Searching for Super

October 15, 2014
Deprived of superpowers in the previous episode (Almost Super, 2014), can the Bailey and Johnson clans put aside their squabbles to tackle their common nemesis, the Joneses? Determined to prove that they have the mettle to join their parents and relatives in fighting crime, 13-year-old Rafter Bailey, his little brother, Benny, and erstwhile rival Juanita Johnson (definitely the brains of the trio) kick off their own search for the Joneses' secret hideout. Little do they suspect that those clever villains have planted a ringer in their very midst. Sabotage and other distractions ensue, until Juanita's sudden disappearance sharpens not only the urgency of the search, but also Rafter's guilt for being a poor friend. The kidnapping turns out to be a crucial mistake for the bad guys, however, as resourceful Juanita gets off a call for help that both brings the Baileys and Johnsons together for a collective rescue operation and, amid much breakage of glass and heroic feats of derring-do, foils the evil schemes of scenery-chewing archfiend October Jones. Rafter makes a likable narrator, emotionally open and determined to be both a good superhero and a good friend. Like its predecessor, a satisfying, Incredibles-style mix of awesome exploits and common family issues. (Fantasy. 10-12)

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December 15, 2014
Grades 4-7 Battle with the supervillain family the Joneses commences in this sequel to the comical action novel Almost Super (2014). Robbed of their powers, two former superhero families, the Baileys and the Johnsons, hunker down while contemplating their next move. Unsatisfied with inaction, Rafter, Benny, and Juanita start doing some Jones-related research and get their chance at being heroes. Funny and entertaining, this adventure twists and turns as the characters search for their powers and come head-to-head with a villainous Super-super. An exciting follow-up that will leave readers eager for more.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)