Stan is a shy kid. He’s happy hanging out with his friends in library club at school, talking about everyday stuff, books, movies and superheroes.

When he gets a chance to visit a movie set with his classmates, they get to be extras in the background. Stan does what he always tends to do. He tries to blend in, not make a fuss, and act normally.

This very behaviour gets him noticed among others around him as they exclaim, cry out or overact. He gets extra attention, much to one boy’s disgust who believes himself to be the best actor at the school.

When Stan is later approached by a tv production to act in a new series called Teen Team, he initially baulks at the idea. But he can’t bear his mum’s disappointment and decides to give it a try.

He is soon signing legal documents to prevent him from telling a soul about anything on set, the other actors or the new show. Soon his friends want to know why he isn’t in school, and his sort-of long distance girlfriend wants to know why he is so vague on their few phone calls.

Stan learns exactly what goes on behind the scenes of a movie or tv set, doing his best and not letting it go to his head. Even when the show and its cast is finally leaked across social media, he doesn’t get what the big deal is.

Worst.Superhero.Ever. is the perfect read for any budding actors. Stan tells the reader exactly how it is behind the scenes on a film set, entailing the different jobs, lingo, and often the many hours spent on just one scene.

Stan must lie to his friends, change the subject with his girlfriend, pretend everything is peachy on set while being interviewed, after stepping into a role others have trained years for.

There is much to this thoughtful but funny novel about fame, friendships, the truth behind the cameras and dealing with professional jealousies. Advice is handed down to him from famous actors he meets as he decides whether this life is for him.

I loved the way Stan tries to stay true to himself, his parents and friends. Along the way, Stan shares one of his many lists in life – 26 Reasons why NOT to be a superhero – on TV.

Fun read.

Author – Charlie Higson

Age – 10+

(2024, Penguin Books, Superheroes, Film, TV Series, Movies, Fake, Fame, Friendships, First girlfriend, Social Media, Internet, School, Teen Team, Jealousy, Camera’s, Acting, Interviews, Stage sets, Behind the scenes, CGI, Special Effects, Film Premier, Staying true to yourself, Funny, Humour, Series, Secret)