The Bionic Boy
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
The moving story of a superhero-loving boy born without hands who finds the hero inside himself
Benji feels like he's had more than his fair share of good luck—so it's frustrating that his disability tends to make people think the opposite. Adopted from an overseas orphanage when he was four, he’s grown up surrounded by the love of his dads and little sister. But it seems like the only thing people notice about him is that he was born without hands. He wishes that it didn't bother him so much when people stare at him and that he could be as confident as the superheroes he’s obsessed with. Then Benji meets a real-life hero and begins to dream about new possibilities. Staff Sergeant Snyder is a quadruple war amputee whose comfort in his own skin inspires Benji. Plus, Staff Sergeant has fun with his prosthetic limbs, making Benji wonder if it’s time he becomes bionic. It takes a near disaster in the neighborhood with their pet cat to show Benji that bionic or not, he already has all the courage it takes to be a hero. After all, heroes walk among us every day, and if he just remembers to believe in himself, he can easily be one of them.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fifth grader Benji Ames-Cyr hates being the center of attention. He especially dislikes the stares and comments he gets when people notice he "was born without hands." Living in Maine with Dad and Papa, who adopted him from an overseas orphanage, he's accustomed to using tools, such as straps to wield utensils. Though he tries to emulate the can-do attitude of his favorite superheroes, he often feels like the opposite of super, particularly because he can't hold the hand of his spirited seven-year-old sister Becka, who has Down syndrome, to comfort her when she's overwhelmed or keep her close, as she's inclined to wander off. Then Benji attends a speech by staff sergeant Dirk Snyder, a "real live superhero" and quadruple amputee who uses a prosthetic arm and legs following an IED explosion. Benji resolves to become more like Snyder, who was "greater than any superhero I'd ever seen before." This uplifting, feel-good narrative by Plourde (Best Buddies) is reinforced by the compassionate support of Benji's family and friends, particularly from Snyder, whom the white-cued protagonist looks to as he begins to see himself in a new light. Ages 8–12.
