Graham, Bob. Maxine. Bob Graham, Illus. Picture Book. Candlewick, 0/2022. [36]pp. $17.99. 978-1-5362-1770-4. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-3.
In this sequel to Max (2000), the superhero family has a new member: little sister Maxine! When she begins to go to school, she asks her parents if she can wear jeans and a T-shirt like the other kids, instead of her cape and mask. The family is resistant at first except for her brother Max who is supportive, so Mom takes her to buy her requested clothes. Maxine proves she can fly without the cape and other parts of her costume in this refreshing allegory on individuality. Graham’s customary watercolor cartoon illustrations with thin ink outline are charming, depicting non-white classmates, although Maxine’s family is all white.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool