Like Lava In My Veins

June 26, 2023
Graphic novel and picture book merge in this red-hot superhero story from Barnes and Martinbrough with Lucas. On the first day at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities (AKWAA), Bobby Beacon, who reads as Black, indicates that “Beacons lead people and show them the way.” Wielding “the power of light and fire,” Bobby sometimes has difficulties controlling these abilities—something the school is supposed to help with. But a run-in with a critical teacher ends with Bobby in the principal’s office, where it’s made clear that the Institute for Supervillains could be the next stop for Bobby, as it was for a fellow Black-cued classmate. Even so, a new teacher, Miss Brooklyn, demonstrates calming methods, and when Headmaster Chaos of the Institute for Supervillains crashes an assembly looking to recruit Bobby, the narrator uses their knowledge to save the day. Thin-lined hand-drawn artwork with bold shadow effects conveys the dynamism of old-school comic books in this story that underscores teachers’ import while portraying one child’s experience within an educational system that falls short in supporting its Black students. Miss Brooklyn reads as Black; the AKWAA principal and Headmaster Chaos cue as white. Ages 5–8.

Starred review from August 1, 2023

K-Gr 3-Prolific author-for-all-ages Barnes's first graphic novel, Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice, made him a 2022 National Book Award Finalist. From real-life hero (and coauthor) Tommie Smith, Barnes pivots to fictional superhero Bobby Beacon who's got a few real-life challenges to face, including those universally familiar to all kids, like anger, and those all-too-familiar for kids of color, like racism. As a new student at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities, Bobby's name already shines: "Beacons lead people and show them the way." With the gentle help of his teacher, Bobby learns to harness his "power of light and fire"-and avoid being shipped to the Institute of Supervillains. Narrator Fouhey-fabulously versatile, especially with youthful titles-deftly adapts his voice over an impressive, complementary soundtrack featuring synthesized beats, bangs, and door slams. Fouhey even embodies Miss Brooklyn's recommended five deep breaths-a clever reminder for all readers (even reviewers!). For maximum enjoyment (and enlightenment), pair audio with print: Shawn Martinborough's energetic art adds details impossible to aurally showcase, including Bobby's extensive collection of Star Wars figures and that even superheroes (like Sincere) need their inhaler. VERDICT Libraries should prepare to meet high demand in all formats. Perfect for reluctant readers.

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