The Secret Super Powers of Marco Book

Marco believes he has special powers that help him make friends with the class bully and deal with some tough situations in the rough neighborhood where they live.

Publishers Weekly

Ever since he was three and escaped through a window wearing a red cape, Marco has been convinced that he possesses secret powers that will save him from danger. As the new kid in a sometimes rough urban neighborhood, Marco has particular need of his secret powers--especially when he almost gets caught breaking off car antennas on the ``bad end of the street.'' Marco's direct first-person narrative conveys his personal take on his efforts to grow up to be the ``good person'' his mother wants him to be, but it loses focus in chasing several tangents. A major plot line centers on Marco's friendship with Tyrone, a bully in his class, and on the conflicts Marco faces when Tyrone is caught stealing from Marco's uncle. It is never entirely clear whether Marco's ``powers'' are indeed real or wholly imaginary, and references to them become irritating. The end result is a story that offers up more problems and themes than it can effectively handle. Ages 8-12. (June)