Batman and Robin and Howard, A Graphic Novel by Jeffrey Brown

Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Mid-Late Elementary

Young Robin wants to join his dad, Batman, on his nighttime rounds, but dad says no. As Robin is starting at a new school, Batman wants him to get proper sleep. Meanwhile, at his new school young Robin struggles with fitting in.

A story about friendship overcoming jealousy, about kindness and grace over animosity. I also liked that it eventually displays an interracial friendship.

Possible concerns:

• Robin was born out of wedlock, and the book several times brings up his mom, who is an evil villain, and the fact that his parents never got married
• At one point a (nice) kid is jealous and frustrated with Robin. He ends up pushing him.
• When Batman is captured, Robin struggles with feeling like his missing father has mixed up priorities.
• Robin disobeys his dad’s wishes and he reveals his family’s secret crime-fighting identity to his new enemy-turned-friend.
• Batman is kind of portrayed like a loving, but dorky dad.

If your kid likes superhero graphic novels in a youthful setting, I recommend Bruce Wayne: Not Super.