Not All Heroes

by Josephine Cameron

Even though her family moved across the country for a “fresh start” after her little brother’s death, eleven-year-old Zinnia Helinski still feels like she’s stuck waiting for her new life to begin. Then she spots her new neighbor, Kris, climbing down the fire escape of their apartment building. He’s wearing a black eye mask! And Spandex leggings. . . . And a blue body suit?

Soon Zinnia finds herself in a secret club for kids who want to be heroes. The Reality Shifters don’t have superpowers, but they do have the power to make positive change in their neighborhoods. And a change is just what Zinnia is looking for!

At first, she feels invincible. Zinnia finally has friends and is on the kind of real-life adventures her little brother, Wally, would have loved. But when her teammates lose sight of their goals, Zinnia must find the balance between bravery and recklessness, and learn to be a hero without her cape.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, LGBT, Grief, Fiction, Juvenile, Childrens

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2021

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zinnia’s family is broken. Losing her younger brother Wally to brain cancer has left them all damaged, looking for a new start in a town far away from all the memories that caused them such pain. But running away hasn’t helped and Zinnia begins 6th grade hoping that her mom will start to smile more and her dad will stop scrolling through pictures on his phone when he should be spending time with her and her mom. School, however, is filled with bully Trevor, tormenting her in every single class with teasing and name-calling plus home has gotten a step worse with upstairs neighbors who are just plain weird. Josephine Cameron uses this foundation to teach readers about student activism and ways to facilitate change in one’s community, even at 12 years old, and to demonstrate healthy ways to heal after loss as well as handle bullying...all with a bunch of real life super-heroes (RLSH) thrown into the mix! Students in grades 4-7 who enjoy realistic fiction with some sad-happy heartbreak sprinkled in will enjoy “Not All Heroes.” Librarians will appreciate the profanity, sex, and violence-free book and the fact that the main and supporting characters come from a variety of racial and economic backgrounds. Brief author’s note at the end provides information about the RLSH movement and grief recovery.

[Myrtle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between 3 and 4 stars. I knew it was going to be cringey but I didn't know how cringey. I read Maybe a Mermaid by this author and absolutely loved it. This book was just different. It was the same old things happening again and again, super predictable, characters that all acted way younger than they should have, emotions that didn't feel real and TOTALLY cringey!

[Alondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars -- Book provided by Netgalley

This book was a quick read, but effective in delivering a solid message about apathy, altruism, and grief. We follow Spectrum/Rainbow Brite (Zinnia) as her family moves to Maine after her little brother, Wally, passes from an aggressive cancer. Her family is coping by running away and do not initially communicate with one another about their feelings, and instead avoid connections to the past. We also meet Willow, Zinnia's ~19 year old aunt who is having doubts about attending college and is drawn in by the idea of being an everyday superhero.

I appreciated that the author wrote our protagonist young (10 -11 years old), but also showed a range of ages, backgrounds, abilities, and the potential each character held. There are mentions of people without homes, but the author tackles the subject with empathy, giving each person a story and context that gives each dignity and respect. I also thought Zinnia's relationship with Trevor (a classmate whose teasing goes too far) was well-written to both express Zinnia's expression of grief, but also show how her character develops when given the support and resources to be able to do so.

I am currently teaching high school, and the protagonist is a bit too young for my students, but if I was teaching middle school again, I would definitely consider teaching this book, and I would still recommend the book for students to read independently. This is a book that can encourage students to reflect on their capacity to help others, and help themselves in the process.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not All Heroes is a sweet, unique middle grade book about dealing with grief, helping out the community, and working through complex family issues. Featuring a young protagonist and serious issues balanced with a quirky, enjoyable plot, this book will appeal to older elementary-aged readers as well as younger middle grade readers. If you enjoy books about adventure, sibling relationships, books about community, and outside-the-box stories, this is one for you.

Read my full review on my blog.

Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Stine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sweet but the characters are not written to match their ages (Kris and Zin and Willow behave significantly younger than they are supposed to be). Also, Doc Martins and rainbows are have very specific queer context/implications that Cameron is not trying to make. A good editor should have caught that. Pretty much any other brand of combat style boots would have been “cool” without that unintended message.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zinnia and her parents are grieving the death of her little brother, Wally. He died of brain cancer, almost a year ago. They've recently moved to Port City, Maine, hoping for a fresh start. Zinnia's struggling to find where she belongs at Oceanside Middle School. It's kinda lonely. The only kid who'll sit with her at lunch is Trevor, who teases her constantly. Things start to turn around when her Aunt Willow comes to visit and the two of them get to know the family upstairs. They seem a little (well, maybe a lot) weird. One night, Zinnia sees them climbing up the fire escape in tights? and superhero capes? What is going on? Could they be Real Life Super-Heroes? Holy Fire-Escaping Heroes! You'll just have to read it to find out. A middle grade reader that shows kids there are all kinds of heroes in their homes, schools, and communities.

[Debbi Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, cry, and cheer - it has all the ingredients for the perfect middle grade novel: great characters, page-turning adventure, and a big heart. Loved this book!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with heart and action, I loved meeting Zinnia and seeing her grow!

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux for a digital ARC of this title to read.

The Helinski family moves from Wisconsin to a small town in Maine to move forward after the death of their son and brother Wally. Eleven-year-old Zinnia is struggling with the move as she has left everything dear to her behind. She is finding life in her new school challenging. A boy named Trevor is forever cracking chicken jokes embarrassing Zinnia at every opportunity in front of some girls she would like to have as friends for a spilled soup incident that happened long ago. To make matters worse, now in middle school, he is in every class with her. She feels she has nothing, but all of that is about to change.

When the Anand family moves into the apartment right above the Helinski family, Zinnia notices strange sounds and events. Then she observes Kris, a boy in her class, climbing up and down the fire escape in Spandex and a black mask. At the same time, her young Aunt Willow on her mother's side comes for a visit and confides in Zinnia that she does not want to return to college. Zinnia loves her aunt but is cautious that her aunt will disappear at a moment's notice after breaking many promises in the past, including not showing up for Wally's funeral. She hopes that her aunt can stay but knows she could disappear without any notice. Zinnia knows her mother will not be pleased with Willow dropping out of college and worries Willow may bolt when she finds out.

Zinnia and Aunt Willow discover the Anand family is part of the Reality Shifters, a group of individuals claiming to be Real Life Super Heroes. They dress up in gimmicks (costumes) and follow their motto to bring “help to the helpless and hope to the hopeless," shining a light on the social problems others ignore. Aunt Willow convinces Zinnia that they too should join and become part of the Reality Shifters.

So Zinnia reluctantly agrees to work with the group providing Aunt Willow with a reason to stay. The two work with the Reality Shifters, handing out blankets and bottled water to homeless people and even catching a purse thief on another occasion. Then the Reality Shifters have different opinions of how to proceed when they find out about a thief ring that tags potential businesses for future robberies. Some of the group want to catch them as they did the purse thief, while others want to pass along the information to the police. Zinnia wants to solve the crime, again providing the excitement for Aunt Willow to stay.

Not All Heroes presents an original idea that I found out later in the Acknowledgements are actual existing groups worldwide called Real Life Super Heroes (R.L.S.H.) I was not aware of these groups and how involved they are in doing organized acts of kindness to those considered vigilante groups. How Josephine Cameron presents this idea and how it evolves into a safer outlet for kids this age as an activist group at school is realistic and unique. Kids would see the fun in being superheroes and want to make a difference in the world but are not always sure how they can or have the confidence. Not All Heroes provides a blueprint of how activism could look like a club with the help of adults in a school or community.

Just as the existing Real Life Super Heroes have different visions to "shine a light" on various social issues, Cameron tackles this issue in Not All Heroes. ˆShe provides readers openings to discuss ways individuals can appropriately help versus possibly interfering with the job of the police. Cameron also lets readers explore perceptions, assumptions and the consequences that result when we do not openly share our feelings with others. After readers experience the relationship of Trevor and Zinnia from his perspective, Zinnia has a new awareness and rationale for his behaviour.

The story revolves around the behaviour of a family hurting from the loss of Wally. Grieving is personal, and there is no right way or set plan on how one should express the loss of someone they love. We see how those who were close to Wally dealt with their loss. Zinnia's parents just wanted to be removed from anything and everything that reminded them of Wally. Zinnia's mother became hyper-vigilant over Zinnia, suffocating her. Aunt Willow simply disappeared when she could not cope. They all could not express their feelings, and everyone struggled until they could talk about what happened, including how they all thought they had contributed to Wally's death, despite the doctor telling them the brain cancer caused his death.

Lots to unpack and lots of opportunities to tackle current and relevant topics presented in an original manner that middle-grade readers will enjoy. Add this one to your collection.

FIRST LINE: The apartment upstairs goes vacant every few months.
PICTURE BOOK PAIRINGS: You'll Find Me, Boats for Papa, and What's My Superpower? and Dewdrop
SIMILAR TITLES: Katie the Catsitter, Steelheart, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, Miles Morales: Spider-Man and Miles Morales: Shock Waves: Original Spider-Man Graphic Novel
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR: A Dog-Friendly Town and Maybe a Mermaid
SUBJECT HEADINGS/TAGS: Juvenile Fiction, Death, Grief, Bereavement, Superheroes, Action & Adventure

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixth grade Zinnia Helinski and her family have moved from Wisconsin to Maine to start over after the death of her little brother, Wally, from brain cancer. Although they appreciated the concern and support expressed by their family and neighbors back home, it became too hard to keep repeating stories about his death and dealing with condolences. In Maine, the family mainly sticks to itself. But when Zinnia stumbles upon a secret about their new upstairs neighbors, she finds a place where she can belong and leave her worries behind. Part of an activist group called the Real-Life Superheroes, the Anands are engaged in doing good deeds toward others, handing out care packages to the homeless in the city, and on the outlook for crime. They also wear what they call "gimmicks," including masks and costumes that make them resemble superheroes. Zinnia and her beloved aunt, Willow, who is on an extended visit from college, embrace these projects and activities wholeheartedly, but they are careful to keep their involvement a secret from Zinnia's parents. While Zinnia continues to gain confidence through her new activities and thinks about how much her brother would have loved them, she struggles to confront Trevor, a classmate who constantly teases her with chicken jokes. Middle grade readers with a social conscience will applaud the efforts of the RLSH and possibly relate to their altruism as well as the different ways members of Zinnia's family cope with their grief and loss. I also appreciated Zinnia's realization that the individuals the RLSH are helping aren't as helpless or hopeless as others might think. Ultimately, the chief message here is the idea that heroes come in different shapes and sizes and that they all don't have to wear capes. They might even be sixth graders like Zinnia. A subplot concerning Willow's tendency to let others down due to her impulsiveness adds to the book's interest.

[Pradnya Vaidya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I loved the characters and the emotion and depth each character had. I also loved how the author incorporated topics that many people every day have to face. The RLSH was an amazing concept, and as the author later on explained, actually existed, but I love how the author still included a lot about Zinnia's everyday life, not just her time as the Real-Life Superhero Spectrum. This really helped readers understand Zinnia and connect with her. Finally, I loved how Zinnia's relationships with others were really emphasized. Zinnia and Trevor eventually become friends, but before, he's considered a bully by Zinnia. Yet even before Ekta asked, I wondered if Trevor was really a bully, or if he just didn't realize that he was bothering Zinnia. Later on in the story, it was confirmed to be true, but I don't think it was because of a hunch or because of foreshadowing. Because of the way the author described Trevor with his words, it was easier for me to know his actual character before it was revealed. Because of this, I definitely believe that the way the author described her characters was done really well. To be honest though, I didn't know what to think when we learn that Zinnia's mom dropped out of her degree early at 19 to take care of her baby at such a young age. But overall, it was an amazing book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following the death of her little brother, 6th grade Zinnia and her parents have moved to Maine for a fresh start. Zinnia has had trouble making friends (except for annoying Trevor who picks on her non-stop) so she is happy when her 19 year old Aunt Willow comes to stay with them. During the visit, Zinnia and Willow finally meet up with the unusual family that has moved in upstairs, and discovers that they run a small band of modern "superheroes." The girls join the crew, and spend their weekends delivering food, clothing and other supplies to local people in need. Things are looking up, until the crew becomes involved in potentially dangerous activity. While the idea here is great, I didn't love this because the characters just felt too perfect. I can't see real kids having discussions about "shining their light."

[Cindy Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book.

When Zinnia Helinski steps outside her comfort zone and joins RLSH (Real Life Super Heroes), she learns that things in life aren't always as they seem. Zinnia learns that superheroes come in all shapes and sizes and saving the world may come through simple acts of kindness. Not All Heroes is an excellent story that deals with grief, social justice, and belonging.

“But my favorite part of an adventure is when you get to the darkest point and there’s a light. Like a rainbow after a storm. I know bringing people shampoo and socks and candy isn't like the biggest deal. It's probably not going to fix somebody’s life...but it might change their day.”

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

11-year old Zinnia's life has been full of change. Her younger brother died, she and her parents have moved to a new state to start a new life, and she's being bullied at school. The new neighbors upstairs are doing some odd things, too. They make a lot of noise, and Zinnia saw them climbing down the fire escape in superhero-type clothing! It turns out they're Real Life Superheroes! Zinnia teams up with them to make the neighborhood a better place by doing good deeds and caring for others in her community. I didn't love it, but it has a good message and I think middle-grade readers will enjoy it.

Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Sara Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not All Heroes is the story of 12 year old Zinnia and her family who've recently moved across country after the death of her younger brother, Wally. Not long after new neighbors move in the apartment above Zinnia's, her mom's younger sister comes to visit. Aunt Willow is young, vibrant, fun and kind of flaky. She has the tendency to run away from problems. So when Zinnia discovers the secret identity of the neighbors, she never expects Aunt Willow to want to join them.

This was a sweet story. I like that Zinnia is complex and flawed and not just one thing. Her inability to read her peers' intentions will be relatable to many students. Lovers of super heroes will enjoy this tale of altruism.

[Lisa McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not All Heros by Josephine Cameron was a heartfelt novel dealing with grief, friendship, family relationships, and community. After her brother's death, Zinnia's family moves to Maine for a fresh start at life. Zinnia is intrigued when she spies her upstairs neighbors in superhero attire repeatedly climbing up and down the fire escape stairs.. She learns that they are part of a group called RLSH (Real Life Super Herores) that perform extreme acts of kindness such as distributing things such as blankets to the homeless. Zinnia, and her aunt, Willow, who is only a few year older than she is, are eager to join the group. In her experiences with this group, she learns to be brave and face her grief.

Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zinnia and her family move to Maine to try to escape the grief of her little brother's death. Unfortunately, grief doesn't really work that way. However, Zinnia does notice that her upstairs neighbors are a very interesting group. They dress up in superhero costumes and go out into the neighborhood. They may not be real superheroes but they do have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others - and it also helps Zinnia and her family begin to cope with their loss as they reach out to others.
This is a useful class discussion book about how we can affect change and be a force for good. It is a bit pedantic at times.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this a 3/12. I love the concept of regular people dressing up as superheroes. They use their "powers" to "help the helpless and give hope to the hopeless." They go out into the community and give out socks, sandwiches, toiletries to the people on the streets of their small town in Maine.
This was an inspiring read that shows that one person or a group of people can make a difference in another person's day. As they said it in the book, it may not change a person's life but it may make their day a little bit better. There's some friendships made, misunderstandings, and even some action.

[Keeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of "Wink" might enjoy this novel about a multi-generational teamup in the face of grief and loss. In this book, a girl, her young aunt, and a variety of neighbors and classmates are inspired to take on superhero identities in order to fight endemic social problems such as homelessness. Straightforward and very positive depictions of disabled and homeless people. Gradual revelation of the reasons for the protagonist's grief, and occasional bullying/harassment, but the protagonist has a pretty good support system and there is no serious peril.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for an e-ARC of this middle grade novel.

Zinnia is struggling with the move to Maine and the loss of her younger brother Wally. When her Aunt Willow comes to visit, Zinnia's life starts looking up. When she meets up with some Real Life Super Heroes, she feels like she's finally found her team.

I think this story will be popular with middle grade readers. Zinni's a sympathetic character, and the RLSH team is one worth cheering for.

[Katie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to be a SUPERhero to be a hero. Loved everything about this book! I read this so my 9-year-old and I could talk about it after he finishes it. The plot and characters were well written, and the moral of the story is perfect for middle grade readers. I would highly recommend this to all young readers (and adults!). I also didn’t realize when I picked it up that the author lives in my home state, bonus!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really glad this cover drew me in! Not All Heroes is a story that addressed some complex issues like grief, social justice, and family disagreements. I really liked the growth and healing that Zinnia experienced in the story. I thought the part where Zinnia and Willow create their first gimmicks was pretty funny. Kris and Papa Wheelie are really vivid characters, too. I hope some of my 5th graders pick this one up.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this story! This author definitely has a way with words. Everything felt so real... the grief, the joy, the fear, the stress, the celebration.

Loved the side story of Cignus the Swan that is woven throughout, as well as the reminder of the RLSH movement and the creative storytelling surrounding that. Wally was a pretty special and moving part throughout too.

Definitely recommend this book.

[Mabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a touching but fun book! It really brought up a lot of topics but approached them in an enjoyable way of superheroes! I liked in the back of the book with the author's notes and acknowledgements she talked about somethings that were mentioned and explained them in real life s little deeper. The only thing that k didn't like as much was all the talk of grief and things like that which were a little depressing. Great read overall though! 😍

[Chris Salerno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josephine Cameron's story of kindness & community w/real life superhero gimmicks we'd want to see on the big screen and heartfelt moments of realization and growth. Great choice for teachers looking for a new read aloud to replace Wonder. Reviewed ARC from #NetGalley

#BookPosse

[Kelly Jahng · Rating 3 out of 5]

This moved slow for me, but I did like the characters. It picked up as it went. I liked the idea of real-life superheroes and helping others in tangible ways. I also liked the growth Zinnia experiences.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you'd like inspiration to step out of your comfort zone and make even a small difference in your community, this is a story for you.
A group of Real Life Super Heroes show Zinnia and her aunt how to move out of themselves and reach out to others with offers of help.

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars. A Middle Grade book where grief is the underlying theme, but where “real life superheroes” drive the plot. Focusing on social issues, preteen stressors, and a family in-flux this book tackles serious topics in an entertaining way for the young reader.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very enjoyable - knowing what you are looking for is right in front of your face. It works across gender and age lines - it makes you smile.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I liked this and felt inspired to be a superhero.