Searching for Super
by Marion Jensen · Almost Super #2
A superhero family comedy about learning that real action matters more than impressive powers
The story
Rafter Bailey is frustrated. His superhero family has been hiding since losing their powers, and his dud superpower — striking matches on polyester — is not going to save anyone. When mysterious cousin Thimon arrives offering real superpowers, Rafter jumps at the chance to finally do something important. But as danger closes in on the family, Rafter must learn that being super has nothing to do with having powers.
Age verdict
Best for ages 9-11. Content is appropriate for 8+, but series continuity and the story's psychological complexity land better with slightly older readers who can appreciate subtle narrative clues.
Our take
Entertainment-forward: kids enjoy the superhero humor and action most; teachers find moderate classroom utility through discussion and reluctant reader appeal; parents see limited growth value beyond the reading experience itself.
What stands out
Each audience's top 3 dimensions. Out of 30 scored per book.
Kids love
- Plot unpredictability Strong
Comparable to Artemis Fowl — genuine reversals blindside readers. Illusion reveal retroactively reframes narrative. Planted clues reward attentive re-readers. Sits at anchor.
- First-chapter grab Strong
Comparable to All the Broken Pieces — both open with immediate emotional stakes. Rafter falling from baby carrier establishes action/humor/world efficiently. Hook is character-driven. Sits at anchor.
Parents love
- Reading gateway Strong
Comparable to Amal Unbound — short chapters, humor, hook, voice, action pacing accessible to moderate readers. 256 pages manageable. Sits at anchor.
- Writing quality Solid
Comparable to A Bear Called Paddington , sits at anchor — competent prose with naturalistic dialogue. Efficient scene-setting. Solid craft without re-readable passages.
Teachers love
- Reluctant reader rescue Strong
Comparable to Breakout — action, humor, chapters, voice, surprise reward reading. Series hook motivates. Ideal for reluctant readers. Sits at anchor.
- Read-aloud power Solid
Comparable to Earthquake in the Early Morning , sits below — dialogue with distinct voices translates to oral reading. Works better independent than classroom. Sits below.
✓ Perfect for
- • Kids who love superhero stories with humor and heart
- • Readers who enjoyed Almost Super (Book 1)
- • Middle graders who like action-comedy with surprising revelations
Not ideal for
Readers who prefer standalone books or literary fiction — this is a series sequel with an open ending that requires Book 1 for context
At a glance
- Pages
- 256
- Chapters
- 39
- Words
- 65k
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- POV
- First Person
- Illustration
- None
- Published
- 2015
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
Mood & style
You'll know it worked when…
Emotional arc resolves; plot sets up a rescue mission for potential continuation
More like this
Same genre, similar age range. Ranked by kid score.
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