Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith
Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408884539
(Age: 10+) Kid normal is the first book in a series by Greg
James and Chris Smith. The story follows lead character Murph Cooper
through the frightening task of moving house, leaving friends and
changing schools part way through the term. When all the closest
schools are full, Murph ends up in the unlikely situation of being a
regular kid in a school for super heroes!
Every child who has gone through this will be able to sympathise
with him and I think this will help them to believe in the character
and in the story.
Murph joins a gang of kids called 'The Super Zeroes' who are those
without superpowers and therefore unlike everyone else.
Unfortunately they get picked on by the kids with superpowers - but
this gives them the desire to fight back and use what they know to
fight the bad guy Nektar.
This is a really funny book with quirky, silly illustrations that
will appeal to most people who have a sense of humour. The book is
however too long in my opinion. At 384 pages long, there are parts
of the story that are too drawn out and this makes it inaccessible
for readers who are not particularly confident or intimidated by the
look of a very thick novel. It is not difficult to read but I think
younger readers will potentially drift away half way through the
book due to its length. In saying that - this book is written to be
read out loud! A class of children will giggle and laugh all the way
through if the teacher (or parent) read this book with voices,
movement and flair.
I really enjoyed the messages that came with this story, and think
they are a great conversation starter for children around 8 years
old and above. There are undertones of school hierarchy, and of
course good versus evil, but also that everyone is special in their
own way and that superpowers are not necessary to win the fight
against evil villains!
Suitable for children from 8 years old but more so for 10+ due to
the book length. Also for lovers of David Walliams and David
Wallace.
Lauren Fountain