Like Lava in My Veins

A thrilling story with a sound takeaway: Compassionate teachers are the real superheroes.

Graphic novel and picture book merge in this red-hot superhero story from Barnes and Martinbrough with Lucas. On the first day at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities (AKWAA), Bobby Beacon, who reads as Black, indicates that "Beacons lead people and show them the way." Wielding "the power of light and fire," Bobby sometimes has difficulties controlling these abilities--something the school is supposed to help with. But a run-in with a critical teacher ends with Bobby in the principal's office, where it's made clear that the Institute for Supervillains could be the next stop for Bobby, as it was for a fellow Black-cued classmate. Even so, a new teacher, Miss Brooklyn, demonstrates calming methods, and when Headmaster Chaos of the Institute for Supervillains crashes an assembly looking to recruit Bobby, the narrator uses their knowledge to save the day. Thin-lined hand-drawn artwork with bold shadow effects conveys the dynamism of old-school comic books in this story that underscores teachers' import while portraying one child's experience within an educational system that falls short in supporting its Black students. Miss Brooklyn reads as Black; the AKWAA principal and Headmaster Chaos cue as white. Ages 5-8. (July)

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With this lively and clever picture book, award-winning author Barnes tells an engaging story while skillfully conveying the idea that young people can flourish with guidance from empathetic educators. In particular, the narrative speaks to the experiences of Black students, who are disproportionately disciplined for misbehavior far more often than their White counterparts. Comic-book elements such as speech bubbles and panels work perfectly with the text; Martinbrough and Lucas' dramatic art oozes action. . . . A thrilling story with a sound takeaway: Compassionate teachers are the real superheroes. —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Author Derrick Barnes is at the top of his game! Like Lava In My Veins is on fire! —Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award winning New Kid

Derrick Barnes pours into the power of teachers when they help young people find their super-power . . . My daughter—our children—will love it. —Dr. Ibram X. Kendi 

In his latest literary masterpiece, Derrick Barnes once again captures and ignites our minds and hearts through his storytelling . . . Children will read this book feeling seen, loved and majestic! —Dr. Gholdy Muhammad PhD

Barnes' storytelling is unmatched . . . Every classroom in America needs this book. —Dr. Bettina L. Love, PhD 

This picture book has the visual style of a classic comic book, with dramatic shifts in perspective, dynamic onomatopoeia, and tightly controlled action sequences. . . . The superhero context lends it plenty of timely appeal, and its emphasis on adult support and acceptance is a strong reminder that problematic behavior can often be funneled into strengths with the right focus. . . . Bobby's strong narration carries readers through his battle with Headmaster Chaos from the Institute, with a cliffhanger ending that assures readers there's more action to come. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books