The Handbook for Superheroes

The Handbook for Superheroes is a series of books about a young female superhero by Elias and Agnes Våhlund. Both entertaining and with a serious message of boosting self-reliance, the series is easy to read and illustrated in contemporary cartoon style on every page.

In the first story, Lisa, who lives with her grandmother and who is bullied at school, discovers the Handbook for Superheroes, a mysteriously uncatalogued book at her local library. Having read it and learned such essential superhero techniques as flying, fighting, talking to animals and having an exciting name, she becomes The Red Mask and discovers the confidence to daringly defeat a gang of thieves. Yet although she successfully completes her first mission, it seems as though she has only dreamed it. Everything goes back to normal, including the bullying at school.

As the series continues, Lisa must again turn to the Handbook for Superheroes and once more assume the identity of The Red Mask. Fast-moving, exciting and entertaining stories about a little girl seemingly easily downtrodden but who decides to take things into her own hands, the series also touches on serious themes. How does one stand up to bullies, find the confidence to believe in oneself and discover the resolve to stand up for what is right? It may be that everything you need is already within your grasp.