Kenny Wright: Superhero

Middle school is tough for 11-year-old Kenny, as he seems to be a natural target for bullies. He fantasises that he can overcome adversity by transforming into his alter ego, superhero Stainlezz Steel, but in reality he is just a regular kid, living with his strict Grandma in Washington DC.

When one day he fights back, new principal Dr Yetty suggests that, rather than suspension, Kenny teaches bully Ray-Ray to play chess and the boys learn more from each other than they expected.

This entertaining book tackles the serious issues of bullying, poverty and difficult family circumstances with a light-hearted touch. Short chapters and the use of comic strip drawings to illustrate Stainlezz Steel's imaginary escapades make this is an accessible and amusing read.