Like Lava In My Veins

CHARLOTTE'S PICK

By far the most fun I've had reading a bed-time story, the world-building achieved by Derrick Barnes and his artists has no business being this complex and well-developed for 40-pages or less. With a classic comic book design and a refreshing cast of young, super-powered kids, this is a story to be read over and over again. I hope we can revisit this universe of self-advocacy, loyal friendship, and redemptive supervillains in several (!) future installments.

All it takes is a loving teacher to help a boy get control of his sizzling superpowers, in this vibrant picture book by bestselling author Derrick Barnes.

Bobby Beacon’s got fire flowing through his veins. And now he’s psyched to attend a new school that’ll help him get a better grip on his powers. But right off the bat, his new teacher is not too welcoming. That causes Bobby’s hot temper to land him in the principal’s office. It ain’t easy to stay calm when people don’t seem to understand you and are always pushing you to the edge. Good thing Bobby gets moved to a class with an understanding teacher who clues him in on ways to calm himself and shows him that caring for others is its own kind of superpower. With her help—and some cool new friends—he just might be on his way to becoming the best version of himself possible.

Hardcover | Ages 5-8 | 40 pages | 8.38" x 10.25"