I Have a Superpower

A budding basketball player takes to the court, revealing an unexpected superpower in this earnest, comics-style picture book from Curry. Narrating each scene, a Black-presenting television announcer follows the protagonist play by play: “Today is no ordinary day for Hughes.” The eight-year-old, portrayed with light brown skin, replies via speech bubble: “Today is the day I share my superpower... with the world!” Arriving at an outdoor court where players of varying skin tones are being chosen for opposing teams, Hughes laments that he isn’t taller, faster, or a higher jumper, but he describes what he does have: “heart.” Kinetic, rainbow-hued graphics by Bowers provide an engaging visual energy that juxtaposes the newscaster’s heavy-handed messaging: “Hughes knows he can overcome any obstacle that gets in his way.” A Stephen Curry avatar appears at the end with a list of his “favorite things” hidden throughout the book. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)