This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes and is perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Ali Benjamin.

Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.

After an accident at baseball practice, Nate’s fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he’s got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus’s book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.

But heroes have powers—and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There’s no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right?

• A Powerful Story of Boys Friendship: Dan and Nate’s bond is tested by tragedy, forcing one friend to find a new kind of strength when the other can’t.
• An Unlikely Creative Team: To save Nate, Dan must team up with Nate’s artistic little brother, Ollie, and a whip-smart girl named Courtney to create a superhero comic of their own.
• Heart-Pounding Baseball Action: With their star pitcher on the sidelines, the Mira Giants have to learn to play as a team if they want any hope of winning the championship.
• A Love Letter to Comic Books: Perfect for young fans of superheroes, this story dives deep into the world of comic collecting, fandom, and the power of stories to help us heal.