Looking for an engaging book that intertwines superheroes and social emotional learning? Then you should consider adding Lava in My Veins to your home or school library.

Lava in My Veins by Derrick Barnes is a must read book about a superhero named Bobby Beacon. Bobby has two superpowers fire and light. Although he has these superpowers, he struggles with self-control, which results in him misusing his powers. The misuse of his powers makes him more a villain than superhero. In order to learn how to regulate his emotions, he enrolls in a superhero school for children like himself.

After a short time at the school and a few missteps, it looks like he’s heading down a destructive path, but then he meets an amazing teacher named Ms. Brooklyn. She is different from the teachers in the school because she roots her teaching in love. Rooting her teaching in love makes him feel “seen,” which allows to him open his mind and heart to her. Bobby’s reception to her teaching results in him to learning an important self-regulation strategy, which he uses in an epic battle with a supervillain.

Derrick Barnes does a magnificent job at writing a book that sheds light on the experiences Black boys have in the educational system, while also situating the book within a superhero epic! The comic book style illustrations by Shawn Martinbrough offers young dreamers of all ages the opportunity to follow and enjoy this story. In addition the rich/bright colors are appealing to the eye. With each page, readers encounter engaging interactions that match the author’s eloquent words.

For students, this book is a tool to help them walk in their super-self. It shows Black boys that they do not have to be perfect. It shows them that they can make mistakes and still pursue a better version of themselves—just like Bobby. The book also teaches boys with tempers and important strategy to use when they encounter big emotions.

For teachers, this book illuminates the power they have in assisting children in reaching their full potential. The teacher in the book rooted her pedagogical practice in love, which assisted in Bobby learning to use his powers to do good in the world. This book also serves as a reflective tool for teachers to pose the following questions to themselves:

1. What does love like in my pedagogical practice?

2. How does my teaching inspire students to be a better version of themselves?

This book is a must add book home or school library. If you would like to purchase this book, then click the link below to get your copy.