Teen Think Tank: Superheroes

There's a line from David Bowie's song, "Heroes:"  "We can be heroes/Just for one day." What would YOU do if you had superpowers for a day? What do you think it would be like? I think everyone, at some time or another, has fantasized about being able to fly or having superhuman strength. What superpower(s) would you like to have?

Speaking of superheroes, you are in for a special treat this week, because Matt de la Peña, author of Superman: Dawnbreaker (as well as many other award-winning books) will be our guest at a Teen Lit Chat on Wednesday, September 14, from 7-8 p.m. at Pablo Creek Regional Library; registration information is here. Come and spend time with Matt, as he talks about his latest work, what his writing process is, and engage in a Q&A session to get to know him better!

#READ: Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña

Superman: Dawnbreaker Book Cover

When the dawn breaks, a hero rises. Clark Kent has always been faster, stronger--better--than everyone around him. But it's not like he's earned his powers . . . yet. Lately it's difficult to hold back and keep his heroics in the shadows. When Clark follows the sound of a girl crying, he comes across Gloria Alvarez and learns that people are disappearing from the Mexican-American and undocumented worker community in Smallville. Teaming up with his best friend, Lana Lang, Clark discovers that before he can save the world, he must save Smallville.

Questions to think about while you read:

  • Why do you think Clark wears glasses? He doesn't need them to correct his vision or to disguise himself.
  • Immigration and racism are two issues that are at the forefront of politics today. What are your thoughts about how they are handled in the book?
  • How do you feel about Superman's relatability in de la Peña's take on the superhero?

#LISTEN: Name Drop San Diego Podcast with Matt de la Peña

Name Drop Podcast Featuring Matt de la Pena

Matt de la Peña, originally from National City, is an author of young adult, middle grade, and children's books. He's also a San Diego State University professor. His latest release is "Milo Imagines the World."

Questions to think about while you listen:

  • Matt shares that the rhythm and movement of basketball made him think about the rhythm and movement words can have. What activity do you participate in that makes a similar connection?
  • Matt mentions a common saying among writers, "write what you know." What in your life would you write about? What about it would you want to figure out?
  • He says, "to be a great writer, first, you have to be a great reader." This is in order to develop a broad knowledge of experiences. Everyone thinks their story is boring...but to people who aren't familiar with your environment and activities, it's pretty interesting! What about your life would you share with someone across the country, who's not familiar with where you live? What would you like to learn about someone from another place?

#EXPLORE: Create a superhero!

Superhero Art Bodies

Follow the steps below to create your own superhero:

  1. What is your superhero's name?
  2. What is their secret identity?
  3. Who are their allies?
  4. Who are their enemies?
  5. What are their superpowers? Some ideas include:
    1. Flight
    2. Precognition (knowing the future)
    3. Time travel
    4. Hypnosis
    5. Elemental power (fire, ice, etc.)
    6. Super strength
    7. Invisibility
    8. Shape shifting
    9. Night vision
    10. Telepathy (communicating without using senses)
    11. Speed
    12. Anything else you want!
  6. What is their backstory?
  7. What are the features of your superhero's costume?
  8. Draw a picture of your superhero in action!

#JOIN:  Attend a program virtually or in person!

View all teen programs and events offered this week.

For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.

For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.

#KEEP READING: Check these out for more reads about people with superpowers:

 

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