Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith, illustrated by Erica Salcedo
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add on Goodreads): When Murph Cooper rocks up to his new school several weeks into the beginning of term, he can’t help but feel a bit out of his depth.
And it’s not because he’s worried about where to sit, and making friends, and fitting in, or not knowing where the loos are. It’s because his mum has enrolled him at a school for superheroes by mistake. And unlike his fellow students, who can all control the weather or fly or conjure tiny horses from thin air, Murph has no special abilities whatsoever.
But just because you don’t have superpowers, it doesn’t mean you can’t save the day. Let’s hope Murph realises that, and quick – because not far away is a great big bad guy who is half man and half wasp, and his mind is abuzz with evil plans .
It’s time for Kid Normal to become a hero!
Review: This was a really fun middle grade book! It’s all about a boy named Murph who mistakenly ends up at a school for superheroes…but he doesn’t have any powers. I loved the idea of a “normal” kid being able to stand his own and realize that he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero, or you know, just a good person.
Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith Click To TweetMurph is a really enjoyable character and easy to relate to. He’s moved around a lot because of his mom’s jobs, which means it’s difficult for him to really make friends as he only ends up leaving them. Now that he’s at The School (yes, capitalization needed), he’s found a group of kids he’s desperate to stay in touch with. I loved all of Murph’s friends and their powers – none of them seem terribly exciting or useful, but as Kid Normal goes on, readers realize that they are just as handy as super strength or speed (yes, even being able to “conjure” two mini horses!)
Kid Normal is an amusing book too, so it would make a perfect story to read aloud! I loved all the fun illustrations throughout the book, done by Erica Salcedo. This is just the first book in a series so I’d definitely be curious to see what Murph and the gang get up to next!
I keep thinking to pick this up for my little girls as they sound like so much fun! I am glad you liked it
Aww this sounds lovely!!
My kids would probably like this!
So cute!
i’m loving the MG that’s coming out right now. I wish I had these messages when i was a kid.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
This sounds like a super cute book! Murph sounds like a fun character too!
Girl, I was just looking for a humorous children’s book to read, or maybe listen to? This sounds perfect. Is it a graphic novel or does it just have that type illustrations? Or does it have illustrations at all? Hate to listen to a book with great pics, though!! Need to see this one, me thinks.
Aww, this book sounds like such a cute story! :]!
what a cute cover there! It definitely looks fun!
Oh this book looks like such a fun one!
I agree the average guy getting to play hero is a great plot. I’ll have to look for this one at the library.
This sounds fun and I like that it offered a lesson.
This sounds like such a fun story! And also a great message for young readers.
This sounds like a fun read! I will have to get it for the little guy when he is older!
I love these type of MG books- my son would totally love this.
This looks like such a fun book! I need to read more middle-grade books. I’m working through some of my favorite children’s books right now.
Haha, I wonder how his mom made that mistake with the schools… The sketches on the cover are adorable. And I like the central idea too. There is a hero in all of us I guess.
This sounds like such a fun read. I’m going to have to pick up a copy for my son. I know he’d love it!
I like the overall theme of this book…that you don’t have to be a superhero to save the day. My 11 yoa granddaughter would like this book, I bet.
OK this sounds funny! I like the premise and illustrations throughout books like this are one of my faves 🙂
Thank you for this review! We are currently vigorously searching for a book my tween will read! We will try this one! Sounds funny and relatable too!
I feel like you always see books about kids/teens who find out they have powers when everyone else is normal, so I love that this book reversed that trope! And it sounds like it has a cute message!
This is seriously adorable, Lauren! Great review!! A normal kind in a school for superheroes — how ingenious and simple is that?!
Aw, this sounds so cute! I really feel like I need to read more middle grade novels because they can bring some lightness into my reading. As soon as I read the blurb and your review, this story reminded me of the movie Sky High! I absolutely loved that film when I was a teen, haha. My friends and I watched it every time we got together for a sleepover 😛 Lovely review, Lauren! I hope you like the rest of the series 😀
Sounds good, always good to have some book recommendations, thanks for sharing with the #BloggersBests