Can Joshua Control his Fire?

"My last name changes every time my parents pick up and move to another new town. Some kids have to make new friends when they move. I have to make up a whole new identity. But I can't tell you the name I go by now. It would be too dangerous- for me, and probably for you, too." ~Joshua Dread



Joshua's parents are part of the superhero world, but they're not the part that he can talk about. As a matter of fact even his best friend, Milton, has no idea what Joshua's parents really do for a living. His parents do a great job masquerading as a stay at home inventor and a horticulture professor. But it only disguises their true villainous way. The public really knows them as the Dread Duo, the supervillains they fear. Joshua's parents are trying to destroy the world, and Captain Justice is doing his best to find them and ruin their plans. There is also a new resident in town with a lot of mystery surrounding them. As if trying to keep his identity hidden isn't hard enough, lately Joshua has been lighting things on fire when he least expects it and doesn't seem to know how to control his power. When he meets Sophie, a new girl at school, who also seems to have some super powers, he's excited. Could she also be the daughter of a supervillain? What if she's the daughter of a superhero? If she is, does their friendship stand a chance? Will Josh ever understand why his parents do what they do? Is there any way that a couple of kids with beginning powers can help save the world? Read this exciting adventure to find out!

When I started reading Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon I had no idea that it was about superheroes and supervillains. I think this is a book that kids in fourth grade and up who enjoy comic superheros will love (third graders could enjoy it too, but it might be a challenging read). Anyone who has read the Powerless series and liked it, is sure to enjoy reading about Joshua and his friends. It's a unique story because it's being told from the supervillain’s point of view instead of the superhero’s perspective. I really like Joshua and his friends and found it easy to relate to them. I also thought it was fascinating to learn about all kinds of cool superhero products. It was fun diving into a world of supervillains for a few hours. As Joshua learned more about his fire power it was easy to understand his worries and concerns, after all he doesn't want to hurt anyone he knows. I think the theme of friendship is a strong one, and the kids in this book could teach adults a thing or two about right and wrong and how to be a true friend. This is the first book of the series, and I look forward to reading more.

As anyone else read Joshua Dread? Or have you read another book by Lee Bacon? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

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