The Polarshield Project (Super Sons #1)

Gr 4-8--Jon Kent and Ian Wayne seem to have only one thing in common--both of their fathers are superheroes. But the sons of Superman and Batman find themselves unlikely allies when global warming creates chaos all over the planet. As the polar ice caps melt, the world's population rushes inland to escape the devastated coastal cities. People in power offer different solutions, such as flood walls and the PolarShield Project. But mysterious forces are attempting to sabotage these solutions, and Jon and Ian work together with a girl named Candace to save the world. This adventure mixes several popular elements, such as superheroes, mysteries, and global warming. Unfortunately, the book gets confusing, as it is sometimes unclear how and why different characters are connected to one another, and which thought bubbles belong to which characters. The artwork is colorful but muted; classic superhero style with a manga flair. VERDICT For kids who enjoy suspenseful adventures about saving the world and superhero-adjacent stories.--Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Damian Wayne and Jonathan Kent may be the offspring of Batman and Superman, but they are still too young to follow in their fathers' footsteps. While their superdads attempt to save the world from coastal devastation caused by climate change, Damian and Jon team up with two other friends, Candace and Tilly, to find out who or what is behind the outbreak of an illness infecting, among others, Jon's mother, Lois Kent, née Lane. Not only are they new at this whole superhero business, they must navigate their new partnership, all four with something to hide. Pearson integrates timely elements through the focus on climate change and allusions to the refugee experience, while Gonzalez's artwork is vivid and crisp, riffing on a classic comic style. Though the protagonists are inexperienced heroes in the making, action scenes evoke some of the best of their fathers' adventures, albeit on a more modest scale. Pearson and Gonzalez's take on the iconic figures offers good fun, especially for young readers who are just discovering the DC universe. Ages 8-12. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary. (Apr.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Ridley Pearson knocks it out of the park with this supersonic tale." —Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series

"Precocious, poignant, and powerful!... I hope you packed a lunch, because you're not gonna want to put this book down." —Joey Bragg, actor from the Disney Channel's Liv and Maddie

"As the breathtaking action unfolds, the mysteries pile up—and there is danger on every page. My kind of story! I want to see more, more, MORE!" —R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and Fear Street 

"This all-new Super Sons is a surefire, fun read as four young strangers meet and band together against the looming backdrop of global doom." —Dan Jurgens, author, The Adventures of Superman and Batman Beyond

"A super-fun, super-exciting, and most of all super-story!"
—Peter J. Tomasi, author, Super Sons, Batman: Detective Comics, Superman

"Pearson's first graphic novel series shows how much young people can step up to challenges when need be, all while growing a little more into the adults they will soon become... Even while tackling large-scale global issues, one of the more enduring things about this book is the focus on character." —GeekMom

"This book has it all: action, adventure, mystery, and plenty of obstacles for our next generation superheroes to overcome." —Story Monsters Ink