The Children’s Book Review | April 27, 2018
Marcus Emerson’s Selfie with The Super Life of Ben Braver
Here I am in my little studio. It looks out to the backyard so I can watch my kids play when I’m stuck behind a computer working, wishing I was outside, too. It’s a cozy kind of torture.
So I’m also holding The Super Life of Ben Braver – my book about a boy who’s been recruited to attend a school for kids with superpowers.
Ben’s a very typical 6th grader – loves movies, video games, and comics – but he dreams of being more. Of being remarkable. Of being a hero. So when the chance to be a hero turns up, Ben takes it… and fails miserably. But because of his bravery, he’s invited to attend a school for kids with superpowers. It’s a dream come true for Ben, but as his new friends and classmates level-up their abilities, Ben struggles to bring his own powers out, which leads to him faking powers with gadgets just to keep up. While all this is going on, dark mysteries brew in the background, leading to a HUGE climax for Ben and his friends.
I love writing for Ben’s world because it’s the kind of story where anything can happen – talking animals, walking skeletons, giant spiders – but it’s also a story about family and friendship.
Marcus Emerson’s Shelfie
These are my bookshelves. Some of the shelves are bending under the weight of such heavy books, which only means it’s time to buy more shelves. They’re filled with books, graphic novels, and TOYS! I’ve got more reference books than I reference, novels that I tell myself I’ll read someday, and way more toys than I’d like to admit. They’re the things I love. The things that inspire and motivate me. Books from authors and artists I wish I was as good as. Toys from cartoons and comics that I loved as a kid remind me that I’m still a kid, just in an adult body.
The books on my shelves help me do what I do. If I’m stuck on a scene or a drawing, then I’ll spend an hour tearing through these books until I find something that sparks an idea.
—
The Super Life of Ben Braver
Written by Marcus Emerson
Publisher’s Synopsis: Packed with black-and-white art and comic strips throughout, The Super Life of Ben Braver is the first book in a hilarious adventure series about the greatness that lies within any middle schooler who dreams big from Marcus Emerson, the author of the smash hit Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series.
Ben Braver is an ordinary kid. All he wants to do is finish his summer watching awesome TV shows and eating his favorite candy. But when some kid screams for help, Ben, like his favorite comic book heroes, tries to save the day. Let’s just say it ends badly. But it does lead him to a secret school where kids with super abilities learn to control thier powers. Ben’s never had any powers―and never thought he could be special. So when he’s offered a spot at the school, Ben realizes this is his chance to become the superhero he’s always dreamed of.
Ages 7-10 | Publisher: Roaring Brook Press | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1626727106
Available Here:
About the Author
Marcus Emerson is the author of the hit Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series and the Secret Agent 6th Grader series. His career started in 2nd grade when he discovered Garfield. He grew up playing Super Mario Bros. 4, watching Thundercats, and reading comics like X-Men, Superman, and Wildcats. He lives in Eldridge, Iowa with his wife and children.
https://www.marcusemerson.com/ | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Discover more books like “The Super Life of Ben Braver,” written by Marcus Emerson, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with ; and be sure to follow along with our Selfie and a Shelfie series.
