Forget the radioactive spiders; these middle-grade heroes prove that a well-stocked toolbox and a curious mind are the ultimate superpowers.
Jasmine Florentine, an MIT-trained engineer, brings us Maker Girl and Professor Smarts, a high-energy graphic novel series opener perfect for readers aged 8 to 12. In the bustling New Bork City, a mysterious comet has bestowed superpowers on almost everyone except Yael “Yaya” Levy and Jesús “Chuy” Reyes. Rather than feeling left out, Yaya uses her inventive “Maker Girl” spirit to build ingenious gadgets, while Chuy relies on his vast “Professor Smarts” knowledge to outthink any obstacle. Their teamwork is put to the test when the villainous Mr. Anti-Freeze plots to slime the city’s ice cream supply. This book is a great choice for students who find long stretches of text intimidating. Since it is written as a graphic novel, the vibrant illustrations provide constant support for the narrative, helping readers follow the plot through visual cues. The author keeps the sentence structures simple and direct, which is a huge benefit for students still building their reading stamina. Technical terms are introduced through clear diagrams, ensuring that the STEM content is accessible rather than overwhelming. This thoughtful design earned the book a starred review from School Library Journal, which highlighted its strength as a resource for any makerspace or school library.
On a deeper level, this story serves as a practical guide for student agency, aligning closely with the goals of SDG 4 (Quality Education). Yaya and Chuy don’t wait for “real” heroes to arrive; they solve community problems by applying engineering principles and research, modeling the IB Learner Profile traits of being thinkers and inquisitive problem-solvers. In a classroom setting, this book offers a natural transition from reading to doing. A “Maker Workshop” could be hosted, where students recreate the cardboard tools featured in the story or have them keep an “Engineering Journal” to propose their own fixes for the duo’s challenges. For English language learners, the inclusion of step-by-step instructions for real projects allows them to practice technical literacy in a fun, low-pressure way. The visual nature of the “how-to” sections ensures that even students with limited vocabulary can participate in high-level discussions about design and community impact. Ultimately, Florentine has created a tool that helps kids see themselves as capable of making a difference, proving that the ability to learn and create is the most practical superpower of all.
