Book Review of Troublemakers and Superpowers: 29 Stories of People Who Turned Childhood Struggles into Strengths
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The Children’s Book Review
Troublemakers and Superpowers: 29 Stories of People Who Turned Childhood Struggles into Strengths
Written by Keely Grand
Illustrated by Ragon Dickard
Ages: 8-12 | 128 Pages
Publisher: Little Bigfoot (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781632173003
What to Expect: Neurodivergence, determination, overcoming challenges, diversity, and history.
Troublemakers and Superpowers is a refreshing and positive exploration of the way that disability, trauma, and adversity can shape identity in positive ways.
From activists and scientists to comedians, baseball players, and surfers, history is full of amazing people who have overcome the world’s negative opinions about them to become their own kind of brilliant. Rapper Nora Lum, for example, became a talented musician and entertainer, proving that ADHD is not always a disability. Author John Green turned the bullying he experienced as an “awkward” child into award-winning stories. Ayanna Pressley did not let her childhood experience of parental abuse stop her from becoming a successful congresswoman. It’s an old but true saying that what does not kill you makes you stronger, and these amazing characters are living proof that adversity really does give you superpowers.
Focusing on how negative experiences offer unique perspectives and promote growth and strength, Troublemakers and Superpowers reframes such experiences as opportunities for creativity, originality, and passion. Throughout the collection of stories, vivid cartoon illustrations in a limited color palette underscore the book’s positive vibe, showing empowered individuals looking confident and happy. The diversity of careers and successes featured also conveys the message that there are many different types of success, and you don’t need to be in a traditionally high-status job (like a scientist or politician) to be worthwhile. A list of resources at the end of the book offers readers who see themselves in the pages a first practical step for turning their own challenges into superpowers.
Troublemakers and Superpowers is an inspiring and empowering book and a must-have for any classroom or library.
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About the Author
KEELY GRAND is a mom, author, personal trainer, and wellness specialist. She earned a master’s degree in health communication from Emerson College and has worked as a community health educator and freelance writer. Diagnosed in adulthood with anxiety and ADHD, she manages her own troublemakers through exercise, speaking with a therapist, and practicing yoga.
About the Illustrator
RAGON DICKARD is a Seattle-based illustrator who loves to make art with monsters, animals, people, and fruits and vegetables. She’s inspired by folk art, printmaking, animation, and kitschy things she finds in Goodwill.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Troublemakers and Superpowers: 29 Stories of People Who Turned Childhood Struggles into Strengths. Learn more about getting a book review …
