STORM

In this Marvel Universe origin story, an empowered girl goes on a journey of self-discovery.

Ororo Munroe wants so desperately to fit in, and her family’s recent move from America to Egypt was supposed to give her that chance. But kids still point out how she’s different: Her blue eyes and white hair don’t match her brown skin. The only time she ever feels safe is when she’s with her mother and father. But when a plane crashes into their house, killing Mommy and Daddy, 6-year-old Ororo is left alone in an unfamiliar world. In her panic, she finds Moche, a boy who gives her shelter and shows her the ways of a child living alone on the streets of Cairo. The story then jumps ahead nine years: Fifteen-year-old Ororo is a master at reading people, stealing from tourists while remaining undetected—until the day she accidentally creates a scene and alerts the being who has tracked her for her entire life. Now, Ororo is on the run, and the only place she can think of going is Kenya, her mother’s homeland. With the help of a charming prince, she begins to dream, finally finding her home and eventually growing into the powerful woman she’s meant to be. The author uses descriptive settings and thorough character development to bring Storm’s origin story to life in this generously detailed and briskly paced book, all the while incorporating realistic struggles that will resonate beyond superhero fans.

A powerful read.