Josephine Cameron

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.… (mer)

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.… (mer)