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In a fast-paced, easy-to-read novel, Bridenstine unfolds a superhero narrative that follows best friends Melissa and Ashley. The story is told from a dual first-person point of view, switching between both characters every chapter. Because both characters are well-rounded, Bridenstine accomplishes distinguishing their voices when jumping between their two narrations.
Melissa is shy and dislikes being in any spotlight, whereas Ashley is outspoken and vibrant. With the only similarity with one another being how they perceive each other—both believing the other is more talented, prettier, and more special—Melissa’s newly discovered power of teleportation highlights their contrasts even more. This discovery drives a wedge between the two friends, leading Melissa on a path Ashley cannot follow when Melissa is recruited for a special program for people with superpowers. As the gap between the two friends continues to grow, Ashley’s suspicions grow. She starts to believe the organization is exploiting Melissa’s power. Her intuition clashes with Melissa’s naivety when she refuses to listen to Ashley’s concerns. Because the extent of Melissa’s naivety can be questionable at times, this gullibility is more plot device than characterization.
Bridenstine manages to drive her themes of friendship, trust, and power home. The latter ironically challenges the reader when the true role of the hero falls on Ashley, the ordinary “powerless” girl of the two, as she bravely seeks evidence to reveal the organization’s crimes and save Melissa. In this twist of events, Bridenstine portrays that anybody can be a hero, even if just a bit of bravery is their only superpower.
A 2020 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist