Superhero Books: Batman, Superman, Spider-Man
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 25, 2010
A simple crowd pleaser: Superhero books!
Boys eat these books up. And, you may or may not be surprised, a lot of girls do, too.
I’ve only provided the publisher’s synopsis below, but mark my word, these books feature the classic characters and their usual good-guy-bad-guy anecdotes. I love that Wonder Woman makes an appearance. Some of the books have been made into level 2 readers for the kids that are gaining confidence with independent reading (some help may be needed). Putting a superhero book into the hands of a beginner reader is a great way to nudge them into the early-fluent reading stage—especially when you build them their own personal bat cave to read in (bat cave à la pillows and blankets). Holy books, Batman!
Batman Classic: Meet the Super Heroes: With Superman and Wonder Woman (I Can Read Book 2)
by Michael Teitelbaum
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 22, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: When an evil dragon attacks Gotham City, Batman knows he can’t stop it by himself. With Superman and Wonder Woman fighting by his side, there is nothing these three Super Heroes can’t do!
Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: Meet the Super Heroes: With Superman and Wonder Woman
Batman Classic: Gothams Villains Unleashed!
by John Sazaklis
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: HarperFestival (December 22, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: Gotham’s most dangerous criminals are on the loose! After the Joker breaks out the city’s nastiest villains from Arkham Asylum, Batman must act fast to locate the inmates and return them to custody. With Robin at his side, can Batman stop each and every one of these evildoers before it’s too late?
Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: Gothams Villains Unleashed!
Batman Classic: The Batman Reusable Sticker Book
by John Sazaklis
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 12 pages
Publisher: HarperFestival (May 25, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: Help Batman fight crime in this fun, action-packed reusable sticker book. But beware! Gotham’s most dangerous villains are lurking around every corner . . . KAPOW!
Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: The Batman Reusable Sticker Book
Superman Classic: I Am Superman (I Can Read Book 2)
by Michael Teitelbaum
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 22, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: Superman is in his Fortress of Solitude when Lex Luthor puts all of Metropolis in danger. Can Superman fly back to the city in time to stop Lex and save the day?
Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: I Am Superman
Superman Classic: Superman versus Bizarro (I Can Read Book 2)
by Chris Strathearn
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (May 25, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: When Bizarro crashes into Metropolis, he does more harm than good. What will it take to show this backward hero the way home?
Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: Superman versus Bizarro
Superman Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Superhero!
by Zachary Rau
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: HarperFestival (December 22, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: Superman, Wonder Woman, and the president have been captured by the evil alien Brainiac, who has shrunk Superman and the president to a super-small size. Trapped on the villain’s spaceship, the Super Heroes must combine their amazing powers to defeat their larger-than-life foe!
Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Superhero!
Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Lizard (I Can Read Book 2)
by Susan Hill
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: Spider-Man’s newest enemy is big, green, and mean. Spider-Man thinks he has him all figured out. But there may be more to the Lizard than Spidey can imagine!
Add this book to your collection: Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Lizard
Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin (I Can Read Book 2)
by Susan Hill
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Synopsis: Spider-Man is on the lookout for his friend Harry’s father when a new villain glides by. Can Spidey find Harry’s dad with the Green Goblin close behind?
Add this book to your collection: Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin
Leave us a comment: If you could be any superhero, which one would you be? I aspire to be Wonder Woman—if only to wear that costume for a day!
Category: Ages 4-8, Book Lists, Books for Boys, Early Readers, Reluctant Readers
About the Author (Author Profile)
The Children's Book Review, named one of the ALSC Great Web Sites for Kids, is powered by Bianca Schulze, mother to two daughters. Bianca has almost a decade’s worth of experience working with children and is passionate about continuing to work with children. Combined with her love of books and experience as a childrens specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion through this blog.Subscribe
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These books are hit and miss. I have two young sons and we reviewed several of them for Amazon.com. Personally, I like the older books (Level 4) more than the early readers. There are better and cheaper options for parents. For one, Mile High Comics carries old copies of kid-friendly (G-rated) comic books that can be purchased for as little as 75 cents per copy.
Thanks for the suggestions. You can’t go wrong for 75c! Although, $3.99 isn’t too bad. Right?
Sometimes it’s just about getting an early reader with the right content into the right hands. After the audience is captivated you can then move onto something a little more thought-provoking.