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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Almost Super summary
Marion Jensen
Brief summary
Almost Super by Marion Jensen is a delightful story about two siblings who come from a family of superheroes. Despite not having powers of their own, they embark on a mission to save their parents and prove that anyone can be a hero.
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Almost Super
Summary of key ideas
The Bailey Family's Superpowers
In Almost Super by Marion Jensen, we are introduced to the Bailey family, a family of superheroes. Each member of the family, upon turning twelve, is gifted with a superpower. The protagonist, Rafter Bailey, and his little brother Benny are eagerly awaiting their twelfth birthdays, hoping for powerful abilities that will help them join the ranks of their family's superheroes. However, when the big day arrives, things don't go as planned.
Rather than receiving impressive superpowers, Rafter and Benny are given seemingly useless abilities. Rafter can light matches on polyester, and Benny can turn his belly button inside out. Disheartened, the brothers are now considered part of the "League of Almost Superheroes," a group of underwhelming powered individuals.
The League of Almost Superheroes
As part of the League, Rafter and Benny befriend fellow members, each with their own equally ridiculous superpowers. The group includes Juanita Johnson, Rafter's arch-nemesis from school, who can create a high-pitched sound that shatters glass, and Violet, a girl who can levitate two inches off the ground. Together, the group decides to make the most of their abilities and to prove themselves as superheroes.
However, their first attempts at heroism end in disaster. Rafter accidentally sets the mayor's car on fire, and Benny's attempt to save a cat from a tree results in the cat escaping and Benny getting stuck himself. Their failures attract the attention of the Johnson family, their arch-enemies, who are a family of supervillains. The Baileys learn that the Johnsons have been behind their family's powers all along.
The Truth Behind the Superpowers
The Johnsons reveal that the Baileys' powers were intentionally sabotaged by their ancestors, who were convinced that the world needed more superheroes. As a result, the Baileys have been given useless powers for generations, while the Johnsons have been blessed with powerful abilities. The Johnsons propose a competition to decide which family will get to keep their powers, and the Baileys accept the challenge.
The competition includes various tasks, such as a race through a maze and a game of dodgeball. Despite their seemingly useless powers, the Baileys and their friends manage to outsmart and outplay the Johnsons in every challenge, thanks to their creativity and teamwork. As the competition progresses, the Baileys start to realize that their powers might not be as useless as they initially thought.
Embracing Their Unique Abilities
In the final challenge, a battle between the two families, Rafter and Benny come up with a clever plan that combines their unique powers to defeat the Johnsons. Rafter lights matches on a polyester costume, creating a smokescreen, and Benny uses his belly button to distract the Johnsons. The Baileys emerge victorious and prove that they are indeed superheroes, regardless of their seemingly useless powers.
In the end, the Baileys and the Johnsons make a truce, and the Baileys decide to embrace their unique abilities. They realize that their powers, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can be useful in unexpected ways. The book concludes with the Baileys and their friends, now proud members of the League of Almost Superheroes, ready to face whatever challenges come their way.
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What is Almost Super about?
Almost Super by Marion Jensen is a delightful middle-grade novel about two brothers who come from a family of superheroes. However, when they discover that they have no superpowers of their own, they embark on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure to prove that you don't need powers to be a hero. With its quirky characters and clever plot, this book is sure to entertain readers of all ages.
Almost Super Review
Almost Super by Marion Jensen (2013) is a delightful tale about twin brothers who come from a family of superheroes but find themselves without any superpowers. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With a refreshing twist on the superhero genre, the story explores the idea of what it means to be extraordinary without powers.
- The book highlights the importance of family bonds and showcases that strength can come from unity and support rather than just individual abilities.
- Through humor and heartwarming moments, the book effortlessly captivates readers, ensuring a fun and engaging reading experience without a dull moment.
Who should read Almost Super?
Children and young adults who enjoy superhero stories
Readers who appreciate humor and quirky characters
Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining book with themes of family and friendship
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Book summaries like Almost Super
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Almost Super FAQs
What is the main message of Almost Super?
The main message of Almost Super is that ordinary kids can find their own extraordinary powers and save the day.
How long does it take to read Almost Super?
Reading time for Almost Super varies, but it's an engaging read. The Blinkist summary can be read in a quick session.
Is Almost Super a good book? Is it worth reading?
Almost Super is a charming tale full of adventure and heart. It's a delightful read for those who enjoy a fun and imaginative story.
Who is the author of Almost Super?
The author of Almost Super is Marion Jensen.
What to read after Almost Super?
If you're wondering what to read next after Almost Super, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher