This was a beautiful book, but it was so hard to read as a parent. I basically sobbed through this whole book. The amount of guilt and grief and anxiety throughout this book was just so hard to read. It's definitely a worthwhile book to read, as long as you can see through your tears.

It is really hard to authentically write about grief in a middle grade book. So often the subject is suger coated and leaves the reader wanting. Hood does not do this. Nothing is neat or tidy. The characters are impacted by their grief and at times are at all loss as to what to do. Jude is positive that he is responsible for his sister's death in her sleep. Eventually Jude meets a girl who has also lost her sibling and the two try to help each other. However, it is not neat, it is messy and true to the grief process. The author's own experiences are evident in the story and this makes it even more authentic and real.

This book is so sad! There are certainly kids who love a sad book, but it's hard to push sad books right now. Beautiful writing but Jude's voice feels older than 12.

With thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.

This novel is absolutely emotional. Jude's grief & guilt is palpable. A must read.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-ARC of this beautiful story.

A story of loss, Jude Banks is trying to figure out how to move on without the sister who was his true other half. His grief, and that of those around him was raw and real, and the book was an engaging and emotional read.

Jude Banks Superhero by Ann Hood is a wonderful book to recommend for middle schoolers who are grieving the death of a family member. Jude and his sister Katie are very close. Then one night, Katie dies suddenly in her sleep. As a result, Jude’s mom goes into a deep slump and is not able to function. His dad tries to hold everything together while Jude is blaming himself for his sister’s death. Jude’s parents send him to a support group where he meets and becomes friends with Clementine. Clementine also feels responsible for her sister’s death and as a result tries to commit suicide. Ann does a great job of helping children to understand the grieving process through the eyes of her fictional characters. After reading the book, children will understand that many individuals lose siblings. However, eventually, they will learn to enjoy life again.

This book was so sad. It's for sure an upper middle-grade title. That said it would be a perfect read for a 4th-6th grader who is dealing with grief and loss.

Jude Banks, Superhero had me hooked from the beginning when twelve-year-old Jude arrives at the police station to turn himself in for the murder of his younger sister Katie just a year before. Jude and Katie were as close as close could be and her unexpected death turned Jude’s world upside down. As he and his family try to deal with their new normal, Jude joins a support group for kids who have lost siblings. He forms a connection with another member of the group. They both feel that they are responsible for their sibling’s death and try to process their grief together. This book includes sensitive topics, including grief and attempted suicide, so I would recommend this one for upper middle grade readers rather than younger readers.

.Jude Banks recently lost his sister Katie, who died in her sleep. They were very close and Jude is learning how to deal with his grief along with his parents. Through therapy, support groups & service projects, Jude wonders if his life will ever be the same. Jude makes new friends along the way and learns that what he is feeling is real and normal for his situation. If you are looking for a happy, uplifting story this is not necessarily it. But, this is one of the best books about grief that I have read. It will be a wonderful book for middle grade readers that need a book to help deal with the death of a loved one.

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC of "Jude Banks, Superhero" by Ann Hood.
This middle-grade novel is the story of a boy feeling guilty about the sudden death of his sister. Jude and Katie were siblings that shared a special bond. To Katie, Jude was a superhero. She was his everything. When Katie dies suddenly, Jude has to figure out his new life. He is tired of the sympathy, the meals, and the looks he gets from other people. This story is a great resource for any child coping with death. However, I feel that most middle-grade readers would have trouble empathizing with Jude if they haven't had to deal with a similar conflict. This is a book I would like to share with young readers to get relevant feedback.

With thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for an early copy in return for an honest review.

An emotional look at how families heal after absolutely horrific tragedies. Jude Banks sister dies unexpectedly and he's certain he killed her. With a look back at their relationship before Katie died and insight into their present day grief the author does a good job going back and forth between the past and present.

Due to the themes and content of the book I would recommend this book more for upper middle grade readers.