Super Freak

by Courtney Craven

"Perfect for fans of Wonder and the realistic, heartfelt storytelling of Barbara Dee. A beautifully messy journey of middle school survival, unexpected friendship, and finding your tribe."

What does it take to trust someone when you’ve been raised on lies?

Ricky James White doesn’t fit in at his new middle school. With his towering height, ginger hair, Southern accent, and mismatched eyes, he can’t seem to shake his childhood “Super Freak.” Even harder is his home life—a minefield of secrets and a mom struggling to stay sober. His only escape is cooking and daydreaming about a hero dad he’s never met.

After a weird kitchen fire, Ricky meets Benjamin, an exuberant, music-obsessed trans kid who knows exactly what it’s like to be different and bullied. Ricky doesn’t open up easily, especially about his mom.

But when she suddenly goes missing, Ricky faces a keep carrying the crushing weight of his secrets alone, or trust a new friend to help him find her.

Accompanied by a grumpy feral cat, a hipster artist, and a mysterious nurse, they set off on an unforgettable adventure of family, friendship, and forgiveness.

Super Freak is a raw, realistic, and deeply moving Upper Middle Grade novel about searching for a sense of belonging in a complex world.

234 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2026

About the author

Courtney Craven once had the best job in the world: giving away free books to kids. Now, she writes them, drawing on 25 years of experience in schools, youth mentoring, and literacy nonprofits. When she isn’t traveling the world out of a backpack—or hunting for the ultimate slice of pizza or ice cream flavor—Courtney creates stories for every kind of middle schooler, especially those searching for their own place of belonging. When not on the road, Courtney and her husband call Olympia, Washington home.

Reviews

[Amy]

Such a heartfelt story of finding one's place in the world. I don't often read YA but this makes me think I should read more!

[Marialyce Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the very least, every middle school student, teacher, and administrator should read this book. From the perspective of 11 and 12 year olds, the author shares what it's like to be labeled "different." To be bullied. To feel hopeless. Alone. And then she builds a tale of family, and friendship. Of acceptance and trust. I found myself both tearing up and laughing out loud as I read. This is a love story. Just not your typical kind.

[Gisela Lindeque · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story, touching on many, often sensitive, issues. Ricky is a main character who immediately climbs into the reader's heart, as do his band of special friends, family and most people he comes into contact with (plus the cat!) He has a huge heart, and, because he accepts everyone exactly for who they are, he quickly gains a really good friend and some other loyal supporters in his brand-new school. The book is an encouragement to all who battle with accepting and being accepted in their uniqueness, the family and friends of these individuals, and the children in families affected by addiction. I love the support structures in Ricky's school and all the encouraging adults in this story. And then, there's the bullying. I appreciated the author's way of highlighting both perspectives. That of the victim, who can be encouraged to stand up and gain courage, and eventually, that of the perpetrator, with their baggage that has led to this unacceptable behavior. All in all, it's a book I would highly recommend to both young teens and their parents.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun summer book for middle schoolers who know what it feels like to be different or unsure of where they fit in. With family problems, loyal friends, and plenty of surprises, the story takes readers on an exciting journey full of twists and turns.

[Ella Synclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Freak is funny and poignant. A must read for any child who feels there is no place for them. Ms. Craven's words flow and made this book very enjoyable for this mom reader.