📖 Overview
Luke Parker is an 11-year-old comic book enthusiast who misses his chance to become a superhero when he steps away from his backyard tree house at the wrong moment. His older brother Zack, who has no interest in superheroes, receives powers from a visiting alien instead and becomes Star Guy.
Luke must help his newly-powered brother learn about being a superhero while dealing with his own feelings of disappointment and jealousy. The brothers face a threat to their dimension and must work together despite their differences, with Luke providing comic book expertise and Zack attempting to master his new abilities.
The story balances superhero action with family dynamics and asks questions about destiny, fairness, and what makes a true hero. Through humor and adventure, it explores the complex relationship between siblings and the unexpected ways people grow into their roles.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently mention the book's humor and witty references that appeal to both kids and adults. Parents report their children ages 8-12 laughing out loud while reading.
Liked:
- Comic book references and inside jokes
- Relatable sibling rivalry theme
- Fast-paced plot that keeps kids engaged
- Accessibility for reluctant readers
- British humor and word play
Disliked:
- Some found the protagonist Luke too whiny
- A few readers felt the superhero elements were predictable
- Several mentioned the plot drags in the middle sections
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon US: 4.5/5 (200+ ratings)
"Perfect for Marvel fans who can laugh at themselves" - Goodreads reviewer
"My 9-year-old couldn't put it down" - Amazon review
"The sibling dynamic felt real and refreshing" - School Library Journal reader review
"Some jokes went over kids' heads but adults will appreciate them" - Parent reviewer
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Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce A twelve-year-old who looks like an adult sneaks onto a space mission and must save the crew when things go wrong.
The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch A regular boy discovers he comes from a family of superheroes and must attend a secret school to master his newfound abilities.
Almost Super by Marion Jensen Two siblings from a superhero family receive seemingly useless powers and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their entire superhero community.
The Janitor's Boy by Andrew Clements A middle school student whose father works as the school janitor learns to embrace his identity while solving a mystery affecting the whole school.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 The book won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2016 and has been translated into more than 15 languages worldwide
🦸♂️ Author David Solomons originally wrote screenplays for Hollywood before turning to children's literature with this debut novel
⚡ The story was partially inspired by Solomons' own relationship with his brother, though he admits he never actually missed out on getting superpowers while going to the bathroom
🎮 The main character Luke's love of comic books and video games reflects the author's own childhood interests - he was an avid gamer and comic collector
🌍 The book spawned a successful series with four sequels: "My Gym Teacher Is an Alien Overlord," "My Evil Twin Is a Supervillain," "My Arch-Enemy Is a Brain In a Jar," and "My Cousin Is a Time Traveller"