A Superpower for Me

A conscientious mother informs her daughter that she has a secret superpower, and that when her daughter turns 18, she will gain the power, too. Like any child getting this news, the girl is thrilled. “Wow, can you fly?” she asks, imagining her mother dressed as a bumblebee superhero, before considering her own possible powers: “Will I be able to shoot ice out of my hands? Or turn plants into flying monkeys?” Finally, her mother explains that at age 18, both her daughter and her friends will gain the power to cast a ballot: “Your vote will give you a voice. It will make our government listen to you.” Tarawneh’s graceful figures have the molded look of papier mâché puppets, while idiosyncratic details enliven the story: picturing herself as president, the girl envisions a cotton candy machine in the oval office. The tender family dynamic and charming illustrations keep Llanos’s story about voter empowerment from becoming pedantic (though some kids will probably still wish for ice beams and super speed). Closing pages offer background information on democracy, electoral votes, and other aspects of voting in America. Ages 4–8. (BookLife)