The Superpower Project

Quick Look

• Marvel meets Transformers in this mystery adventure with a steampunk twist
• A funny, tongue-in-cheek superhero mash-up set in the Scottish town of Greenock, near Glasgow
• Shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize 2014

Can accidental superheroes Cam and Megan control their powers long enough to beat a gang of industrial transformer robots in this funny tongue-in-cheek superhero mash-up with a dangerous twist?

Description

With the help of a wisecracking, steampunk robot, two friends discover that they have inherited some amazing, if unusual, abilities. Computer whiz Megan can fly (mostly sleep-flying, but she's working on it) while her best friend Cam can (in theory) transform into any animal, but mostly ends up as a were-hamster.

Together they must protect the source of their ancestral powers from a wannabe evil mastermind and his gang of industrial transformer robots who've disguised themselves as modern art installations on their Greenock estate.

It isn't easy to balance school and epic super-battles, not to mention finding time to search for other super-talents and train with their Mr Miyagi-esque were-tiger coach.

Can Megan and Cam beat the bad guy, defeat his robot transformers and become the superheroes they were born to be?

Kelpies Prize shortlisted author Paul Bristow creates a hilarious tongue-in-cheek superhero mash up with a dangerous twist!

Features a graphic novel-style prologue.

Reviews

'Hugely original, buzzingly energetic from page to page and cracking along at the sort of pace that will leave you gasping for more at the cataclysmic climax.'
-- ReadItDaddy blog

'Fun, excitement and danger and adventure await! The entire plot is delightfully evil. It cracks on at a terrific pace, with battles against transforming robo-sculptures escalating nicely and comes to a satisfying climax. There are excellent illustrations by Luke Newell, including a short fully-illustrated comic-book prologue, and they complement the book and fit the tone perfectly. Vivid and funny.'
-- Chimney Rabbit blog (John K. Fulton)

'Kids with superpowers, maps and quests, robots! A recently exploded grandma! It really has all the elements for a fantastic middle grade book that will entrance any reader... Can’t wait to read whatever Paul has planned next.'
-- Powered by Reading

'The story and the characters are both well thought out making it easy for the reader to become fully immersed in the adventure. You will be rooting for the heroes hoping they will defeat the villain with there being just the right amount of drama and tension to hold the reader’s attention.'
--The Book Girl's Book Blog

'A perfect mystery adventure for any superheroes fan! [...] Twists and turns make this book an adventure never to forget.'
-- The School Librarian

'An extremely readable story'
--Growing the School Library

'I really do think that the Kelpies imprint should be better known and appreciated. And if you want to try one, this charmer is a nice choice.'
--Goodreads-Pop Bop

Author

Paul Bristow has written for radio and television as well as running community projects, including the development of a social enterprise to encourage the use of graphic novels in the classroom. His first children's novel, The Superpower Project, was shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize 2014. Paul is fascinated by Scotland's mysterious history, including that of his hometown of Greenock, Scotland, where, in his day job, he manages a (supposedly) haunted building. If he could have a superpower of his own, it would be reverse parking.

Links

The Superpower Project was shortlisted for Floris Books' Kelpies Prize for new Scottish writing for children. Find out more about the Kelpies Prize and send your manuscript: next year, it could be your book being published!

Don't miss the Discover Kelpies website for children with exclusive author interviews, fun stuff and latest gossip on your favourite Scottish stories.