Member Reviews

This is a middle grade/children's novel, but I enjoyed it a lot and I think its a novel that would appeal to older readers too. It is the story of Murph who accidentally gets enrolled at a Superhero school, but has no super power. However, he discovers that he doesn't need a superpower to actually be a hero.
This novel is funny and witty, and would be brilliant for adults to read to children, as there's lots of jokes and comments that would appeal to the adult too!!
The characters are likeable, Murph is a great role model type that would appeal to many youngsters, and he is joined by a rag-tag group of friends who are just as enjoyable to read about.
There were also lots of great illustrations in the novel, and even though the copy I had didn't have all of them, it had enough of them to see how fun and quirky they were. This is a great added element, and will make reading it with children even more enjoyable and vivid!!
Overall I would highly recommend this novel to children and older readers alike, its funny and entertaining, and I'm looking forward to the next book when it comes!

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There are numerous funny and engaging MG novels on the market at the moment, and I was intrigued to see what radio presenters Greg James and Chris Smith would be able to offer.
I know I'm not their target audience, being a *little* over the age of 12, but I think this book has everything Key Stage 2 and 3 kids love in a book. It's fast paced, witty, bizarre and not in the least patronising. Murph, Kid Normal, is an underdog who is incredibly likable and his new group of friends are equally as engaging with their unique range of capes (capabilities) - I especially love Hilda's ability to conjure tiny horses! Brilliant! Nektar, the villain planning to take over the world, is superb. His countless bee references, despite begin half-man, half-wasp, had me laughing out loud.
Although I received an ebook version, which only showed a snippet of the illustrations, I have seen a paperback addition and Salcedo's artwork is the perfect finishing touch. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very glad there will be more from the duo.

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I must agree with Review Sarah Capon, this book is bonkers and will delight the intended age group with its style and creativity.

Murph moves schools a lot! In fact his mum is struggling to find another school to take him until she comes across a school and proudly announces that her son is “flying” cough, ahem…more like “living up to his potential” Cough, Ahem…well that is what she wants to believe just to get a school to take him. It is not until Murph starts school on his first day that he realises that there is something special about this school, some strange and oddly interesting…

The book is written well, with villains, hero’s, Capes and buzzing; gaining the name Kid Normal, he and his friends soon learn in their quirky and smart way that everyone has potential to save the day regardless of your capabilities.

This story by Chris Smith and Greg James along with the sound effects, mumbaressment and the awkwardness of being different to everyone else will have you laughing in places, and embracing the hero that Kid Normal is.

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I wasn't sure about this - was it just another case of a celebrity publishing deal with no substance? No - it was fun,realistic and fast paced. Brilliant.

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Murph Cooper's life is far from super. His mum's jobs mean that he's in a new house, in a new town again. He's fed up of making friends to leave them behind, again. And this time, he can't even get a school place, until he and his mum stumble upon The School. Hidden away in a street that puts its bins out in a bid to look better, is a school unlike any other he's been to... Cue comic book style capers, heroes, villains and an awful lot of buzzing!

A super fun story where the characters hidden talents prove that we all have the capability to be heroes. Quirky, likeable heroes, dastardly super villains and henchmen, and teachers and lessons I'm not so sure OFSTED would approve of make this an enjoyable, easy read.

Great for fans of David Solomons, Kieran Crowley and Wimpy Kids.

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A great title! A book for boys, even for any reluctant readers. Male writing is evident. No tear jerking about the mother's constant moves with her sons. Engaging characters throughout. A 'normal' boy in an extraordinary school and a very entertaining school at that!
The illustrations were average, and the book cover was disappointing.
However, the book is well worth buying for the storyline. Five stars for the storyline.

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