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Almost Super #1
Almost Super
Each leap year, on February 29th, at 4:23 p.m., every member of the Bailey family over the age of twelve gets a superpower. No one knows why, and no one questions it. All the Baileys know is that it's their duty to protect the world from those evil, supervillainous Johnsons.
Today, Rafter Bailey and his brother Benny are finally going to get their superpowers. Benny wants to be a speedy, and Rafter hopes he gets super strength so he can save the day just like his grandfather. But when their powers arrive, they are, well, duds. Rafter can light matches on polyester, and Benny can turn his innie belly button into an outie.
Suddenly Rafter and Benny's world is turned upside down. Especially when they realize that Juanita Johnson, the villain in Rafter's algebra class, thinks that her family are the superheroes and the Baileys are the villains.
What if everything Rafter thought he knew about superheroes turns out to be a lie? He may not have an awesome power, but with the help of Benny and an unexpected friend, he could just be almost super.
Today, Rafter Bailey and his brother Benny are finally going to get their superpowers. Benny wants to be a speedy, and Rafter hopes he gets super strength so he can save the day just like his grandfather. But when their powers arrive, they are, well, duds. Rafter can light matches on polyester, and Benny can turn his innie belly button into an outie.
Suddenly Rafter and Benny's world is turned upside down. Especially when they realize that Juanita Johnson, the villain in Rafter's algebra class, thinks that her family are the superheroes and the Baileys are the villains.
What if everything Rafter thought he knew about superheroes turns out to be a lie? He may not have an awesome power, but with the help of Benny and an unexpected friend, he could just be almost super.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
76 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
March 21, 2014
This was a really, really cute read. It may look simple on the outside, but there are layers and layers underneath full of values that teach about love, understanding, trust, and forgiveness. It's a MG book, but it's something people of all ages can enjoy, especially those who are fans of superheroes, comics, and the like.
So basically, Rafter and Benny are in a family of superheroes who were "chosen by the universe" to save the world from evil. Their dad can fly, their grandfather has superstrenght, their grandma can breathe fire, their cousin is a genius when it comes to reconnaissance and computers, so on and so forth. For as long as they can remember, their family has been fighting the Johnsons (a family with a very ordinary name "so they can blend in... arrr! Very supervillain-y way of thinking!), and the two boys can't wait to join the fray when they obtain their own powers at 4:23 PM on the 29th of February.
Unfortunately, when the moment came, something went wrong. They didn't receive the kind of powers they were expecting. What they got were useless, laughable ones that can hardly be called super.
First of all, this is insanely funny. It's not because it's MG and that there has to be jokes to cater to the younger audience. The predicament of the boys itself is such an unusual and amusing one, and the voice of Rafter, a very courageous yet rather simple-minded boy (at least at first) contributed a lot to the fun factor. I can still remember when I was a kid, I would oftentimes think the reason why things weren't going my way was because there had to be someone or something conspiring against me. I could see my younger self in Rafter and Benny and that made the whole experience so much funner as a whole. They're so young, naive, and innocent that they become oh-so endearing in their ramblings and antics.
And I love the family dynamics here. Rafter and Benny come from a super hero family, and it can't be helped that they have a quirk or two (like having a super diet, which is composed of goat's milk and potatoes and stuff. Imagine, they've only eaten bacon four times in their lives! I can't even manage that...). But even with all their differences in opinions, in attitude, in perspectives in life, when the time calls for it, they know when to act as a family should. Their treatment with each other is such a great message to kids nowadays, especially since the percentage of broken families is increasing by the day.
And Rafter and Benny's brotherly relationship is so freaking cute. Being the older brother, Rafter looks out for Benny a lot. There is hardly any jealousy between the two of them, and more often than not, they watch each other's backs. It's so refreshing, considering many of the sibling stuff I've read lately were full of contrived drama that goes beyond the realm of realistic. Their dynamic is fun, engaging, and awesome to read. The other characters, like Juanita Johnson, are cool, too. You really get to differentiate them from one another, and you look forward to meeting them knowing they'll have a power or two that's entirely unique.
The plot, while not totally original, was executed well in my opinion. There's an air of mystery when Rafter finds out there is a greater force behind the Superheroes and the Supervillians fighting each other, and it is because of this knowledge that drives him to dive into potentially dangerous territory, hoping there lies the answer of their worthless superpowers. I'm not going to ruin it for you guys, but be rest assured it's something to look forward to.
All in all, this was a fun read. The narration doesn't feel young at all, despite being told from a thirteen-year-old's perspective. It's actually very engaging and humorous. I hope the sequel is in the works because I can't wait to see what other adventures Rafter and Benny will have!
So basically, Rafter and Benny are in a family of superheroes who were "chosen by the universe" to save the world from evil. Their dad can fly, their grandfather has superstrenght, their grandma can breathe fire, their cousin is a genius when it comes to reconnaissance and computers, so on and so forth. For as long as they can remember, their family has been fighting the Johnsons (a family with a very ordinary name "so they can blend in... arrr! Very supervillain-y way of thinking!), and the two boys can't wait to join the fray when they obtain their own powers at 4:23 PM on the 29th of February.
Unfortunately, when the moment came, something went wrong. They didn't receive the kind of powers they were expecting. What they got were useless, laughable ones that can hardly be called super.
First of all, this is insanely funny. It's not because it's MG and that there has to be jokes to cater to the younger audience. The predicament of the boys itself is such an unusual and amusing one, and the voice of Rafter, a very courageous yet rather simple-minded boy (at least at first) contributed a lot to the fun factor. I can still remember when I was a kid, I would oftentimes think the reason why things weren't going my way was because there had to be someone or something conspiring against me. I could see my younger self in Rafter and Benny and that made the whole experience so much funner as a whole. They're so young, naive, and innocent that they become oh-so endearing in their ramblings and antics.
And I love the family dynamics here. Rafter and Benny come from a super hero family, and it can't be helped that they have a quirk or two (like having a super diet, which is composed of goat's milk and potatoes and stuff. Imagine, they've only eaten bacon four times in their lives! I can't even manage that...). But even with all their differences in opinions, in attitude, in perspectives in life, when the time calls for it, they know when to act as a family should. Their treatment with each other is such a great message to kids nowadays, especially since the percentage of broken families is increasing by the day.
And Rafter and Benny's brotherly relationship is so freaking cute. Being the older brother, Rafter looks out for Benny a lot. There is hardly any jealousy between the two of them, and more often than not, they watch each other's backs. It's so refreshing, considering many of the sibling stuff I've read lately were full of contrived drama that goes beyond the realm of realistic. Their dynamic is fun, engaging, and awesome to read. The other characters, like Juanita Johnson, are cool, too. You really get to differentiate them from one another, and you look forward to meeting them knowing they'll have a power or two that's entirely unique.
The plot, while not totally original, was executed well in my opinion. There's an air of mystery when Rafter finds out there is a greater force behind the Superheroes and the Supervillians fighting each other, and it is because of this knowledge that drives him to dive into potentially dangerous territory, hoping there lies the answer of their worthless superpowers. I'm not going to ruin it for you guys, but be rest assured it's something to look forward to.
All in all, this was a fun read. The narration doesn't feel young at all, despite being told from a thirteen-year-old's perspective. It's actually very engaging and humorous. I hope the sequel is in the works because I can't wait to see what other adventures Rafter and Benny will have!
September 8, 2021
I read this because it was the selected “school book” for the elementary school my son attended.
It is a pretty good choice for all ages- pretty innocuous fun. The Superhero family trope immediately made me think of the Incredibles and the intended audience age gave me some PJ Masks vibes.
It’s a fairly solid read for my eight year old- an early reader. It is also a series and he seems interested in reading the sequel.
As an adult reader, it’s pretty fine. It’s a nice premise. Superhero powers run in the family, but what happens when it’s not a power that you want.
That is really only one of the plot lines here. It is a pretty original story that plays a bit with standard tropes.
That said, as an adult, the humor is stilted at times and not particularly original. If I am being hypocritical, it is not always paced the best and the ending is disappointing in that it is more interested in selling a sequel than satisfying the reader (I’d be fine with that but it’s a kids book).
But for what it is, it’s great. Some wonderful themes, some twists on the expected superhero story, and a fun, light, action based plot that will do what it needs to do for the middle school crowd.
It is a pretty good choice for all ages- pretty innocuous fun. The Superhero family trope immediately made me think of the Incredibles and the intended audience age gave me some PJ Masks vibes.
It’s a fairly solid read for my eight year old- an early reader. It is also a series and he seems interested in reading the sequel.
As an adult reader, it’s pretty fine. It’s a nice premise. Superhero powers run in the family, but what happens when it’s not a power that you want.
That is really only one of the plot lines here. It is a pretty original story that plays a bit with standard tropes.
That said, as an adult, the humor is stilted at times and not particularly original. If I am being hypocritical, it is not always paced the best and the ending is disappointing in that it is more interested in selling a sequel than satisfying the reader (I’d be fine with that but it’s a kids book).
But for what it is, it’s great. Some wonderful themes, some twists on the expected superhero story, and a fun, light, action based plot that will do what it needs to do for the middle school crowd.
August 14, 2014
I have read many children/young adult books over the years. Some bring great imagery with little story. Some bring a great story with foul language. This story was able to bring together great characters, incredibly described scenes, a fun and captivating story, and clean language. I love the lessons learned throughout the book. It taught about love, forgiveness, realizing your full potential, and being the best you that you can be! I enjoyed this book as I know that my kids will. I suggest this book to everyone...adults can enjoy a fun and quick read as well...
I will be buying this for my kids library!
I will be buying this for my kids library!
June 6, 2014
What makes a superhero? Is it the superpowers, or is it something greater?
September 26, 2013
Rafter and Benny Bailey have been waiting for this day, February 29th, since the moment they learned their family was made up of superheroes. The moment the clock hits 4:23pm, Benny and Rafter's lives will forever change as they inherit the superpowers that will allow them to protect their city from the villainous Johnsons. their dreams take a nosedive, however, when the boys end up with rather useless powers, crushing their dreams of supersuits and heroics.
After an encounter with classmate and nemesis Juanita Johnson, they learn Juanita was also unlucky in the power department. To top it off, their conversations with Juanita brings new truths to light and challenges everything the boys believe in. They're forced to ask: which family is the real threat to their town? The Johnsons...? The Baileys...? Or someone else entirely?
I can't stop talking about Marion Jensen's debut, ALMOST SUPER. Hilarious and packed with unforgettable characters, this book has immediately found a place in my heart and, best of all, into my everyday life. After telling various people about the book and the obligatory fist shake by the Bailey's upon mentioning the Johnsons, we've developed a bit of a habit of blaming the Johnsons when things go wrong, accompanied, of course, with a fist shake. But ALMOST SUPER reminds readers that first impressions and secondhand accounts aren't always the best source of information and, perhaps, the Johnsons aren't truly the rightful recipients of our blame.
A fantastic adventure with a great message about the true meaning of bravery and heroics, ALMOST SUPER is a must read!
After an encounter with classmate and nemesis Juanita Johnson, they learn Juanita was also unlucky in the power department. To top it off, their conversations with Juanita brings new truths to light and challenges everything the boys believe in. They're forced to ask: which family is the real threat to their town? The Johnsons...? The Baileys...? Or someone else entirely?
I can't stop talking about Marion Jensen's debut, ALMOST SUPER. Hilarious and packed with unforgettable characters, this book has immediately found a place in my heart and, best of all, into my everyday life. After telling various people about the book and the obligatory fist shake by the Bailey's upon mentioning the Johnsons, we've developed a bit of a habit of blaming the Johnsons when things go wrong, accompanied, of course, with a fist shake. But ALMOST SUPER reminds readers that first impressions and secondhand accounts aren't always the best source of information and, perhaps, the Johnsons aren't truly the rightful recipients of our blame.
A fantastic adventure with a great message about the true meaning of bravery and heroics, ALMOST SUPER is a must read!
February 17, 2015
My 9 year-old-son read Marion Jensen's Almost Super a few weeks ago--and reread it again the next day he liked it so much. So I figured I should probably see what the appeal was, and after reading, I have to say I get it.
Almost SuperJensen's book has a lot of humor, heart, and action, and if not everything is plausible, well, it's a super hero story.
In the Bailey family, everyone over the age of twelve gets their super power on February 29th at 4:23 p.m. So Rafter and Benny are eagerly awaiting the powers that they'll use to fight their arch-enemies, the Johnsons. But when the pivotal time comes and goes, they discover that their powers are, respectively, the ability to light a match on polyester, and turning an innie belly button into an outie. (Incidentally, my kids and I had a hilarious dinner-time discussion trying to come up with our own useless super-hero abilities).
All this would be bad enough, but now they have to face Juanita Johnson at school. But when a chance conversation with Juanita reveals that the Johnsons think *they* are the super-heroes and the Baileys are the villains, and that an unknown enemy might be using their long-time enmity to conceal a real villainous plot, Rafter discovers that they have a chance to be . . . almost super.
This really is a fun book: the story rockets along and the characters are funny and likeable. (If some of the adults are a little dense, that just lets the kids shine more). A great book for younger readers.
Almost SuperJensen's book has a lot of humor, heart, and action, and if not everything is plausible, well, it's a super hero story.
In the Bailey family, everyone over the age of twelve gets their super power on February 29th at 4:23 p.m. So Rafter and Benny are eagerly awaiting the powers that they'll use to fight their arch-enemies, the Johnsons. But when the pivotal time comes and goes, they discover that their powers are, respectively, the ability to light a match on polyester, and turning an innie belly button into an outie. (Incidentally, my kids and I had a hilarious dinner-time discussion trying to come up with our own useless super-hero abilities).
All this would be bad enough, but now they have to face Juanita Johnson at school. But when a chance conversation with Juanita reveals that the Johnsons think *they* are the super-heroes and the Baileys are the villains, and that an unknown enemy might be using their long-time enmity to conceal a real villainous plot, Rafter discovers that they have a chance to be . . . almost super.
This really is a fun book: the story rockets along and the characters are funny and likeable. (If some of the adults are a little dense, that just lets the kids shine more). A great book for younger readers.
January 22, 2014
I love Almost Super. The Baileys are everything a superhero family should be--eccentric, courageous, funny, and above all, full of heart. But when Rafter Bailey and his little brother Benny get their superpowers, they're crushed to find that their "super" powers aren't super at all. The Baileys think they protect their city from the evil Johnson family. But Rafter and Benny soon learn a shocking truth from their classmate and nemesis, Juanita Johnson, that forces the brothers to question everything they know about heros and villains. When a new super villain threatens the city, Rafter and Bailey must rely on their not-so-super powers to save the day. Employing an exemplary mix of top-notch storytelling, involving action, and accessible humor, Marion Jensen perfectly twists the typical superhero story into something every kid can relate to: the desire to do big things with what you've been given. Jensen ably reminds us why being super is a state of mind.
Laugh-out-loud funny and packed with lovable characters, Almost Super will keep middle grade and teen readers in stitches, and anticipating Rafter and Benny's next adventure. I highly recommend it.
Laugh-out-loud funny and packed with lovable characters, Almost Super will keep middle grade and teen readers in stitches, and anticipating Rafter and Benny's next adventure. I highly recommend it.
May 13, 2016
Almost Super by Marion Jensen held a great story involving two brothers, Rafter and Benny, of a super hero family who had worthless powers. Their family the Baileys have a rival family the Johnsons who also have a daughter , Juanita, with a worthless power. The trio go through adventures through their family history and headquarters and kids wonder why they have worthless powers. Eventually a super family nobody has ever heard of, the Jones family, has stolen every super hero's power. The mastermind October Jones, purposely made the Baileys and the Johnsons fight for years to get rid of them. Rafter, Benny, and Juanita found a device that had been controlling the superheros and used it to get everybody's powers back. The kids received real powers and got rid of the Jones family. In the end, the Baileys and the Johnsons joined each other to make one huge super hero team.
January 25, 2015
blurb is accurate: Savvy meets the Incredibles. A little bit predictable, reads like an action hero cartoon with kid appeal. Grandpa has good advice for superheroes and regular people as well: "it's not the powers that make us superheroes, it's what you do with those powers."
September 20, 2020
This book is suggested for ages 8 - 12, so I’m really pushing my limits on this one. Would I have liked this when I was 10? I’m not sure. Someone gave me The Wizard of Oz when I was 9 and I was insulted—that was a kid’s book!
The lessons here are about conflict and difference, and also about self-acceptance. All that is fine. According to the cover, there is zany wit and exciting action. How do adults rate books for kids?—I guess they are trained for the task and have benchmarks and standards. This adult was a little bored, not invested, but blame all that on me, the age-inappropriate reader. The book is fine.
In this world, you get your superpower at age 12. Is this a metaphor for puberty, waiting for the powers that come from being an adult? Perhaps I’m reading too much into it.
The lessons here are about conflict and difference, and also about self-acceptance. All that is fine. According to the cover, there is zany wit and exciting action. How do adults rate books for kids?—I guess they are trained for the task and have benchmarks and standards. This adult was a little bored, not invested, but blame all that on me, the age-inappropriate reader. The book is fine.
In this world, you get your superpower at age 12. Is this a metaphor for puberty, waiting for the powers that come from being an adult? Perhaps I’m reading too much into it.
April 7, 2023
2.5 stars for me, but I rounded up. This is a possibility for our One School, One Book selection next year and so I was reading it from that mindset. With that being said, I liked the concept that these two families of superheroes who have been fighting each other for generations find that they have had the wrong idea about each other… I just didn’t think the weapons of guns and knives were necessary. For me, that makes it not a good choice for a K-5 all-school read. I do think some middle grade students would like this one, especially those who are into superheroes and super powers.
February 25, 2023
This was our school-wide book, so it took me a lot longer to read because we followed a schedule of a chapter or two a day. I enjoyed reading it aloud to my students and most of them really enjoyed it. I did too, of course. A book based on kids in super-powered families overcoming odds and figuring things out? It would have been in my wheelhouse as a 5th grader and it still is now. I will probably check out the sequel in the near future as well.
May 15, 2020
Super cute kids book! My 9 year old son and I both really enjoyed it. I found myself disappointed at times when he didn’t want to read anymore for the moment. I was excited to see what would happen next lol.
March 22, 2024
A fun story that my kids and I enjoyed reading together! I like the lesson that you don't have to have superpowers to be a super hero.
July 14, 2024
Cute read for students! I found myself laughing while also enjoying the mystery. Did not realize I would need to read the next book to find out what happens with these superheroes.
February 14, 2025
Such a cute story!
March 4, 2023
Fun book that I enjoyed reading with my 7 and 11 year old.
July 6, 2020
I think this is one of my favorite Juvenile books. Extra stars because my kids begged me to continue reading this. It’s a comical story for kids, but there is so much depth to the narrative. This was a timely read for us. Among the layers of themes, one I particularly loved was how divisiveness can blind people to true evil. I just hope the sequel lives up to it.
June 27, 2016
Every February 29 at 4:23pm the Baileys who have turned 12 since the last leap year or married into the family get a super power. Rafter and Benny Bailey are super excited because this February 29 they will get their powers. However, when 4:23pm hits, Rafter and Benny go from the heights of excitement to the depths of despair. The powers they get are duds. Completely and utterly useless. Which is going to be extra horrible, because Juanita Johnson, member of the Bailey’s archnemesis family the Johnsons would have also gotten her powers on the 29th and they have to go to school with her. Rafter and Benny are determined to figure out what the Johnsons did to them to take away the awesome powers they should have gotten and give them laughable powers instead. However, as Rafter grills Juanita about her family’s evil plans, he starts to uncover a bigger and more sinister plot.
This is a superhero story that is high on fun and light on the violence and boo-boos (no one is ever killed or even seriously hurt in the battles). It’s an interesting tale about the importance of looking at things from both sides and overcoming prejudices. And it is written quite humorously. I devoured this quickly and snatched up book two immediately.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. As mentioned, no fatalities. The “battles” between the Baileys and Johnsons are mostly powers versus powers (like lava versus water) and people aren’t punching or anything. There is one instance at the end when things get a little more serious, but everyone makes it out ok.
This is a superhero story that is high on fun and light on the violence and boo-boos (no one is ever killed or even seriously hurt in the battles). It’s an interesting tale about the importance of looking at things from both sides and overcoming prejudices. And it is written quite humorously. I devoured this quickly and snatched up book two immediately.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. As mentioned, no fatalities. The “battles” between the Baileys and Johnsons are mostly powers versus powers (like lava versus water) and people aren’t punching or anything. There is one instance at the end when things get a little more serious, but everyone makes it out ok.
July 24, 2018
For a book aimed at practically middle schoolers, I like this book. The main protagonist (Rafter) and his brother (Benny) were really cute and hilarious characters. Also, the synopsis of this book is kind of intriguing: Two families fighting against one another but not ACTUALLY knowing why they've been fighting for years is ridiculous but in a good way. It reminded me of the famous family feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys.
However, I gave this book an average review (3 stars) because I was kind of disappointed. I felt like this book was building to something BIG but that all fizzled out when the 3 kids of the book were trying to figure out the mystery behind the family feud near the last 10 chapters. Maybe it was because this book was barely 300 pages and the author felt like rushing, but the ending just didn't land for me. The last part of the book was anticlimatic and annoying to the point of confusion.
If you want a book series about a family of superheroes (or people with powers) I recommend the The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy. It was a great read when I was in middle school, and no shade but better than this book in my opinion. I will give the next book a shot. It might surprise me.
However, I gave this book an average review (3 stars) because I was kind of disappointed. I felt like this book was building to something BIG but that all fizzled out when the 3 kids of the book were trying to figure out the mystery behind the family feud near the last 10 chapters. Maybe it was because this book was barely 300 pages and the author felt like rushing, but the ending just didn't land for me. The last part of the book was anticlimatic and annoying to the point of confusion.
If you want a book series about a family of superheroes (or people with powers) I recommend the The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy. It was a great read when I was in middle school, and no shade but better than this book in my opinion. I will give the next book a shot. It might surprise me.
March 7, 2015
An excellent concept. Perfect for book-talking. AA++ will definitely be book-talking for 3rd-5th graders for summer reading.
I really like the idea that just because you see yourself as a hero, other people might not. And that you should probably
Cute, funny, fast-paced, surprising twists -- just over all entertaining and well done.
I really like the idea that just because you see yourself as a hero, other people might not. And that you should probably
Cute, funny, fast-paced, surprising twists -- just over all entertaining and well done.
June 6, 2014
I actually really liked this. I didn't think I would because the concept sounded ridiculous, but the author is from my hometown so I thought I'd at least give it a try. It's a lot of fun. I laughed out loud a couple of times and enjoyed the three main characters. While the super hero genre is getting pretty cliche, this at least had a couple twists I didn't expect. Great for grades four and up.
November 21, 2014
A cute & funny super-hero story in which the Baileys fight against the Johnsons (shakes fist) in a never ending battle of good versus evil. Rafter and Benny are about to come into their super-powers on February 29 when something strange happens that may change they way the view superhero and supervillain forever.
October 23, 2016
This book (which we listened to as an audio) was a challenge for my my 3.5 year old but he loved the subject material (super heroes!) so much he kept at it, even when he was a little confused by the plot. It wasn't too terribly boring for me, either, and I enjoyed the lighthearted humor.
July 15, 2017
The interactions between the 3 main characters were really good but the feeble plot and supporting characters really let this book down
May read the next and last for closure but I won't rush to buy it
May read the next and last for closure but I won't rush to buy it
January 14, 2014
Funny, action-packed, and smart. Boys and girls will both love Almost Super.
February 27, 2014
This was a great book! While I was reading it my love for "Almost Super" was as everlasting as the war between the Johnsons *shakes fist* and the Baileys *spit* right until the end!
January 3, 2015
A totally fun read about the Bailey family and the Jones family, who are all superheroes, but each family thinks the other is actually super-villains. Grades 4-8 will totally enjoy this story.
March 8, 2023
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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Almost Super
By: Marion Jensen
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: All Ages
Super in every way!
It's this reading dad's favorite time of the school year, when our school district picks a book and gifts a copy to each family with students in grades K-4. They provide a reading schedule, and our entire community reads it together as families. It's the best!
We've had some great ones: The One and Only Ivan, Charlotte's Web, Bob...we've collected quite a few across 6 kids and many years in elementary school. The kids and I agree, this year's book was one of the most fun we've ever read together! Almost Super by Marion Jensen was a WIN!
What a fun and funny story! We laughed AND we cheered--and then we laughed some more. Almost Super is a perfect family read-aloud.
I'll set the stage...
Rafter Baily and his brother Benny have been impatiently waiting for exactly 4:23 pm on the leap day after they turn 12--it's the exact moment each member of the Baily family gets their superpower. Grandpa has super strength. Dad can fly. Mom is telekinetic. Their brother is super smart. Their aunts and uncles and cousins can shrink, have super speed, or can turn invisible. Rafter and Baily can't wait to join the fight against their archenemies supervillains: The Johnsons!
But what power will they get?!
The moment arrives, and their powers are--well--duds. Rafter suddenly has the power to light a match on polyester. Benny gains the power to turn his innie belly button into and outie! How is Rafter going to face Juanita Johnson--his personal nemeses--at school?! She's going to have received her new supervillain power the same time as them!
That sets up the most fun, laugh-out-loud story my kids and I have read together in a long time. Every time the Bailey's talk about the Johnsons, they shake their fist--and we all shook our fists right along with them. Each time Benny triggered his belly button power it made a tiny "pop" sound, and we all stopped to laugh. Sometimes we'd re-read lines multiple times just to make ourselves crack up. We loved it so much, as soon as we finished we downloaded book 2, Searching for Super, and immediately started working on it together.
Way to go Marion Jensen! Write more books please!
No content concerns, but be ready to laugh at the silliness and have fun trying to guess what happens next!
We highly recommend Almost Super for all ages and independent readers ready for a 250-page chapter book.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Almost Super
By: Marion Jensen
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: All Ages
Super in every way!
It's this reading dad's favorite time of the school year, when our school district picks a book and gifts a copy to each family with students in grades K-4. They provide a reading schedule, and our entire community reads it together as families. It's the best!
We've had some great ones: The One and Only Ivan, Charlotte's Web, Bob...we've collected quite a few across 6 kids and many years in elementary school. The kids and I agree, this year's book was one of the most fun we've ever read together! Almost Super by Marion Jensen was a WIN!
What a fun and funny story! We laughed AND we cheered--and then we laughed some more. Almost Super is a perfect family read-aloud.
I'll set the stage...
Rafter Baily and his brother Benny have been impatiently waiting for exactly 4:23 pm on the leap day after they turn 12--it's the exact moment each member of the Baily family gets their superpower. Grandpa has super strength. Dad can fly. Mom is telekinetic. Their brother is super smart. Their aunts and uncles and cousins can shrink, have super speed, or can turn invisible. Rafter and Baily can't wait to join the fight against their archenemies supervillains: The Johnsons!
But what power will they get?!
The moment arrives, and their powers are--well--duds. Rafter suddenly has the power to light a match on polyester. Benny gains the power to turn his innie belly button into and outie! How is Rafter going to face Juanita Johnson--his personal nemeses--at school?! She's going to have received her new supervillain power the same time as them!
That sets up the most fun, laugh-out-loud story my kids and I have read together in a long time. Every time the Bailey's talk about the Johnsons, they shake their fist--and we all shook our fists right along with them. Each time Benny triggered his belly button power it made a tiny "pop" sound, and we all stopped to laugh. Sometimes we'd re-read lines multiple times just to make ourselves crack up. We loved it so much, as soon as we finished we downloaded book 2, Searching for Super, and immediately started working on it together.
Way to go Marion Jensen! Write more books please!
No content concerns, but be ready to laugh at the silliness and have fun trying to guess what happens next!
We highly recommend Almost Super for all ages and independent readers ready for a 250-page chapter book.
Happy Reading!
April 8, 2021
"Every superhero has a secret identity. I don't know a single one who doesn't. Who wants the pressure of being super all the time?" - Mr. Incredible from Pixar's "The Incredibles."
The Bailey family and the Johnson family are embroiled in a modern-day feud extending across the globe! Sworn enemies, they work around the clock to foil the plans each other crafts. In the process, they create some pretty significant messes.
To meet them out in the community, you wouldn't know they were super. Their amazing powers are cloaked in 'average' to protect their secret identities. But you can't judge crime fighters and villains by their outer trappings. Deep inside each Bailey and Johnson stirs a phenomenal power gifted to them on a special day at a special time.
As the story opens, Rafter and Benny eagerly wait to see what their power will be, but more disappointing than a pre-packaged sandwich from the gas station - and more devastating than getting a "D" on a test you were sure you aced - the anticipation of the brothers is met with dismal (even comical) anticlimactic powers. How can you save the world by turning your 'innie' into an 'outie'?
Strange things are afoot, and it's hard to know who to trust in this book. Almost Super has the vibe of Pixar's "The Incredibles." It will appeal to a wide range of readers with its mystery, puzzling occurrences, action, comedy, and children who grasp something big before the adults even catch a whiff of it! There is also a meaningful message about working together instead of against each other that I found personally appealing.
Almost Super
The Bailey family and the Johnson family are embroiled in a modern-day feud extending across the globe! Sworn enemies, they work around the clock to foil the plans each other crafts. In the process, they create some pretty significant messes.
To meet them out in the community, you wouldn't know they were super. Their amazing powers are cloaked in 'average' to protect their secret identities. But you can't judge crime fighters and villains by their outer trappings. Deep inside each Bailey and Johnson stirs a phenomenal power gifted to them on a special day at a special time.
As the story opens, Rafter and Benny eagerly wait to see what their power will be, but more disappointing than a pre-packaged sandwich from the gas station - and more devastating than getting a "D" on a test you were sure you aced - the anticipation of the brothers is met with dismal (even comical) anticlimactic powers. How can you save the world by turning your 'innie' into an 'outie'?
Strange things are afoot, and it's hard to know who to trust in this book. Almost Super has the vibe of Pixar's "The Incredibles." It will appeal to a wide range of readers with its mystery, puzzling occurrences, action, comedy, and children who grasp something big before the adults even catch a whiff of it! There is also a meaningful message about working together instead of against each other that I found personally appealing.
Almost Super
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