Public School Superhero
What’s inside...
Inner city middle school student Kenny Wright imagines himself as a superhero-but when he faces peer pressure and bullying, can he find his strength in real life? Kenny Wright is a kid with a secret identity. In his mind, he's Stainlezz Steel, super-powered defender of the weak. In reality, he's a chess club devotee known as a 'Grandma's Boy,' a label that makes him an easy target for bullies. Kenny wants to bring a little more Steel to the real world, but the question is: can he recognize the real strength and goodness inside himself? Or will peer pressure force him to make the worst choice of his life? Interspersed with fantastic illustrations and comic-book panels, this book aims to both entertain and to provoke dialogue about identity, belonging, and doing the right thing.
Age
8-11
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kenneth 'Kenny' Wright
Ray-Ray
Grandma Wright
Discussion points
How do you think Kenny handles the challenges he faces both in school and as Stainlezz Steel? What would you do in his place?
Why do you think Kenny feels the need to create an alter ego like Stainlezz Steel? How do you cope with difficult situations?
What role do friends and family play in Kenny’s life and how do they influence his actions?
How does the setting of the story, both at school and in the neighborhood, affect Kenny’s behavior and choices?
What did you learn about handling difficult situations from Kenny’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters’ motivations and actions, fostering empathy and understanding. Try to draw parallels between Kenny’s experiences and your child’s everyday life, making the story more relevant and impactful. Celebrate your child’s responses to foster confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of embracing one’s true self
Explanation: In 'Public School Superhero,' the protagonist Kenny navigates between his school identity and his imaginative secret identity as Stainlezz Steel. This duality helps emphasize the value of being true to oneself despite external expectations or pressures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and express their unique traits and personalities, even when they feel the need to conform to peer or societal expectations.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Kenny relies on his friends both in his real life and in his imaginary adventures. These relationships are crucial in helping him tackle everyday challenges and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Understanding the significance of supporting and valuing friends can help children build stronger, more supportive relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Kenny faces various challenges both in real life at school and in his superhero fantasy. His ability to persist despite these obstacles demonstrates the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that facing challenges head-on, rather than avoiding them, builds strength and character, helping them to overcome difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices on future outcomes
Explanation: The decisions Kenny makes, in both his real life and as Stainlezz Steel, highlight how choices can affect personal and academic outcomes. The story emphasizes consideration in decision-making.
Real-World Application: This narrative can lead children to think more critically about the consequences of their choices, helping them to make thoughtful decisions in complex situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and personal improvement
Explanation: Kenny's growth in the story is facilitated by his engagement in school and learning. Education is portrayed as a vital tool for personal development and achieving one's dreams.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and pursue education as a pathway to better themselves and achieve their goals, just like Kenny.