Are you looking for some Superhero children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Superheroes are such a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Superhero books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Superheroes, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Even Superheroes Make Mistakes by Shelly Becker
Even superheroes sometimes slip up and err. When that happens, do they say, “It’s not FAIR?” or give up in despair? NO! “
Ashamed Superheroes who goofed first, STOP, and then CONSIDER what’s best to do now. Whether they’ve nabbed the wrong guy by mistake or bashed into a planet while zooming through space.
All superheroes fess up their mess-up, then get on with their day, and keep on saving the world in the most super way! This fun follow-up to Even Superheroes Have Bad Days teaches kids another humorous lesson in overcoming adversity.
Literacy Extensions:
- Superhero Word Bank
- “Superhero” Student Counting Booklet
- Superhero Spoon Puppets Art Project
- Superhero Build a Word Game
2. Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy by David Somen
At the playground, Lulu asks her friend Sam if he wants to play with her. Sam likes Diggers, while Lulu thinks Monkeys is the best game. Sam suggests playing under the castle, but Lulu knows that the top is the most fun. They just can’t agree! And then Lulu asks, “Have you ever played Ladybug Girl?”
As Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, Lulu and Sam save the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots. Then they have their very own parade on the bouncy dinosaurs. They figure out that when they work together, they can create fun games that they both like to play.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Superheroes” Classroom Book
- “My Superhero” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Two Superheroes
- Superhero Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Ten Rules of Being a Superhero by De Pilutti
In order to be a real superhero, you have to follow some important rules.
Rule #1: A superhero must ALWAYS respond to a call for help.
Rule #2: Saving the day is messy. But everyone understands.
In this handy guide, Captain Magma and his trusty sidekick, Lava Boy, take young readers on an adventure to learn all ten rules of being a good superhero.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Were a Superhero”
- Student Booklet: “Superhero Counting”
- Superhero Numbers, Number Words & Ten Frames
- My Superhero Story: Student Worksheets
4. The Gumazing Gum Firl by Rhode Montijo
Gabby Gomez loves bubble gum. She’ll chew it anywhere, but one day she blows a bubble that’s too big and accidentally transforms herself into a sticky, bubble-gummy superhero!
With her new powers she can stretch to catch runaway criminals and stick to walls unseen. Bad guys will tremble at her name, but citizens will cheer for GUM GIRL!
But Gabby still hasn’t revealed her secret identity to her parents, her tooth is aching, and a new superhero has just twirled into town? Ninja-Rina!
No crime is tutu big for Ninja-Rina! But Gabby is not so sure. Is this town big enough for two superheroes?
Literacy Extensions:
- Superhero Literature List
- Superhero Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Superhero Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Paper Bag Superhero Art Project
5. Superhero Dad by Timothy Knapman
Dad might not have a superhero mask or wear his underpants outside his trousers. But his super snores can be heard a thousand miles away, he tells super jokes and can even make super-scary monsters go away at bedtime.
This vibrant, humorous, and warmhearted celebration of all the incredible things a dad can do is a fun tribute to the specialness of dads and their superhero children.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Superheroes” Classroom Book
- Superhero Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Superhero Art Project
- Superhero Number & Ten Frames
6. Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker
All kids have trouble getting a grip on their emotions, sometimes—even young superheroes! But what do they do when they’re having a bad day?
Colorful action-packed illustrations and a dynamite rhyming text reveal the many ways superheroes and ordinary children, too can resist the super-temptation to cause a scene when they’re sad, mad, frustrated, lonely, or afraid.
From burning off steam on a bike or a hike, to helping others, this energetic picture book has plenty of fun ideas to help kids cope when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Literacy Extensions:
- Superhero Word Bank
- Superhero Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Superhero Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Superhero Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Ms. Marvel by Kamala Khan
Kamala Khan is a normal teenage girl who dreams of being a superhero, working with the Avengers. When she goes to a party an unexpected fog rolls in and she finds herself talking to Captain Marvel, who gifts her with extraordinary gifts.
Soon Kamala realizes that being a superhero with superpowers is not as easy as she always dreamed. Kamala has to learn to balance her personal life with her new identity, all while saving friends from a villain who is moving in on New York.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Superhero” Student Booklet
- Superhero Make a Short Vowel Word
- Superhero Sight Word Games
- Superhero Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Superhero Instruction Manual by Kristy Dempsey
Anyone can be a superhero and this guidebook will show you how! Just follow six easy steps and you’ll be saving the world in no time. Join an aspiring hero as he selects a secret identity, chooses a power, and much, much more.
But it isn’t easy being super. And sometimes the greatest acts of heroism need a helping hand to get off the ground. Kristy Dempsey’s rollicking text, coupled with Mark Fearing’s expressive, cartoon-style illustrations will have readers laughing all the way to infinity and beyond!
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Superhero” Classroom Book
- Superhero Letter & Sound Match Game
- Superhero Build a Word
- Superhero Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Superhero children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Superhero books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
