This is the kind of book that makes middle school feel less scary by making it funny and real at the same time. Ignatow nails the absurdity of being 11-13—where everything feels both monumentally important and completely ridiculous.

The 'useless superpowers' hook is brilliant: instead of flying or super strength, these kids get abilities so specific they're almost pointless. It's a perfect metaphor for middle school, where everyone's trying to figure out what makes them special even when it doesn't feel very special at all.

What elevates this beyond just 'funny superhero book' is how Ignatow handles the harder stuff. The bullying—especially the xenophobic targeting of Farshad—is realistic and uncomfortable but never gratuitous. Each character processes it differently, and kids get to see how complicated these situations actually are.

The multiple narrators work well here, giving readers access to the popular girl's insecurities, the nerd's observations, the cartoonist's creativity, and the outcast's resilience. It's empathy-building without feeling like a lesson.

Kirkus gave it a starred review for good reason. This is a series opener that actually delivers: funny, illustrated, accessible, but also genuinely smart about middle school social dynamics. Kids will come for the ridiculous powers and stay for characters who feel like people they actually know.