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Ben Braver #2
Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid
The Super Life of Ben Braver: The Incredible Exploding Kid is jam-packed with art and comic strips. It's another wacky adventure from Marcus Emerson, the author behind the hit Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series!
“A crazy fun ride—action packed and loaded with laughs!” —Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth
Even though Ben Braver saved Kepler Academy from total destruction last year, he knows he still doesn't fit in at his secret middle school for kids with special abilities. Ben's been hiding his lack of super skills, but it's getting harder as his classmates' powers are getting stronger.
Will Ben be able to power up before his enemies at school take him down? And will he risk everything to become the ultimate superhero?
“A crazy fun ride—action packed and loaded with laughs!” —Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth
Even though Ben Braver saved Kepler Academy from total destruction last year, he knows he still doesn't fit in at his secret middle school for kids with special abilities. Ben's been hiding his lack of super skills, but it's getting harder as his classmates' powers are getting stronger.
Will Ben be able to power up before his enemies at school take him down? And will he risk everything to become the ultimate superhero?
336 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2019
125 people are currently reading
1415 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Emerson
150 books291 followersMarcus Emerson is the author of several highly imaginative children's books including the popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series and the Secret Agent 6th Grader series. His goal is to create children's books that are engaging, funny, and inspirational for kids of all ages - even the adults who secretly never grew up. He is a 35-year-old comic book reader, video game player, and toy collector.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 28, 2019
Ben Braver is back for his second year in the Kepler Academy, and he is still without powers. :(
After the success of the first book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book. I am glad I was able to get it soon, and kind of lucky I was sick so I had plenty of time to read it.
This one takes place in the second year of the school, yep, there is still a school. Not to the outsiders, but to the insiders? You will be surprised and excited to find it is still there. Whoop! This time no Abigail, but there is plenty of things happening. We are going to find out so many things that will clear up many many things, and also give a peek to Ben Braver and if he may or may not have a superpower one day.
Ben was a bit hit and miss in this book. At times I was rooting for him, at other times I wanted to use that anti-gravity suit and shoot him against the ceiling. He got quite cocky in this book, and while I can understand he isn't happy about the fact he still has no power, and may never have one... plus the fact that everyone thinks he is a hero (which he still is, just without power) and he is trying to live up his name. Thankfully, very thankfully, things are quickly sorted and we go back to normal Ben. Well, as normal as he can get. It is still Ben after all.
I loved seeing Penny and Noah again, but also see other characters make an appearance. Sadly, the bully and his sister are still there as well. Just like Vic. I was just as surprised as Ben was though. :P
This time there is also a battle thingie going on, as kids do want to harness their powers and learn how to handle it and use it. Though at one point did it go to far, and I was just wondering how everyone was going to be cleaning that up. Good luck.
I loved the whole Cute/Adorable thing going on. With Penny wanting to hug everything (and embarrassing Totes), but ending with all three friends asking if something is cute or saying something is adorable. :P
This sentence, I just have to mention it. "You and Angel are like Disney Princesses."
We find out tons and tons of things about the academy, about Kepler, about Fifteen, about Angel, about Brock (our statue), about what was shown in the cave our crew uncovered in the previous book. I won't spoil anything, but I was reading with my mouth open each time a new revelation or clue was given. I just loved how the author wrote everything and how everything clicked together. Well done! There are still things I want to know, things I want to see, and I can't wait to see what we will get in the next book given the ending (OMG that ending).
Yes, OMG. That ending was just so action-packed, so filled with tons of things, I couldn't stop reading. I was also sad though as there were things happening there that were pretty heartbreaking/sad.
There are once again comics, this time not about getting Ben his powers, instead they are about the experiments our trio is doing for Duncan. From force fields to shoes that may or may not launch you in the air. I looked forward to them and was curious to see what kind of things they would test out this time (and if Ben would survive).
Btw, illustrator, those ears Penny is wearing? Those are so not mouse ears. Those are clearly cat ears. And I am not sure how her mice/chicken friends will feel about the fact they are summoned by a cat girl.
But other than that, the illustrations were fabulous. I just love the style it fits with this action-packed, humour-filled, superpowers everywhere book perfectly.
All in all, I just want more Ben Braver. I need to know how the third year goes, and what happens in that one. Given the ending... big things will be happening.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
After the success of the first book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book. I am glad I was able to get it soon, and kind of lucky I was sick so I had plenty of time to read it.
This one takes place in the second year of the school, yep, there is still a school. Not to the outsiders, but to the insiders? You will be surprised and excited to find it is still there. Whoop! This time no Abigail, but there is plenty of things happening. We are going to find out so many things that will clear up many many things, and also give a peek to Ben Braver and if he may or may not have a superpower one day.
Ben was a bit hit and miss in this book. At times I was rooting for him, at other times I wanted to use that anti-gravity suit and shoot him against the ceiling. He got quite cocky in this book, and while I can understand he isn't happy about the fact he still has no power, and may never have one... plus the fact that everyone thinks he is a hero (which he still is, just without power) and he is trying to live up his name. Thankfully, very thankfully, things are quickly sorted and we go back to normal Ben. Well, as normal as he can get. It is still Ben after all.
I loved seeing Penny and Noah again, but also see other characters make an appearance. Sadly, the bully and his sister are still there as well. Just like Vic. I was just as surprised as Ben was though. :P
This time there is also a battle thingie going on, as kids do want to harness their powers and learn how to handle it and use it. Though at one point did it go to far, and I was just wondering how everyone was going to be cleaning that up. Good luck.
I loved the whole Cute/Adorable thing going on. With Penny wanting to hug everything (and embarrassing Totes), but ending with all three friends asking if something is cute or saying something is adorable. :P
This sentence, I just have to mention it. "You and Angel are like Disney Princesses."
We find out tons and tons of things about the academy, about Kepler, about Fifteen, about Angel, about Brock (our statue), about what was shown in the cave our crew uncovered in the previous book. I won't spoil anything, but I was reading with my mouth open each time a new revelation or clue was given. I just loved how the author wrote everything and how everything clicked together. Well done! There are still things I want to know, things I want to see, and I can't wait to see what we will get in the next book given the ending (OMG that ending).
Yes, OMG. That ending was just so action-packed, so filled with tons of things, I couldn't stop reading. I was also sad though as there were things happening there that were pretty heartbreaking/sad.
There are once again comics, this time not about getting Ben his powers, instead they are about the experiments our trio is doing for Duncan. From force fields to shoes that may or may not launch you in the air. I looked forward to them and was curious to see what kind of things they would test out this time (and if Ben would survive).
Btw, illustrator, those ears Penny is wearing? Those are so not mouse ears. Those are clearly cat ears. And I am not sure how her mice/chicken friends will feel about the fact they are summoned by a cat girl.
But other than that, the illustrations were fabulous. I just love the style it fits with this action-packed, humour-filled, superpowers everywhere book perfectly.
All in all, I just want more Ben Braver. I need to know how the third year goes, and what happens in that one. Given the ending... big things will be happening.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 8, 2021
It’s good but, it could be better.
March 26, 2020
You can find my full review on my blog, The Writerly Way, here.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Roaring Brook Press for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
After reading the first book, I wasn't sure how the second book could possibly follow it up ... but boy did this book deliver. This one was even funnier, I think, and I liked it even more than the first book. I didn't even know that was possible, yet here we are.
My Thoughts:
- This is my favorite book of the series so far, with a perfect blend of humor and retrospectiveness. I fell for this book hard. There was so freaking much going on in this, with new amped up powers, super cool tech, and villain backstories that’ll make all your feels flee in terror. Plus, our leading man, Ben, gets to learn some pretty big lessons in this book … the hard way. Some of the comics in this felt extra effective over the first one, and I’m not sure why. Maybe Emerson just hit his stride with this book? My favorites were the ones where the kids were messing with Duncan’s tech. Because, I mean, what could possibly go wrong there, right?
- There’s a mystery to be solved here, and it was easy to get caught up in it. I was so sure I had solved it, but … I had not. Nope. I blame the lack of sidekicks on my part. How can I be expected to function under these conditions?! There were parts of it that I had figured out early on in the first book and parts that came as a surprise, so it was a nice balance for foreshadowing and plot twist.
- The drawn scenarios in this book are just stinking funny, more so than the first book, I thought, and I just couldn’t stop laughing. I already loved these characters, especially our lead trio, but oh gosh, I didn’t think I could love them more, and I just did. The way they interact is hilarious and pulls no punches, but also, they’re obviously totally there to support each other. You know, the perfect sort of friend balance.
- All the best characters are back for the sequel, and we get to meet even more in the meantime. I actually don’t want to say much about the new additions to the cast, because part of the pleasure is in discovering them and meeting them for yourself. What I will say, though, is that there are soooo many superpowers in this. What you get in the first book is only a sampling, and in this book, you really realize the breadth and depth that can exist.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Roaring Brook Press for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
After reading the first book, I wasn't sure how the second book could possibly follow it up ... but boy did this book deliver. This one was even funnier, I think, and I liked it even more than the first book. I didn't even know that was possible, yet here we are.
My Thoughts:
- This is my favorite book of the series so far, with a perfect blend of humor and retrospectiveness. I fell for this book hard. There was so freaking much going on in this, with new amped up powers, super cool tech, and villain backstories that’ll make all your feels flee in terror. Plus, our leading man, Ben, gets to learn some pretty big lessons in this book … the hard way. Some of the comics in this felt extra effective over the first one, and I’m not sure why. Maybe Emerson just hit his stride with this book? My favorites were the ones where the kids were messing with Duncan’s tech. Because, I mean, what could possibly go wrong there, right?
- There’s a mystery to be solved here, and it was easy to get caught up in it. I was so sure I had solved it, but … I had not. Nope. I blame the lack of sidekicks on my part. How can I be expected to function under these conditions?! There were parts of it that I had figured out early on in the first book and parts that came as a surprise, so it was a nice balance for foreshadowing and plot twist.
- The drawn scenarios in this book are just stinking funny, more so than the first book, I thought, and I just couldn’t stop laughing. I already loved these characters, especially our lead trio, but oh gosh, I didn’t think I could love them more, and I just did. The way they interact is hilarious and pulls no punches, but also, they’re obviously totally there to support each other. You know, the perfect sort of friend balance.
- All the best characters are back for the sequel, and we get to meet even more in the meantime. I actually don’t want to say much about the new additions to the cast, because part of the pleasure is in discovering them and meeting them for yourself. What I will say, though, is that there are soooo many superpowers in this. What you get in the first book is only a sampling, and in this book, you really realize the breadth and depth that can exist.
March 12, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Ben Braver and thee Incredible Exploding Kid
Author: Marcus Emerson
Book Series: Ben Braver Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 8+ (some dark stuff, like an alternate reality goat that’s ripped, slight gore, and some violence)
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Super Life of Ben Braver: The Incredible Exploding Kid is jam-packed with art and comic strips. It's another wacky adventure from Marcus Emerson, the author behind the hit Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series!
“A crazy fun ride—action packed and loaded with laughs!” —Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth
Even though Ben Braver saved Kepler Academy from total destruction last year, he knows he still doesn't fit in at his secret middle school for kids with special abilities. Ben's been hiding his lack of super skills, but it's getting harder as his classmates' powers are getting stronger.
Will Ben be able to power up before his enemies at school take him down? And will he risk everything to become the ultimate superhero?
Review: Again, I still love all of the illustrations and the characters! The POV really works for this book and I love how the main character talks to the reader. It’s very inclusive and draws in the reader. I think this book definitely improved from the first one.
However, I did feel like some of the pacing was a bit slow still and that there are still very dark themes acorss this book as were with the first one.
Verdict: A great read for graphic novel lovers looking to go into novels!
Book: Ben Braver and thee Incredible Exploding Kid
Author: Marcus Emerson
Book Series: Ben Braver Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 8+ (some dark stuff, like an alternate reality goat that’s ripped, slight gore, and some violence)
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Super Life of Ben Braver: The Incredible Exploding Kid is jam-packed with art and comic strips. It's another wacky adventure from Marcus Emerson, the author behind the hit Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series!
“A crazy fun ride—action packed and loaded with laughs!” —Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth
Even though Ben Braver saved Kepler Academy from total destruction last year, he knows he still doesn't fit in at his secret middle school for kids with special abilities. Ben's been hiding his lack of super skills, but it's getting harder as his classmates' powers are getting stronger.
Will Ben be able to power up before his enemies at school take him down? And will he risk everything to become the ultimate superhero?
Review: Again, I still love all of the illustrations and the characters! The POV really works for this book and I love how the main character talks to the reader. It’s very inclusive and draws in the reader. I think this book definitely improved from the first one.
However, I did feel like some of the pacing was a bit slow still and that there are still very dark themes acorss this book as were with the first one.
Verdict: A great read for graphic novel lovers looking to go into novels!
March 7, 2020
What I Loved:
The first person perspective was so fun and it is perfect for a middle-grade reader! I really enjoyed the way Ben addresses the reader. I found him to tell the story with some humor which made the book really enjoyable! I loved the graphic novel aspect mixed in with the story. The artwork was fun and helps to engage the reader.
How I Felt:
Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid was such a fun story! I really enjoyed that Ben struggled with his secret of not having abilities in this book. I thought it added a good struggling story-line for Ben. I did think that Ben got a bit irritating for a while in this story, however, I think that a young reader would look right over this and it wouldn't affect the story for them.
This book really delves into the school and I enjoyed learning all about it. It offered a ton of new information and helped to build the world the story lives in. It kept me extremely interested and made me really excited for book 3!
Overall, Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid was a great second edition to this series. His adventures are fun, and the story created a great fantasy world. There are some adorable characters to enjoy and that humor that makes these books so fun!
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review will post to my blog on 3/11/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
The first person perspective was so fun and it is perfect for a middle-grade reader! I really enjoyed the way Ben addresses the reader. I found him to tell the story with some humor which made the book really enjoyable! I loved the graphic novel aspect mixed in with the story. The artwork was fun and helps to engage the reader.
How I Felt:
Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid was such a fun story! I really enjoyed that Ben struggled with his secret of not having abilities in this book. I thought it added a good struggling story-line for Ben. I did think that Ben got a bit irritating for a while in this story, however, I think that a young reader would look right over this and it wouldn't affect the story for them.
This book really delves into the school and I enjoyed learning all about it. It offered a ton of new information and helped to build the world the story lives in. It kept me extremely interested and made me really excited for book 3!
Overall, Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid was a great second edition to this series. His adventures are fun, and the story created a great fantasy world. There are some adorable characters to enjoy and that humor that makes these books so fun!
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review will post to my blog on 3/11/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
October 9, 2019
Not going to lie, this book gets an extra star because of the cover. My first reaction was, "Wow, you're a brave kid, Ben Braver." I still giggle every time I look at it.
Kepler's messing with the timeline did confuse me a little, but it also helped explain some of what happened in the first book. The meaning of the pictures in the secret lair was a huge mystery after book one, so I'm glad there was an answer that worked. I am curious about his younger self, I wonder if he is going to play into the next book or not.
The villains in this series are giving me trust issues. No one has seemed like a bad person when they are first introduced, and until you read their backstory, having them be evil makes no sense. Kepler's history plays a huge role in this series, and many characters act based on what happened years prior.
I'm still cheering for Ben to somehow end up with powers. I know that even Kepler admitted that that wasn't going to happen, but I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed. He's always on the front lines when it comes to saving the school even without any powers. It would be interesting to see what he would do if he had them.
Author: Marcus Emerson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: March 5th 2019
Kepler's messing with the timeline did confuse me a little, but it also helped explain some of what happened in the first book. The meaning of the pictures in the secret lair was a huge mystery after book one, so I'm glad there was an answer that worked. I am curious about his younger self, I wonder if he is going to play into the next book or not.
The villains in this series are giving me trust issues. No one has seemed like a bad person when they are first introduced, and until you read their backstory, having them be evil makes no sense. Kepler's history plays a huge role in this series, and many characters act based on what happened years prior.
I'm still cheering for Ben to somehow end up with powers. I know that even Kepler admitted that that wasn't going to happen, but I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed. He's always on the front lines when it comes to saving the school even without any powers. It would be interesting to see what he would do if he had them.
Author: Marcus Emerson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: March 5th 2019
May 1, 2019
In the second installment of the series, Ben Braver returns to Kepler Academy determined to keep his secret. Although he has no powers like the other students in the school, he does have his wits to help him and a handful of loyal friends. But he has a couple of enemies who will stop at nothing to get rid of him even as he desperately tries to find a way to develop a superpower. Amid all the artwork and comic frames, Ben's story plays out in a fast-paced style. But will he end up being a hero or a bad guy, and what will Ben do to keep his secret? There are laughs aplenty on those pages but also some time-traveling, strange animals, including a ripped goat, and a ghost or two. Plenty of fifth and sixth graders will gobble this book up and eagerly await more. It's not exactly up my alley, but I can see the appeal of the story line.
April 20, 2020
Last year Ben Braver saved Kepler Academy and it's students from mass destruction. Yet, he still feels that he doesn't fit in with the rest of the kids who have special abilities. He has been keeping his lack of ability a secret since most of his classmates are getting stronger. Will Ben be able to find his superpower? Or will he risk everything to gain his ability?
This was the second novel in the series. While you could read each novel as a standalone, I found it to be more enjoyable to read the books in order. The second novel is packed with humor and surprises just like the first novel. The book is littered with comics shorts and fun drawings. A fun series and a great read for young readers.
April 28, 2019
This book is about Ben Braver who goes to a school just for kids with superpowers. The only catch is that he does not have any. He had already saved the school last year and is hoping that this year he'll fit in and develop his own real super power while making everyone else believe that he has a power like everyone else. Ben falls into many traps while trying to fit in but will it be all right in the end?
The ending has a major twist but the book was pretty food. I'd recommend for a 5th or 6th grader.
The ending has a major twist but the book was pretty food. I'd recommend for a 5th or 6th grader.
June 18, 2019
Wow! What an action-packed adventure with a lovely twisty ending. Great set up for book 3. I had not read the first one and was fine just reading this one. Although I now want to go back and experience the first book. I will definitely be adding this series to my middle school library. Will be great for my fans of Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, Middle School, etc. I loved the characters and their growth, along with some level of a feeling of a Harry Potter type setting, but more futuristic with self-driving cars.
March 2, 2020
Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid, book two from the Ben Braver series, was just as good as the first installment. Since it is part of a series, I highly recommend for readers to read the books in order. It was fun catching up with Ben to see where he ends up in this one. I love the illustrations to accompany the story. It was full of adventure, action and entertainment. I look forward to reading the third addition to the series, Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom. I give this one five stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
February 15, 2019
My Review: This is a great book for reluctant readers. If your child likes graphic novels but you really want them to start reading normal novels. Then check this one out. It had a great blend of graphic novel and a normal story. It will get kids to read and enjoy this world of secret middle schoolers with superpowers.
July 16, 2023
Somehow the charm of the first one didn't hit me with this book. This one was fine, and it has good ideas with kids experimenting with their powers, Braver doing kid things that go wrong and atoning for them, and the like. I enjoy where the plot with the bad guy was going.
But somehow the pacing was wrong, or... something? Just didn't gel with me.
But somehow the pacing was wrong, or... something? Just didn't gel with me.
June 2, 2022
Another 5 star for Olivia. More twists and turns, though it's fun to see Olivia's 10 year old mind working through things. Becoming suspicious of characters that are *too* friendly.
She has a bright future as a book lover.
She has a bright future as a book lover.
May 12, 2024
This book is so interesting when Ben is back at Kelper Academy and it is seriously making me to read more because Ben is not supposed to go back to the academy the next year and I can’t wait to see what happens to him next year. I am so excited to read book 3.
March 10, 2019
I laughed out loud so many times. Ben Braver is both a fun adventure and a sweet story.
July 22, 2019
Really fun series. My girls are sad to have to wait until 2020 to read the next one. A fun family read outloud.
September 10, 2019
I had to finagle this one from my nine-year-old who wants it back now!!! Super fun, liked it as much as the first read and really look forward to the third installment:D
October 24, 2019
Love it love it. Can't get enough!
November 17, 2019
it is a good book
July 26, 2020
SOOOOO GOOD!
January 30, 2021
An incredible exploding book....
Want to read
February 3, 2021I want to read this
August 13, 2021
This is a good series! The story has a lot going on and kids will enjoy it. The simple illustrations add to the story (I like how they are included in the actual story).
June 9, 2024
Content warnings: thematic violence
This middle grade sequel continues to deliver up high octane action, abundant silliness, and complex plot development to keep the whole family engaged.
This middle grade sequel continues to deliver up high octane action, abundant silliness, and complex plot development to keep the whole family engaged.
February 4, 2019
I was a one of the fortunate ones, I received a free copy of this book. It had a nice blend of chapter book & graphic novel to keep students engaged reading this book. It had crazy adventure. Couldn't put it down, wanted to know how it would end. Anxious to put out for our 4th & 5th grade students to read.
July 16, 2019
I am not a huge fan of most poetry, and it isn't for lack of trying. This cover called to me and the synopsis pulled me in the rest of the way and I requested it for review.
I adored this poetry book, it was not what I was expecting and it was strong and emotional and I felt every word of it deep in my insides. Kala did such a beautiful job pulling me in as a non-poetry reader and her words resonated so strongly. It may because I understand being/ feeling broken and overcoming that feeling. The way that she expressed herself was simple yet deep and I did't feel like I was missing a bigger picture, I felt like I was there with her.
All that being said this is a very emotional read - at least it was for me, and there my be trigger points or words that cut and that is part of it, but if you are not prepared it may not be for you.
I do recommend this book, but as a casual poetry reader not an expert :).
I adored this poetry book, it was not what I was expecting and it was strong and emotional and I felt every word of it deep in my insides. Kala did such a beautiful job pulling me in as a non-poetry reader and her words resonated so strongly. It may because I understand being/ feeling broken and overcoming that feeling. The way that she expressed herself was simple yet deep and I did't feel like I was missing a bigger picture, I felt like I was there with her.
All that being said this is a very emotional read - at least it was for me, and there my be trigger points or words that cut and that is part of it, but if you are not prepared it may not be for you.
I do recommend this book, but as a casual poetry reader not an expert :).
March 23, 2019
***THIS BOOK WAS RECEIVED FROM A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY***
Once again, I seem to have jumped in on the second book of a series. Fortunately, there was plenty of exposition detailing the events of The Super Life of Ben Braver. Maybe a little too much exposition. This sequel took a little long getting to its own story because of this, along with a bit of heavy-handed foreshadowing as well. Regardless of its slow start, Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid is a pretty standard middle-grade book that calls upon the success of the superhero genre to package a lesson about pride between action set pieces.
While there are some parallels between the X-Men series, I feel the main character’s arc is perhaps a little more similar to early My Hero Academia. Plus, it wouldn’t be a middle-grade story without a bit of a Harry Potter feel to it as well (i.e., a unique main character with a semi-bumbling male friend and an incredibly smart female friend). At the very least, I found the illustrations sprinkled throughout to be well done. They certainly contributed to the comic book hybrid feel of the story, which is probably what draws the X-Men comparisons.
I won’t fault this book too much for its heavy-handed approach toward the main character’s social faux pas since this book is basically for children. That being said, I did find some of the lore and intricacies of the greater story arc to be perhaps a little elaborate. I’m sure if I’d read the first book, this would be less so, but it still seems slightly overcomplicated at times. In the end, I liked some of the unique (if not sometimes gross) superpowers of these kids, and I’d recommend this series for any children who might want to make the jump from comic books to chapter books, and vice versa.
A comic book/chapter book hybrid with a semi-standard take on superheroes, I give Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid 3.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
Once again, I seem to have jumped in on the second book of a series. Fortunately, there was plenty of exposition detailing the events of The Super Life of Ben Braver. Maybe a little too much exposition. This sequel took a little long getting to its own story because of this, along with a bit of heavy-handed foreshadowing as well. Regardless of its slow start, Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid is a pretty standard middle-grade book that calls upon the success of the superhero genre to package a lesson about pride between action set pieces.
While there are some parallels between the X-Men series, I feel the main character’s arc is perhaps a little more similar to early My Hero Academia. Plus, it wouldn’t be a middle-grade story without a bit of a Harry Potter feel to it as well (i.e., a unique main character with a semi-bumbling male friend and an incredibly smart female friend). At the very least, I found the illustrations sprinkled throughout to be well done. They certainly contributed to the comic book hybrid feel of the story, which is probably what draws the X-Men comparisons.
I won’t fault this book too much for its heavy-handed approach toward the main character’s social faux pas since this book is basically for children. That being said, I did find some of the lore and intricacies of the greater story arc to be perhaps a little elaborate. I’m sure if I’d read the first book, this would be less so, but it still seems slightly overcomplicated at times. In the end, I liked some of the unique (if not sometimes gross) superpowers of these kids, and I’d recommend this series for any children who might want to make the jump from comic books to chapter books, and vice versa.
A comic book/chapter book hybrid with a semi-standard take on superheroes, I give Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid 3.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
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