2011
WISE Score
Amazon
Superhero shoes, a helpful kid, and zero 'brain rot'—it’s the perfect bridge for kids who are over picture books but not quite ready for the big stuff.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is a 'yes' for any parent trying to get their first or second grader to actually enjoy reading. It’s wholesome without being boring and imaginative without being over-the-top.
While it’s not a 'drop everything and buy it' classic for adults, for a 7-year-old finding their footing with chapter books, it’s a total win. It’s clean, it’s fast-paced, and it actually has something to say about being a good person in your own backyard.
Best for 6 to 9-year-olds. It’s specifically designed for that sweet spot where kids are starting to read independently but still want pictures on every few pages.
Freddie is a genuinely kind kid who uses his 'superpowers' to help his neighbors and solve neighborhood mysteries. It models a great relationship with a mentor (Mr. Vaslov) and focuses on community helpfulness over ego.
The 'Zapato Power' concept—super-speed shoes invented by a neighbor—is a classic childhood wish-fulfillment fantasy that encourages kids to imagine what they’d do with a little extra boost.
It's a gentle early chapter book. There is no violence, no 'mean girl/boy' tropes, and no content that would surprise or upset a young reader. It's about as safe as it gets.
Excellent for 'transitional readers' who are moving out of picture books. It balances simple vocabulary with a compelling plot, and the themes of responsibility and self-control are handled without being preachy.
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