Maxine

Superheroes Madame Thunderbolt and Captain Lightning are expecting their second child, meaning that their son Max is about to become a big brother. When baby Maxine arrives, complete with her little superhero mask, everyone is thrilled. Quickly learning to walk, talk, read, and fly, Maxine starts school four years early.

Once in school, however, Maxine begins to see herself differently. She does not want to wear her superhero uniform, even if her grandmother made it. She wants to wear torn jeans and T-shirts like other kids, although her mother insists that is not what superheroes do. Eventually, Madame Thunderbolt sadly relents, giving away Maxine’s uniform, and Maxine begins to wear what she prefers. Maxine even gives her superhero mask away because she knows she doesn’t need it. But the question remains, will Maxine still be able to fly?

Bob Grahame is the author-illustrator of numerous picture books, including an earlier story about the Lightning-Thunderbolt family entitled Max. Here, Graham has written a wonderfully humorous story that emphasizes respect for each individual’s knowledge of what is right for him or her, even if it doesn’t meet others’ expectations.