the intolerance of meanness of any kind in schools nowadays, but that could just be the PR and not the reality.
4, solid I want to know the answers, stars.
The story is silly, but also has a serious vein running through it. How do you deal with a bully protected by the father who is the superintendent and you can’t fight back because one punch could kill them due to super strength powers?
I honestly didn’t think bullying like that existed anymore, what with all of the acceptance of all peoples and the intolerance of meanness of any kind in schools nowadays, but that could just be the PR and not the reality.
4, solid I want to know the answers, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 10, 2022Sort of Super is the debut graphic novel for middle-grade readers from comic artist Eric Gapstur featuring Wyatt, an eleven-year-old with superpowers that he isn’t allowed to use. Wyatt is a little on the awkward side even in the best of situations, but he is always well-intentioned, and he doesn’t want to get in trouble with his dad for using the superpowers that he doesn’t quite understand. But sometimes a guy just has to use his superpowers, right? Whether it's for putting out a wildfire, hassling the school bully, saving the world from predatory aliens, some things are worth being grounded for. The bright colors, fast pace, and an endearing cast of supporting characters are sure to appeal to young comic fans. The drawing style and humor are reminiscent of “Calvin and Hobbes,” and on almost every page spread Gapstur includes an effect that pops out of the standard panel arrangement. The ending of Sort of Super leaves plenty of room for future installments of Wyatt’s adventures, which is good news for middle-grade readers who become fans.
Thanks to Aladdin/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for providing an advance copy of this title.
Thanks to Aladdin/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for providing an advance copy of this title.
January 8, 2022
Good graphic about a boy who accidentally got superpowers and he tries to hide them at school. Fun stories. Adeline and grandma are great characters. This is anARC so not all the book was in color- that was disappointing. I will be sure to pick it up once published to read the other half k. Color.
September 10, 2024
A family friendly superhero graphic novel with enough character and mystery to keep me excited for the next one
July 17, 2022
Moving to a house 'in the sticks' is a drag. There's nothing to do and hanging with friends after school is now impossible.
Wyatt understands why though. Keeping his secret is the most important thing now and Dad and Grandma are determined to keep it that way.
Wyatt has superpowers - you name it, he's got it. Invisibility, super speed, strength and agility. He can even fly! He's not great with the smarts though and that's where his little sister Adeline comes in. She is mega-smart, in fact she has jumped classes and this year is in the same class as Wyatt.
This is lucky because Wyatt needs someone to keep an eye on him. He is struggling to keep his secret to himself, especially when the school bully is up to his old tricks again, making life difficult for as many students as possible.
Wyatt finally gets to use his superpowers for something good. Someone is kidnapping animals from all over town. Even their class pet vanishes! Who is nabbing pets and why?
Can these super siblings solve the mystery? What they discover is out of this world!
This graphic novel, marked in chapter sections, is a rollicking read full of humour, action, tension and a completely unexpected ending. Weaving through this fun, full colour graphic novel is another mystery about these super sibling's missing mum. Is there more to her disappearance than first thought?
This adds another layer of mystery, and the final pages point to a sequel. I for one will be diving in for more!
Wyatt understands why though. Keeping his secret is the most important thing now and Dad and Grandma are determined to keep it that way.
Wyatt has superpowers - you name it, he's got it. Invisibility, super speed, strength and agility. He can even fly! He's not great with the smarts though and that's where his little sister Adeline comes in. She is mega-smart, in fact she has jumped classes and this year is in the same class as Wyatt.
This is lucky because Wyatt needs someone to keep an eye on him. He is struggling to keep his secret to himself, especially when the school bully is up to his old tricks again, making life difficult for as many students as possible.
Wyatt finally gets to use his superpowers for something good. Someone is kidnapping animals from all over town. Even their class pet vanishes! Who is nabbing pets and why?
Can these super siblings solve the mystery? What they discover is out of this world!
This graphic novel, marked in chapter sections, is a rollicking read full of humour, action, tension and a completely unexpected ending. Weaving through this fun, full colour graphic novel is another mystery about these super sibling's missing mum. Is there more to her disappearance than first thought?
This adds another layer of mystery, and the final pages point to a sequel. I for one will be diving in for more!
April 26, 2022
SORT OF SUPER is a debut graphic novel about a middle schoolers who accidentally obtains super powers. Wyatt wants to be a superhero but his dad says he’s too young. Together Wyatt and his brilliant younger sister, Adeline, become a crime fighting duo despite their dad’s reservations. Their story has humor, friendship, a great sibling relationship and fast paced adventure. Wyatt is a completely relatable, realistic kid - aside from the whole flying, speedy, invisible stuff and Adeline is smart and endearingly mischievous. This graphic novel is fantastic fun for the middle grade crowd.
October 8, 2021
Terrific choice for middle grade graphic novel collections! Full of superheroes, family, friends, a bit of mystery and a lot of fun. Wyatt became a superhero as a result of an accident in his father’s office but is required to keep his powers hidden. The family even moves away from town so that Wyatt can exercise his flying ability, super strength and invisibility skills without fear of discovery. But kids are kids and when little things like a fire near school or a bully in school happen, then a guy has to do what a guy has to do, right? Little sister and brainiac Adeline becomes his sidekick and together they try to accomplish good things with plenty of mishaps to keep the laughs coming. This series opener ends on a mysterious note and will leave readers anxious for the next installment. The art is big, bold, and realistic and done is brighter colors, much more appropriate for the target audience than some of Gapstur’s other work. Text is free of sexual content and profanity and the violence is largely broken things due to Wyatt’s large learning curve as he navigates his powers. Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster Children’s publishing.
January 22, 2022
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing #bookexpedition with an early copy of this middle grade graphic novel to read and review.
Eleven year old Wyatt unintentionally became a superhero during an accident at his dad’s work. With powers like invisibility, flight, and strength, Wyatt’s dad moves the family out to the country so Wyatt can practice his new super skills without being discovered. But when problems pop up, like a fire near the school or when an untouchable bully harasses classmates, superheroes are needed, right?
Lots of laughs in this one as Wyatt and his super team (his brainiac younger sister Adeline and his awesome grandma) try to solve the mystery of the town’s missing pets. And, Wyatt hopes, the mystery surrounding his mom’s disappearance.
Ending with more work for Wyatt and Adeline to pursue, student readers will be anxious for their story to continue in a sequel. The bold, bright colors and fast paced storyline will appeal to the middle grade audience. Because it was an ARC, only the first half was inked, and I can’t wait to see the final copy and share it with my student readers when it’s published on March 22, 2022.
Eleven year old Wyatt unintentionally became a superhero during an accident at his dad’s work. With powers like invisibility, flight, and strength, Wyatt’s dad moves the family out to the country so Wyatt can practice his new super skills without being discovered. But when problems pop up, like a fire near the school or when an untouchable bully harasses classmates, superheroes are needed, right?
Lots of laughs in this one as Wyatt and his super team (his brainiac younger sister Adeline and his awesome grandma) try to solve the mystery of the town’s missing pets. And, Wyatt hopes, the mystery surrounding his mom’s disappearance.
Ending with more work for Wyatt and Adeline to pursue, student readers will be anxious for their story to continue in a sequel. The bold, bright colors and fast paced storyline will appeal to the middle grade audience. Because it was an ARC, only the first half was inked, and I can’t wait to see the final copy and share it with my student readers when it’s published on March 22, 2022.
June 25, 2023
Wyatt got sprayed by a glowing space rock, drenched in nuclear waste, and zapped by electricity leading to his superpowers. He wants to use his special abilities, but his dad has moved them to a remote house and kept him hidden away for the summer. He sneaks out of school to put out a fire but misplaces his normal clothes on the way back. Thankfully, his genius younger sister Adeline is there to help him with the planning and organizing so Wyatt can actually put his superpowers to good use. It's a great superhero story that feels original. I really like that the siblings don't hate each other despite one skipping ahead to be in the same class. Their teamwork makes for a better story in this case. While it's a contained story, there's clearly more coming in future volumes, including the family backstory of what happened to their mom. This book really suffers from a boring cover. It could be so much more, like a split page with normal Wyatt on one side and super Wyatt on the other, even having him split down the middle. For fans of Bedhead Ted, Antihero, Leon the Extraordinary, and Super Turbo. Older fans of Dog Man may also like this one.
November 7, 2022
Wyatt Flynn can hardly believe it, but it seems that a freak accident gave him superpowers! Now he is ready to use his powers to do good in the world, but his father will not allow it. He thinks Wyatt is too young and he worries about what would happen if people discovered Wyatt's abilities. Wyatt's little sister is convinced that Wyatt should use his powers for good and she teams up with him to fight crime. These two are determined to make a difference, but can they do it and still keep their secret?
This is a fun graphic novel for elementary and middle school kids. I love the "average kid becomes a superhero" troupe and it's a ton of fun in this book. The book took a turn at the end and the result felt a little far out there for me, but superhero books often have some pretty unbelievable elements so it is understandable.
The graphics are full of color and enjoyable to read. Every page feels unique and there is a lot of variation in the layouts and design.
Great book. I definitely recommend this one for kids! And I can't wait for the sequel.
This is a fun graphic novel for elementary and middle school kids. I love the "average kid becomes a superhero" troupe and it's a ton of fun in this book. The book took a turn at the end and the result felt a little far out there for me, but superhero books often have some pretty unbelievable elements so it is understandable.
The graphics are full of color and enjoyable to read. Every page feels unique and there is a lot of variation in the layouts and design.
Great book. I definitely recommend this one for kids! And I can't wait for the sequel.
February 3, 2022
At first, I almost did not finish this book. I was, "Another kid superhero who has the brain of a grape?" One should not be thinking "Dumba$$" about a middle school kid. But Wyatt *is* a dumb dumba$$. I understand not being able to handle his powers or having misunderstandings (we all have had to calibrate to our "other left"), but even a kid should know what a "Muggle Dumbledore" means (not that he has magical powers). And that you "smell like Christmas" is not "it IS Christmas." However, once the surprise twists enter, then things started to be more likable. This graphic novel is like Hilo by Judd Winick was human and had a kid sister and his father was a police officer. There is mystery, villains, bullies and more. Once I was into the story, I was able to like Wyatt and his sister, Adeline. This is a good series for ages 8 and up, and I think I will find the sequels when they grace the printed pages.
July 10, 2022
Wyatt acquired super powers through a series of accidents, but it hasn't been nearly as cool as he thought it would be. His dad moved the family out to the country--away from prying eyes (and Wyatt's friends) to give Wyatt a chance to get a handle on his powers. Which MOST certainly has not happened. And homeschool was on the table, but Wyatt and his sister Adelaide are being allowed to go to school--though Wyatt is strictly forbidden from using his powers. But, disappearing animals, fires and bullies happen and things just sort of snowball out of control. I really like this one. I loved all the practical considerations that a young superhero has to take into account. And, Wyatt was such a bouncy, adorable... golden retriever of a superhero. Adelaide was awesome and Grandma was the best. Ready for the sequel!
February 21, 2022
Thank you Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for this Arc of Sort of Super by Eric Gapstur. In this middle grade graphic novel/comic Wyatt is navigating starting the new school year with super powers that he needs to keep under control and under wraps--something he is not very good at. At the same time, animals in the town are going missing. It's up to Wyatt, his sister Adeline, his grandmother, and his father (who is a police officer)to solve the disappearances (really only his dad). A funny and heartfelt comic that shows a genuinely good relationship between a brother and sister coping with the disappearance of their mom and middle school problems. Definitely recommend for the middle schoolers in your life.
June 10, 2024
Fun graphic novel about a boy who gains super strength, super speed, flight, invisibility, invulnerability and dreams of being a superhero after being exposed to nuclear waste, meteor dust, and electrocuted. He returns to school with his younger super genius sister and tries to be an ordinary kid, while being a bit dim-witted and clueless getting him into all sorts of hijinks. Eventually as pets disappear he and his sister try to solve the mystery and become embroiled with alien invaders.
This was a fun graphic novel. It was an amusing and light-hearted take on superhero story with emphasis on childish comedy. It shows what a child who gained powers would be really like. Nothing deep or thought-provoking, but a lot of fun.
This was a fun graphic novel. It was an amusing and light-hearted take on superhero story with emphasis on childish comedy. It shows what a child who gained powers would be really like. Nothing deep or thought-provoking, but a lot of fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
This is one of our LA Young Readers Choice books for 3rd-5th for 2024-25. My five-year-old son and I read it in one sitting (with a couple of potty breaks!). It was enjoyable. It’s about a boy who discovers he has developed super powers. His dad is worried about him revealing the secret of the super powers to others. He has a super smart younger sister who moves up two grade levels to join him and his two best friends in middle school. Mysteriously, animals have been going missing in their community. Can they discover what is going on and help solve the problem? I doubt you’ll see the twist coming! And, Wyatt and Adeline’s mom disappeared four years ago. My son and I immediately checked out the next in the series when we finished this one!
December 7, 2021
*I was gifted an early copy of this for an honest review*
I was pleasantly surprised by this graphic novel! I was worried it would be just another cringey, middle-grade book, but it definitely wasn't! It dealt with some serious issues and had an intelligent and mature writing style and word-choice. The designs and the coloring job of the characters and places are amazing! I applaud Eric Gapstur for this book, and I can't wait for him to publish more novels in this story!
-SL
I was pleasantly surprised by this graphic novel! I was worried it would be just another cringey, middle-grade book, but it definitely wasn't! It dealt with some serious issues and had an intelligent and mature writing style and word-choice. The designs and the coloring job of the characters and places are amazing! I applaud Eric Gapstur for this book, and I can't wait for him to publish more novels in this story!
-SL
February 8, 2022
When 11 year old Wyatt Flynn is accidentally sprayed by a glowing space rock, drenched in nuclear waste, and zapped with electricity, he becomes a superhero. His Dad, a policemen, moves the family to the country so Wyatt can practice without being 'discovered”. Although Mom is missing, the family is rounded out by Adeline, his genius sister, and Gramma, who has a talent for fun, and for making superhero costumes. The mystery begins with the disappearance of an unusual number of animals and a suspicious school principal. With bright colorful illustrations and a dialogue which quickly moves the plot along, this high energy sci-fi oozes kid appeal, and your readers will be clamoring for more. Thanks to Aladdin /Simon & Schuster Children's and Netgalley for the e-galley.
July 1, 2022
Graphic Novel
After exposure to unusual items, Wyatt develops super powers. At eleven, he is too young to keep them under control all the time. Readers see his family work to figure out their new normal. Wyatt and his sister, Adeline, work together to secretly fight crime in their community. From missing animals to space aliens, these two figure out how to protect their family and their town. Plenty of action and humor for middle grade readers. The ending sets up future books.
After exposure to unusual items, Wyatt develops super powers. At eleven, he is too young to keep them under control all the time. Readers see his family work to figure out their new normal. Wyatt and his sister, Adeline, work together to secretly fight crime in their community. From missing animals to space aliens, these two figure out how to protect their family and their town. Plenty of action and humor for middle grade readers. The ending sets up future books.
May 27, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)
This was a fun graphic novel with a bit of a mystery. It was definitely giving HiLo (The Boy Who Crashed to Earth) vibes. Wyatt was a little too dumb for me but it also kind of worked in the storyline. Will definitely read any sequels that come out!
This was a fun graphic novel with a bit of a mystery. It was definitely giving HiLo (The Boy Who Crashed to Earth) vibes. Wyatt was a little too dumb for me but it also kind of worked in the storyline. Will definitely read any sequels that come out!
June 13, 2023
Interesting start to a super series. Wyatt suddenly finds himself with superpowers that he must keep secret while trying to solve a mystery, deal with bullies, and survive middle school in general. I liked Wyatt enough but he was extremely dumbed down. I found it unnecessary as his sister is super smart, so he could be average intelligence instead of really making him seem idiotic. The plot was interesting and the twist took me by surprise. I hope there's more!
July 9, 2023
Mix everyday hero with superpowers with a Calvin (from Calvin and Hobbes) type of life - you get the everyday life of a Superhero that relates to every school life.
The fact that the plot of this graphic novel can in fact combine a superhero element alongside an everyday student life- excellent. Very well-done and well-illustrated, with a bit of mystery, moral lesson, and humor all intertwined.
The fact that the plot of this graphic novel can in fact combine a superhero element alongside an everyday student life- excellent. Very well-done and well-illustrated, with a bit of mystery, moral lesson, and humor all intertwined.
July 10, 2024
This book was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to picking up the sequel. There's an interesting part/reveal at the end that I'm hoping book 2 discusses more.
Graphic novels and superheroes have always gone hand in hand. I really like Eric Gapstur's art style. Great family and specifically sibling relationships in this. It's funny and fits the middle grade/upper elementary school reader perfectly. Highly recommend for you or the kid in your life.
Graphic novels and superheroes have always gone hand in hand. I really like Eric Gapstur's art style. Great family and specifically sibling relationships in this. It's funny and fits the middle grade/upper elementary school reader perfectly. Highly recommend for you or the kid in your life.
May 3, 2022
I would have this book as an option for students to read for a book review or essay assignment. The main character is extremely relatable to the typical awkward pre teen/early teenage boy and for that reason students would love it. Would also be great for the kids who enjoy comic books, super heroes and science fiction.
July 17, 2022
Eleven-year-old Wyatt Flynn, who becomes a superhero after he is accidentally sprayed by a glowing space rock, drenched in nuclear waste, and zapped with electricity, struggles with his new superpowrs and the travails of middle school in this first book in a funny, lighthearted graphic novel series.
August 12, 2022
This book was amazing! The illustrations were outstanding and the storyline was captivating and really well done! I wasn't expecting the storyline to be so good, this was one of the best books I've read in awhile! Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good story, amazing illustrations, and just a good read!
October 5, 2022
This book is SO much fun. Wyatt has some major super powers that are new (series of unfortunate events in the evidence room of his father’s police station) and fairly uncontrollable. His father also says he’s too young to be a super hero, he must hide these powers for safety’s sake. Also, his little sister is a genius. PROBLEMS ABOUND. Funny. Delightful. Looks like there may be more to follow.
February 4, 2023
Read this to review it for our 4th grade Guys/Gals Read program, and this one is really pitch-perfect for our needs. A really fun superhero romp, with a twist. Our hero isn't great at making plans, but his non-super sister is. The two team up to save the world from a super-secret surprise alien invasion. It's got a lot of Calvin and Hobbes-esque visual humor and frenetic energy.
March 12, 2022
Thanks to Penguin Kids for the ARC of this book!
This is a cute middle-grade graphic novel. I was a little confused at first as to whether the main character actually had super powers or was just pretending. Once the book gets going, it has some fun moments and a sweet message.
This is a cute middle-grade graphic novel. I was a little confused at first as to whether the main character actually had super powers or was just pretending. Once the book gets going, it has some fun moments and a sweet message.
April 25, 2022
I read this book with my 8 year old daughter. She loved it. Reading graphic novels out loud is hard, but we really enjoyed it. Sort of Super takes you on a fun and wild ride. My daughter is hoping for a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews