Superheroes Super-Values: A Review of Books that Focus on Character
Superheroes are important figures in the lives of our children. They teach children about good and bad. Over the last year, superheroes have been a very important topic in my household. My sons absolutely love Batman, Superman, PJ Masks, and Black Panther! When we go to the library, superhero books are on the top of their list. After reading some superhero books to my sons, I realized that most of these books were steeped in violence. This content forced me to look for superhero books that focused more values and less on fighting. This led me to a superhero book series by Capstone Publishing Company. These books used the Batman, Wonderwoman, Superman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and The Flash to discuss values.
“The Green Lantern is Responsible” is a great book! This book uses a superhero to discuss a super-value: responsibility. The author skillfully breaks down this value in an easy-to-understand way for young readers. The pictures in the book match acts of responsibility can apply in real life. I love this book because it allows children of color to see a superhero who looks like them. This book is a teaching tool to reinforce the value of responsibility in our young readers.
“Wonder Woman is Respectful” will support your young dreamer in developing a super-value — respect. The author uses the superhero Wonder Woman to show children how to be respectful in their everyday life interactions. Here a few lessons from this book: say thank you, hold the door for the person behind you, respect people by getting to know them, and treat people the way they want to be treated. For parents and teachers, this book serves as a tool to begin or continue the conversation on how to be respectful to others.
“Batman is Trustworthy” teaches kids about the super-value: trust. The book explains how trust is earned by being reliable, loyal to friends, admitting mistakes, and being honest. For parents, who have children who love Batman, this book is a great teaching tool.
“The Flash is Caring” is a great book that supports children’s social-emotional development. The book uses the experiences of the Flash to describe caring helps other people and protects people from harm. It also teaches about doing kind things for others, forgiving others, and saying thank you. This book teaches kids that although the Flash is fast, he takes his time care for others. For parents, this is a great book to teach children about how to care for others in practical ways.
“Aquaman is Fair” is a great way to help your young dreamer learn about a super-value: fairness. The author provides the reader with a simple definition of fairness and many examples about how to be fair. Fairness is defined by playing by the rules, using one’s gift to help, sharing with friends, and listening to both sides of the argument to solve problems. If you are a parent or teacher who looks to teach children about fairness, then this book should be a part of your library.
