8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Book Jacket

8:08 a.m.

I'm like a boxer before the title fight.  Except I'm not in the ring, I'm in the auditorium.  About to be front and center stage.  Again.

I will not lose my breakfast.

I will not lose my breakfast.

Joe C. and Ruthie are right behind me--they've got my back no matter what.  Charlie's in the audience, probably so excited he can't stay in his seat.  And Mialonie Davis, the most beautiful girl in the world...

I got this.  Right?

I know Donovan is out there too, hating me more than ever.  But what matters now is the Olive Branch Shelter, and Clarke Junior School here in Brooklyn, and getting through this speech alive.

I will not lose my breakfast.

This all started with George at the Olive Branch.  Or in homeroom with the election announcement.  Or maybe back when I got my nickname, right here on this very stage.

Maybe I should just tell you the whole story...

Review

Wow.  This is easily one of the best books I've read in the past year.  I could recommend this to people of any and all ages--there's nothing inappropriate in Reggie's story.  Few books so masterfully deal with issues like God, school spirit, homelessness, community service, racism, crushes, friendship, and peer pressure.  It never becomes preachy, and in fact has a genuine sense of humor running throughout.

Reggie doesn't let his embarrassing 1st day of 8th grade (and his resulting nickname, Pukey) stop him from getting involved at the local homeless shelter with his church's youth group, then carrying his passion for helping others into his school's presidential campaign.  His relationships with best friends Joe C. and Ruthie are authentic and heart-warming.  His crush on Mialonie is perfect, and Reggie's discovery of love worth pursuing (with someone who loves you for you, and not someone who wants to change you) is a great lesson for everyone.

This book is so good, guys.  Go read it now! 

Six out of five Night Man comics.  Yeah, that's right.  Six out of five.

Release Date:  January 2010
Reading Level:  Grade 6+
Where In Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  YPL RHU