Published by Disney Hyperion

Summary:  Ellie Engle has always been content to be in the background, enjoying her comic books and supporting her best friend (and secret crush) Abby, who prefers being in the spotlight.  When a freak earthquake gives Ellie necromancy superpowers, she desperately wants to hide them.  But after accidentally bringing the frog she’s supposed to dissect in science class back to life, her secret is out, and she becomes an unwilling celebrity.  Her fame leads her to discover who her true friends are, a list that, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to include Abby.  When Ellie discovers that an old family friend has a similar superpower, she starts to learn how to control that power and use it for good.  She may not want to be in the spotlight, but Ellie begins to find a way to negotiate her new life as a superhero.  288 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros:  Ellie’s voice has plenty of humor, and readers will relate to her journey of self-discovery, not only as a reluctant superhero, but as a queer Black girl just beginning to figure out who she is.  

Cons:  Necromancy seems like a creepy superpower.