Eighth-Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
I’m somewhat intimidated by this book. It was that good. Seriously, it was that good. Don’t let the cover fool you, this book packs a big punch.
Reggie (Pukey) McKnight struggles with his 8th grade image. After a disastrous beginning in the 8th grade he begins to search for a way to change, to be someone other than “Pukey”, a nickname bestowed upon him by the class bully. Sounds good, right? But then the story really digs deep.
Reggie learns about the homeless, about faith, about service and friendship. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved the supporting characters in this book as well. Ruthie and Joe C. were everything I wished I could have had in 8th grade. Smart, thought-provoking, aware children who were just plain good.
I also really loved how this book dealt with such a wide, diverse racial group in such an understated, matter-of-fact way. History is taught in such a way that it doesn’t feel as if it’s being preached and the culture is talked about so sweetly and perfectly that I began to feel as if this was the way I wanted to grow up.
My favorite moment of the book is the scene with the Dora shoes. You’ll have to read the book to understand, but I will say this. As I read the part I began to discuss it with my 7 year old nephew. He nodded as I came to the end of the story and, in a simple sentence, he told me of his insight into the story. I was flabbergasted at the level of maturity it showed in him and so pleased that a story could provoke his thoughts in that way.
This goes on my favorites for the year list. I feel as if I’m a better person just for having read it and I encourage you to do the same. I haven’t felt this strongly about a book since I read Marcelo in the Real World last year.
