The Pros & Cons of Becoming a Superhero

There’s a new superhero on the scene! Blue Lightning can manipulate electricity, run extremely fast, and even fly, but no one has heard of her.

That’s because her creator, aspiring artist Bex Daltry, only has a handful of followers of their webcomic. When Bex meets a professional comic book illustrator at a Fan Convention, it could be their big break. But Bex hasn’t shared their work–or other facets of who they are–with many people, even their own father.

Umie Nakayama runs a popular video channel where she compiles lists of pros and cons on a variety of topics such as music, movies, and fashion tips. Despite having thousands of viewers, she can’t seem to please her parents, who constantly compare her to her older brother, even while he’s away at college.

When a thunderstorm infuses Umie with the superpowers of Bex’s character, how will their relationship adapt to the new power dynamic? After all, Bex brought Blue Lightning into existence, while Umie is hardly a fan of the superhero genre. Can Umie learn how to control her new abilities and use them for good? Will Bex be satisfied being only a mentor or sidekick?

Most importantly, can Bex and Umie maintain Blue Lightning’s secret as they contend with their own identities? 

"Author Tara St. Pierre delivers everything that current YA fiction needs in this representative, relatable, and deeply engaging tale. Both Bex and Umie are vividly portrayed, with everyday struggles around self-worth and family that are tenderly narrated from a close, emotive perspective. I was especially engaged by Bex’s tale, their aspirations and uncertainty perfectly captured in realistic dialogue and thought presentation. The blending of a superhero fantasy with a coming-of-age narrative is cleverly done, allowing readers to explore both adventure and introspective moments with a creative fusion that is always well-paced to never leave readers hanging too long. St. Pierre's narrative keeps readers engaged as the power dynamics between Bex and Umie evolve alongside their personal growth, but there are also some really intriguing twists and brilliantly developed side characters that are so vibrant that they’d easily warrant future stories of their own. Overall, The Pros & Cons of Becoming a Superhero is a must-read for fans of representative, realistic coming-of-age dramas that are also wonderfully adventurous and laced with brilliant sci-fi and fantasy concepts to deliver the message in an exciting and unique way." (5 out of 5 stars)

--K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite