THE BIONIC BOY, by Lynn Plourde, Nancy Paulsen Books, Oct. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A superhero-loving boy born without hands finds the hero inside himself in The Bionic Boy, a middle-grade novel by Lynn Plourde.
Benji feels like he’s had more than his fair share of good luck—so it’s frustrating that his disability tends to make people think the opposite. Adopted from an overseas orphanage when he was four, he’s grown up surrounded by the love of his dads and little sister.
But it seems like the only thing people notice about him is that he was born without hands. He wishes that it didn’t bother him so much when people stare at him and that he could be as confident as the superheroes he’s obsessed with.
Then Benji meets a real-life hero and begins to dream about new possibilities. Staff Sergeant Snyder is a quadruple war amputee whose comfort in his own skin inspires Benji. Plus, Staff Sergeant has fun with his prosthetic limbs, making Benji wonder if it’s time he becomes bionic.
It takes a near disaster in the neighborhood with their pet cat to show Benji that bionic or not, he already has all the courage it takes to be a hero. After all, heroes walk among us every day, and if he just remembers to believe in himself, he can easily be one of them. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books
The Bionic Boy is a fast-moving story of family, friendship, courage and heroism. Author Lynn Plourde explores these topics through the lens of physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, adoption and same-sex parents.
The story is told by Benji, a sweet, sensitive kid that loves his two fathers and his little sister who has Down syndrome. Benji’s relationships with his family, especially his sister, are beautiful. It’s nice to read a book where there is a loving family unit.
The publisher’s suggested age range for The Bionic Boy is 8-12, however, it reads a lot younger. Benji’s voice feels younger than fifth grade. It’s short, and moves quickly. I suggest ages 7-10.
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