Superhero Max

by Lawrence David, Tara Calahan King (Illustrator)

Wiffle Biffle! These words turn Max into a superhero. But can a regular boy ever learn to be himself? It’s almost Halloween, and Max still doesn’t have any friends at his new school. So when the teacher invites all the kids to come in costume for the big day, Max knows just what he’ll be. He becomes Captain Crusader, Superhero. It’s a game he loved playing with his old friends, and now his classmates all want to play with him too.
Captain Crusader fights all sorts of villains. He’s liked and needed by everyone. But when Max persists in being a superhero–costume and all–after October 31st, the kids start to lose interest. Max pouts and acts out. His family begins to worry that he isn’t himself anymore. Can Max leave his superhero games behind long enough to see whether the kids like him for who he really is?

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Superheroes

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 10, 2002

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is unusual that the kids and I will all have the same decidedly negative response to a book, but something about this one *really* didn't sit well with any of us. My niece said, "That was a weird book. I don't think I liked that one," and my nephew, who likes pretty much anything to do with superheroes, said, "I don't like that book. Let's read the other one."

I'm not exactly sure what the author was trying to convey in this story. While the book started out promisingly enough (a new kid at school tries to fit in, and does so with the help of a cool halloween costume), it rapidly became odd, and Max became a little bit disturbing (or perhaps just disturbed?). This was one I wish I had had time to screen before checking it out from the library. If I had, it would not have made it past the shelf.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to get this out of the library. My five-year-old son's name is Max, and we're into superheroes, so it's a good fit.

But I'm not sure what to think of the book. I think it tried to have a message about being yourself and fitting in...or something. But it didn't deliver it very well.

Plus it had poor production values. The star on Max's mask falls off on page 19, but surprise! there it is again on page 22. That's just poor editing.

My son was disappointed that even though the story told of 4 different types of Halloween costumes in Max's class, and one of them was ninjas, there were no ninjas pictured! (Several other costumes are pictured, that aren't mentioned. Did the writer and illustrator even communicate! Sheesh!)

Still, I think my son like it more than I did.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is new to his school and isn't quite fitting in. On Halloween he shows up in his superhero costume and discovers it helps him interact with new friends. He continues to wear the superhero suit, even though Halloween is over and quickly learns that it is not the clothes you wear that help you to play with others.

Illustrations are okay.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story for K-3 kids who are new in town, who are shy to join in at recess, and/or who might be a little too focused on superheroes to the exclusion of other activities. And for all who celebrate Halloween!