Synopsis

Superpowers don’t always solve your super problems.

The hardest part about being a superhero isn’t the punches, the powers, or even the secret identity. It’s getting back up when everything tells you to stay down.

Josh Jacobs, Jr. wasn’t looking for trouble—he’s had enough of that already. New town, new school, and after what happened at his last one, he’s keeping his head down. But when he steps in to stop a bully, something awakens inside him. A power. A force unlike anything he’s ever felt.

Just as Josh starts to get a handle on his new abilities, the town is attacked by a monster from his nightmares—a shadowy villain that knows all of Josh’s fears.

Can Kid Comet find the courage to defeat his nemesis and save Rockvale?

Amazon * B&N * Bookshop * Author’s Website

Review

This middle-grade book is action-packed with superheroes, family, and discovery.

Josh and his mom have moved back to this small town where she grew up. If you have ever moved as a child, you know that it can be hard. You have to find new friends, new activities, and figure out how to fit in to this new community. It doesn’t help that Josh is carrying the weight of his dad’s death on his shoulders. Josh also has cerebral palsy, so that makes life a little harder at times, too.

This story checks a lot of boxes – action, angst, family, friendship, bullies, and discovery. Josh learns a lot in a short time after moving to Rockvale. Despite trying to isolate himself from others, two classmates see through his efforts and insert themselves into his life. Mikey and Xandra are intriguing characters that add dimension to the story. They don’t let Josh go about all of this on his own.

I like Josh’s grandfather. He has a secret, too, that is eventually shared with Josh when the time is right. They have a good bond, and I can only imagine his role in future books. There are even some touching scenes with his mother clearing up events surrounding his dad’s death. Communication is key, but can be hard in times of grief.

This novel also spreads a message about feelings, self-worth, and believing in yourself. A great book to read with your kids and discuss afterwards, especially when the truth about the shadow is revealed.

We give this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

Christopher Bodmann has always been captivated by the power of storytelling. He believes stories exist to inspire, drive action, and ignite passion. This conviction fuels his writing, with the hope that his words will one day inspire something extraordinary. For Christopher, the ultimate fulfillment comes from knowing that his stories have given young readers confidence and belief in themselves.

Christopher is dedicated to crafting fun, engaging stories with relatable characters. He uses fantasy elements to address real-world issues that middle-grade readers might face, aiming to create a meaningful connection with his audience. He is particularly passionate about encouraging middle-grade boys to become avid readers by incorporating “gateway” topics that resonate with their interests, while also ensuring his content appeals to all audiences.

Christopher resides in San Antonio, Texas, with his loving wife and their five wonderful children.

Website * Facebook * Instagram