Jimmy-the-Wits
Synopsis: James is the middle child of a family of superheroes, who has no superpowers unlike his parents and siblings. His lack of supernatural abilities saddens him until he receives a very old book from his grandmother. Will this ancient book be enough to help him face the school bully and save his family from a super-villain?
Themes: self-acceptance and discovery of one’s inner strength
Feelings
- Feeling of inadequacy. Peers’ perspective vs. self-perspective. What does “being normal” mean?
- Feeling of exclusion and loneliness. Causes (bully, new in school, etc…) and solutions (making a friend, sharing the problem with someone,...)
The definition of power
- What type of supernatural power (choose one) would you wish to have and why?
- What type of (natural) power do you have? (kindness, empathy, generosity, strength, etc…)
- What are James’s qualities/strengths? Normal (his lack of super powers is a power in itself as it allows him to read the encyclopedia). Quick-witted (the ability to solve a problem). Prudent (he uses foam balls, goggles, and rubber gloves to protect himself again the creature).
- What are David’s qualities/strengths? Reliable (he helps James). Caring (toward the birds). Courageous (agrees to help James).
- Making a difference and opportunities to be superheroes in today’s world: volunteering, taking care of the planet (creating less refuse), helping others (collecting used clothes, helping at a soup kitchen …)
Relationships
- Between siblings (James and Susie): love and “hate” (caring vs. teasing)
- Between friends (James and Diego): complicity and secret sharing
- Between generations (James and his grandmother): support and guidance
References to mythology
- Ulysses (on James’s calendar)
- Medusa