Summer stories: libraries launch hero-themed summer program for kids, teens

Kids hoping for a summer filled with wild adventures, evil villains and day-saving superpowers might check in first at a local library.

“Every Hero Has a Story” is this year’s national theme for children’s summer reading programs, and local libraries are ready with kick-off events, prizes for reading, fun programs and a bounty of adventures to be discovered between the pages of books. Libraries in the region have the details, as well as information on the teen reading program, “Unmask.”

For those ready to jump into epic tales of heroism, super and otherwise, Heather Stout, assistant director at the Lewiston City Library, offers these suggestions for hero-themed summer reading for kids and young adults:

Picture Books and Early Readers:

“Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero” by Anne Cottringer By day, Eliot quietly reads his books, feeds his goldfish and watches Mr. Smith wash his car. But grown-ups don’t know that when the clock strikes midnight, Eliot is a superhero.

“Superman vs. Bizarro” by Chris Strathearn When Bizarro crashes into Metropolis, he does more harm than good. This early reader explores what it will take to show this backward hero the way home.

“Super-villains” by Victoria Taylor This early reader describes Batman’s most dangerous enemies, including Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

“Superworm” by Julia Donaldson Superworm’s bug friends attempt to free him from the clutches of Wizard Lizard who, having heard of Superworm’s wondrous and heroic deeds, captures him and forces him to dig for treasure.

“Timothy and the Strong Pajamas : A Superhero Adventure” by Viviane Schwarz After his mother mends his favorite pajamas, Timothy finds that he has super strength and decides to use it to help others, but when the pajamas rip again, he loses his strength just when he needs it most.

Chapter Books:

“Captain Awesome and the new kid” by Stan Kirby Eugene McGillicudy stands up for Sally Williams, the new student at Sunnyview Elementary, and then discovers that they both like an orange cat named Mr. Whiskersworth and the comic book super hero, Super Dude.

“Squish, Super Amoeba” by Jennifer Holm Squish, a meek amoeba who loves the comic book exploits of his favorite hero, “Super Amoeba,” tries to emulate him when his best friend is threatened by a bully.

“Wonder Woman vs. Circe” by Laurie Sutton In her quest to destroy Wonder Woman, Circe the immortal sorceress has unleashed the Trinity Beast, an ancient, magical monster that steals her powers — and Wonder Woman must fight to save both the world and her mortal enemy.

Young Adult

“Spider-Man: Secret of the Sinister Six” by Adam-Troy Castro The Gentleman has been the secret mastermind of wars and acts of crime around the world, including the murder of Peter Parker’s parents. Years ago, the Gentleman discovered that Peter Parker is secretly Spider-Man. He brainwashed Peter’s long-lost sister and turned her into the super-villainess known as Pity. A new Sinister Six will enact the final act of vengeance — destroy Peter Parker.

“Stravaganza: City of Masks” by Mary Hoffman While sick in bed with cancer, Lucien begins making journeys to a place in a parallel world that resembles Venice, Italy, and he becomes caught up in the political intrigues surrounding the Duchessa who rules the city.

“The Shadow Hero” by Gene Luen Yang In the comics boom of the 1940s, a legend was born: the Green Turtle. He solved crimes and fought injustice just like the other comics characters. Gene Luen Yang has revived this character in Shadow Hero, a new graphic novel that creates an origin story for the Green Turtle.

Kick-off party for “Every Hero Has a Story”

A kick-off party for Lewiston’s summer reading program will be from 1 to 4 p.m. June 6 at the Lewiston City Library. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero outfit while they enjoy a bouncy castle, Superhero photo booth, crafts, Kryptonite toss and other games. Summer reading program registration will also be available at the event. The event will take place on the block of Fifth Street between D and Capital streets, which will be closed to traffic.

The Friends of the Library Book Sale will also take place at the library from noon to 4 p.m. June 5 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6.

Summer fun at Asotin County Library

The heroics continue across the river at the Asotin County Library at 417 Sycamore St. in Clarkston Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for early learners and 10:30 to 11 a.m. for grade school children.

Additional related special events are planned for kids in grades 1-6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the library unless otherwise noted:

• LEGO fun days 1:30 to 3 p.m. June 18, 23, 24 and 30. All ages are invited to drop in and play with a 10,000-piece LEGO set
• LEGO competition, all ages, 10:30 a.m.-Noon July 2
• K9 Hero day to be scheduled, all ages
• DIY Superheroes (make a costume and play super-power games) July 9
• Junior Detective Training July 16
• Superheroes in the Park July 23 in Asotin City Park
• Heroes of Greek Mythology, grades 3-6 July 30.