School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Prolific author-for-all-ages Barnes's first graphic novel, Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice, made him a 2022 National Book Award Finalist. From real-life hero (and coauthor) Tommie Smith, Barnes pivots to fictional superhero Bobby Beacon who's got a few real-life challenges to face, including those universally familiar to all kids, like anger, and those all-too-familiar for kids of color, like racism. As a new student at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities, Bobby's name already shines: "Beacons lead people and show them the way." With the gentle help of his teacher, Bobby learns to harness his "power of light and fire"--and avoid being shipped to the Institute of Supervillains. Narrator Fouhey--fabulously versatile, especially with youthful titles--deftly adapts his voice over an impressive, complementary soundtrack featuring synthesized beats, bangs, and door slams. Fouhey even embodies Miss Brooklyn's recommended five deep breaths--a clever reminder for all readers (even reviewers!). For maximum enjoyment (and enlightenment), pair audio with print: Shawn Martinborough's energetic art adds details impossible to aurally showcase, including Bobby's extensive collection of Star Wars figures and that even superheroes (like Sincere) need their inhaler. VERDICT Libraries should prepare to meet high demand in all formats. Perfect for reluctant readers.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Graphic novel and picture book merge in this red-hot superhero story from Barnes and Martinbrough with Lucas. On the first day at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities (AKWAA), Bobby Beacon, who reads as Black, indicates that "Beacons lead people and show them the way." Wielding "the power of light and fire," Bobby sometimes has difficulties controlling these abilities--something the school is supposed to help with. But a run-in with a critical teacher ends with Bobby in the principal's office, where it's made clear that the Institute for Supervillains could be the next stop for Bobby, as it was for a fellow Black-cued classmate. Even so, a new teacher, Miss Brooklyn, demonstrates calming methods, and when Headmaster Chaos of the Institute for Supervillains crashes an assembly looking to recruit Bobby, the narrator uses their knowledge to save the day. Thin-lined hand-drawn artwork with bold shadow effects conveys the dynamism of old-school comic books in this story that underscores teachers' import while portraying one child's experience within an educational system that falls short in supporting its Black students. Miss Brooklyn reads as Black; the AKWAA principal and Headmaster Chaos cue as white. Ages 5--8. (July)
Kirkus Review
A Black youngster attends a school designed to help him control his superpowers. Bobby Beacon can wield light and fire with impressive--and at times terrifying--results, but sometimes his talent seems to have a mind of its own. At the Academy of Kids With Awesome Abilities, he meets other superheroes-in-training. Not all the teachers are understanding, however; Ms. Flores either scolds or ignores Bobby--until frustration sets in, lava seems to fill his veins, and he accidentally melts his chair. Miss Brooklyn, a different teacher, is more understanding, and her techniques and willingness to listen set Bobby on the path to success. However, the Institute for Supervillains and its leader, Headmaster Chaos, do not intend to let a talent like Bobby's elude their clutches. But Bobby and his classmates are ready to fight back. With this lively and clever picture book, award-winning author Barnes tells an engaging story while skillfully conveying the idea that young people can flourish with guidance from empathetic educators. In particular, the narrative speaks to the experiences of Black students, who are disproportionately disciplined for misbehavior far more often than their White counterparts. Comic-book elements such as speech bubbles and panels work perfectly with the text; Martinbrough and Lucas' dramatic art oozes action. Miss Brooklyn and Ms. Flores are Black, while Headmaster Chaos is White. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A thrilling story with a sound takeaway: Compassionate teachers are the real superheroes. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Extraordinary Bobby Beacon has the power to create light and fire at will, and he's a new student at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities, a school for heroes in training, where he hopes to learn how to better control his abilities. Unfortunately, his first day does not go quite as planned. Instead of helping him succeed, many of the school's staff members are quick to see the worst in him. After Bobby accidentally melts his chair, he winds up in the principal's office, where he is told that if he is unable to control his powers, he could be sent to the Institute for Supervillians. But a new teacher--one who looks more like him and understands his struggle--works to build him up and patiently helps him develop the skills he needs. Barnes, Martinbrough, and Lucas' smart and engaging book (which could be equally at home in the picture-book section) uses the metaphor of superpowers to explore commonly misunderstood behavior in children and emphasize the importance of guiding them with compassion and understanding instead of punishment. Martinbrough and Lucas' superhero-comics style is perfectly matched to the subject matter. Wonderfully elevating and empowering the voices and needs of Black children in particular, this book's message of the importance of genuine nurture and support will ring true for just about any kid.
