My older son gravitates toward books with characters facing intellectual or physical challenges. Not surprisingly, he loved Wonder and its companion book Auggie and Me. So when I saw Superstar on display at our local library when he was in fourth grade, I knew this was one we had to read.
Ten-year-old Lester Musselbaum narrates this heartwarming story from a first person perspective. Soon after we meet Lester, his mom delicately tells him that for the first time ever he will be enrolling in public school. Now in 5th grade, he has always been home-schooled by his mom, who now will be working at the local library during the day to make ends meet. Lester’s father was an astronaut and died on a mission years ago.
Lester loves science, space and predictability. He finds his unpredictable days at school to be harder than he anticipated and science lessons less enlightening than he hoped. He has to contend with bullies, but also makes a fashion-forward friend named Abby who remains present throughout the book. We loved rooting for Lester as he encountered new challenges, scientifically dissected the game of kickball, and indulged his scientific passions by entering the school science fair.
You’ll love reading this book with your kids or suggesting it as an independent read. The text can generate conversations about inclusion, acceptance and the mutual happiness that can come from unexpected friendships.
Mom, which book is next? 