Caped crusaders are having a moment right now—but what about the heroes who don’t wear costumes and leap tall buildings in a single bound?

The protagonists in these picture books save the day in less-expected but still-important ways.

 

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel’s less-famous, cold-weather cousin! Katy is so powerful that she only gets called out when the City of Geoppolis really needs her… and then, nothing can stop her.

 

 

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty
When a teacher tries to stifle the imagination of a budding second-grade architect, our hero Iggy saves the day when his class gets stranded during a field trip.

 

 

 

 

Wangari Maathi: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prévot
This biography of the Kenyan activist who eventually won the Nobel Prize tells the story of Maathai’s extensive work—including her quest to nurture trees and help the environment.

 

 

 

Chuck and Woodchuck by Cece Bell
Sharing is tough, but real heroes know everything is better when you have a true friend.

 

 

 

 

Stand Straight, Ella Kate by Kate Klise
Born in 1872, Ella Kate Ewing was eight feet tall by the time she turned 18. This fictionalized biography reveals her unexpected status as an independent woman and a role model for anyone who looks different.

 

 

 

 

Courage by Bernard Waber
Ordinary people—the ones who are first to make peace after a fight, or go to bed without a nightlight—can be superheroes too, according to this sweet book about empathy.

 

 

 

 

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!