Three Autistic friends try to save their school from never-ending maths in this fast and fun story, told from a rarely seen perspective.
Superheroes for a Day tells the engaging story of Max, Daniel, and Natalie’s mission to save their school from endless maths lessons. Using their unique abilities like heightened memory and attention to detail, they turn their differences into strengths. While handling their individual traits, they find the courage to become heroes, at least for a day, in the eyes of their schoolmates.
The book seeks to normalize the experiences of Autistic kids who are often seen as uncool because of their quirks. By making them the heroes, the story offers insight into their personal experiences and perspectives in a fun and engaging manner, resonating with readers in mainstream classrooms.
Filled with delightful illustrations, Superheroes for a Day is an empowering tale of friendship, bravery, and the remarkable abilities that often go unnoticed in those who are different.
Dr Craig Cormick OAM is the author of over 30 books for adults and children, several of them winning awards. He is a member of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Dr Cormick has a son on the autism spectrum who has been a very close collaborator on this book.
Dr Cormick has travelled to all seven continents as a science communicator, talking on public perceptions and misperceptions about science. He is author of the book The Science of Communication Science: A Users Guide (CSIRO Publications, 2019).
Lauren Mullinder has had a passion for drawing ever since she was able to hold a pencil and loves to create illustrations that capture and delight the imagination. With a degree in Visual Communication and a background in marketing and design, Lauren spends her days drawing stories, creating characters and teaching others how to do the same. Lauren lives in Adelaide, Australia with her husband and dog Charlie and loves spending time in nature.
City Parent Magazine (Toronto, Canada)
“Craig Cormick’s Superheroes for a Day is a significant work that illuminates the experiences of individuals with autism. … The book redefines heroism and advocates for greater understanding and support for those on the autism spectrum. In doing so, it fosters a more inclusive and compassionate society where every individual is valued for their unique contributions.”
Just Right Words
“Where are the books for younger readers that openly celebrate neurodiversity?
There are none, right? Wrong.
Craig Cormick has started to fill this gap in the market with ‘Superheroes for a Day’ as he tells the story of three Autistic friends who use their ‘quirky’ capabilities to save the school from endless maths instead of PE. Co-written with his son Caelen (‘the best ASD son a dad could want’), Craig has crafted a tight quest, full of funny and relatable moments… should be in every classroom library across Australia.
School Days Magazine
“The story is helpful for others to try and understand why their fellow students with autism react the way they do. Readers could hopefully use this knowledge to help them to have more empathy and consideration in a classroom or social situation”
Kids’ Book Review
“Superheroes for a Day is a story everyone should read. It’s an immersive reading experience, one that helps build understanding and empathy..”
StoryLinks
“Superheroes for a Day provides important insights into what it is like to be a student with autism, how it differs, and how understanding can overcome unrealistic expectations and problems.”
Goodreads and personal blog
“Superheroes for a Day is a gem of a book, one that sparkles especially brightly for autistic readers.”
What Book Next?
“Unable to find books with kids like himself in it, Dr Craig Cormick wrote Superheroes for a Day for his autistic son.
Readers will find a large clear font, black & white illustrations throughout and a easy to read, fun story. They will also learn from the characters themselves, what it is like being different from their peers, seen as uncool etc, when they really do have skills that are like super powers. A photographic memory and the ability to rapidly piece puzzles together, seem like super powers to me!”
Kapiti News
“A great story that explains autism to kids and gives some insight into their experiences and perspectives”
Magpies Magazine
“The information about children on the autism spectrum never dominates what is an engaging, sometimes suspenseful, character-driven story. Highly recommended for the story, the realistic representation of a significant group and potential to increase understanding, tact and tolerance in schools and wider communities.”
Blue Wolf Reviews
“This is a great way to raise awareness for young students. They may be more considerate when realising many issues can be difficult for other kids. Not all children are alike and while most kids understand this, they may not realise what a burden it is for the affected child..”
Reading Time – Children’s Book Council of Australia
“Goes to the heart of autism and offers an inclusive and authentic story that brings the reader into the experience of autism and the lives of these children..”
ABC Canberra Mornings Radio
“We want autistic kids who read the book to be validated and see themselves in the story, and for non-autistic kids to perhaps understand the experience of being autistic a little better.”
Buzz Words Magazine
“This book seeks to normalize the experience of autistic children. In making them heroes, there is insight into their perspectives and personal experiences which is fun and engaging. This is a story which is sure to resonate with many young readers in the 8-12 age group.”
