Angela, Sophie, Travis, and Skylar are four normal middle schoolers. Angela and her dad just moved in with her future stepmom, but the wealthy neighborhood is not what’s she used to, and relations with the future stepmom are tough. Sophie lives in the shadow of her twin sister, Becca, and wants to find her own identity. Travis is his track team’s star, but he’s starting to think that video game coding (and his best friend) might be a LOT more interesting. Skylar is trying to help their family make ends meet . . . but sometimes, they’re stretched too thin.

After a mysterious explosion in the night, each of the four kids receives a limited-edition fantasy enamel pin. What’s more, it gives them superpowers! As the new friends work together to figure out where the pins came from and untangle their own lives, they discover a secret at the nearby theme park that might not be so fun after all.

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IN SEARCH OF SUPERPOWERS is the first book in the Fantasy Pin World Adventure series. I’m anxious for the second book, but wish more of the park adventure would have been added here. The official synopsis above leads right to the ending scene where the group will finally begin to explore what’s going on.

The emphasis in this initial story is getting to know the characters and their relationships. Angela and her uneasiness around Latrice, her new step mother; Sophie who would like some independence by not doing everything with her twin sister; Travis is deciding whether to give up track before starting high school; and Skyler (they/them) whose dad lost their job when the Funtastic Plains Theme Park decided to expand.

The multiple points of view is a good choice in writing this adventure. There are many excellent illustrations throughout and the 4 superpowers are all unique. It will be fun to see how it all comes together in future installments.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 30, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: IN SEARCH OF SUPERPOWERS by Briana Lawrence

1. The enamel pins that brought the foursome together. A perfect way to entice young readers with the trading and collecting aspects. This audience may already be familiar with pin trading if they were fortunate to have visited a Disney theme park.
2. The adults in the story don’t become central characters so that the focus is always on the teens.
3. The diversity in this group is wonderfully brought out in their appearances and actions.
4. Although the 11 chapters are lengthy, there are often scene changes separated by pin images. A good place to pause if you are out of reading time.
5. The first book is like watching a coming attraction video. You will want to return for more as the Fantasy Pin World Adventure continues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Briana Lawrence is working to become the kind of woman her child self would consider giving a high five. She’s a writer, author, panelist, fanfiction enthusiast, manga hoarder, cosplayer, cat mom, professional puppy petter, and understands the importance of a well timed save point.

https://www.brishouldbewriting.com/

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