Here are 100 books that Super Max's Hero Surprise fans have personally recommended if you like Super Max's Hero Surprise. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Night Catch

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I empower military-connected kids through books that support their mental and emotional growth, ensuring they feel "heard, seen, and chosen”. I draw from my bi-cultural military upbringing and global experiences to deliver keynotes and workshops on resilience and change management. My mission is to create empathy and curiosity beyond comfort zones, advocating for representation of kids who moved frequently worldwide. Through my children's book series, And That's Okay, I sparked a movement to inspire a growth mindset, empathy, and authentic connections through meaningful conversations. Writing the books that I wanted as a child, I understand the power of representation. Every child must see themselves and their lived experience to believe, dream, and achieve great things.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why Shermaine loves this book

This heart-warming story teaches military families that they can stay connected although physically separated due to job assignments. Its reference to the starry night is relevant and relatable because we all share the night sky despite our physical location.

As a military-kid, this is the kind of story that we all wanted. I remember looking into the night sky and wondering where in the world he was and when our family would be together again. This story peeks into the minds of little soldiers and eases their concerns.

By Brenda Ehrmantraut , Vicki Wehrman (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Night Catch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Not ball as usual in the park,
but something special after dark."

When a soldier's work takes him half-way around the world, he enlists the help of the North Star for a nightly game of catch with his son.

Night Catch is a timeless story that connects families while they are apart and offers comforting hope for their reunion.

Featured book in the United Through Reading program.

"… Night Catch is the best of the best!"
—Sally Ann Zoll, CEO, United Through Reading

"… a staple in our Parent to Parent Program … We enthusiastically recommend it!"
—Military Child Education…


If you love Super Max's Hero Surprise...

Book cover of Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean

Unfathomable by Mary Boone,

Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to be an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP?

As strange as…

Book cover of The Peppered Sky

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I empower military-connected kids through books that support their mental and emotional growth, ensuring they feel "heard, seen, and chosen”. I draw from my bi-cultural military upbringing and global experiences to deliver keynotes and workshops on resilience and change management. My mission is to create empathy and curiosity beyond comfort zones, advocating for representation of kids who moved frequently worldwide. Through my children's book series, And That's Okay, I sparked a movement to inspire a growth mindset, empathy, and authentic connections through meaningful conversations. Writing the books that I wanted as a child, I understand the power of representation. Every child must see themselves and their lived experience to believe, dream, and achieve great things.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why Shermaine loves this book

I recommend this book because it sparks curiosity into careers within the military.

The author is a military kid, like me, and shares her authentic experience. The Peppered Sky is representation at its finest. Readers take a peek into the world of paratroopers jumping on a mission to defend our freedom. This book shines a much-needed light on what our world looks like to civilians.

Ultimately, it’s a great introduction into the military lifestyle with sweet moments, vibrant illustrations, and rhyme. 

By Sarah Doran , Beth Snider (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Peppered Sky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of I'm A Dandelion: A PCS Story For Military Children

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I empower military-connected kids through books that support their mental and emotional growth, ensuring they feel "heard, seen, and chosen”. I draw from my bi-cultural military upbringing and global experiences to deliver keynotes and workshops on resilience and change management. My mission is to create empathy and curiosity beyond comfort zones, advocating for representation of kids who moved frequently worldwide. Through my children's book series, And That's Okay, I sparked a movement to inspire a growth mindset, empathy, and authentic connections through meaningful conversations. Writing the books that I wanted as a child, I understand the power of representation. Every child must see themselves and their lived experience to believe, dream, and achieve great things.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why Shermaine loves this book

This book creates empathy for kids that experience frequent moves. It’s timely, relevant, and relatable to military kids. I attended more than 11 schools in 5 countries from kindergarten until high school graduation. Needless to say, I moved a lot!

I’m A Dandelion is a conversation tool for lower elementary grades. The book provides a unique perspective on the transition for a young child. While this book features a military child, its message of resilience and hope are universal themes that help all children to overcome obstacles more easily.

The author does a great job of encouraging children to talk about their feelings and fears, and also reminds them that they are not alone in the adventure.

By Brooke Mahaffey , Lidiia Mariia Nyz (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I'm A Dandelion as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


If you love Heather E Robyn...

Book cover of The Afterlife of the Party

The Afterlife of the Party by Darcy Marks,

An interdimensional mixer with angels and other beings brings unexpected trouble for Malachi and his friends in this smart and uniquely funny second book about the squad of teens from hell.

When an angel comes to his home to deliver a message, Malachi immediately knows what’s going on. The seraph…

Book cover of Buddy the Soldier Bear

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I empower military-connected kids through books that support their mental and emotional growth, ensuring they feel "heard, seen, and chosen”. I draw from my bi-cultural military upbringing and global experiences to deliver keynotes and workshops on resilience and change management. My mission is to create empathy and curiosity beyond comfort zones, advocating for representation of kids who moved frequently worldwide. Through my children's book series, And That's Okay, I sparked a movement to inspire a growth mindset, empathy, and authentic connections through meaningful conversations. Writing the books that I wanted as a child, I understand the power of representation. Every child must see themselves and their lived experience to believe, dream, and achieve great things.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why Shermaine loves this book

Buddy the Soldier Bear is an adorable story that highlights the journey of a care package.

Having grown up in a military family, we sent care packages to our service members when they were away. I distinctly remember our classes encouraging us to write letters and add our favorite drawings to the packages. It makes a huge difference in morale for service members to know that someone cared enough to think of and send a handwritten note.

It’s an emotional story that encourages readers to remember the military community outside of special holidays. With very relevant illustrations, the story offers appreciation and compassion for military families. There is a sense of adventure as Buddy joins the soldiers during military assignments until he safely accompanies the soldier home. 

By Marie Joy , Brandon Pollard (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Buddy the Soldier Bear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Meet Buddy and go on a magical journey with him, from the toy store to the battlefield and back home again. Buddy the Soldier Bear is a delightful tale of a stuffed bear who dreams of adventures and being part of a family. When he finds himself in a care package for a soldier, he embarks on quite an adventure, indeed. Written by the daughter of a WW II veteran and the mother of a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, you can feel the love poured into this story. Illustrated by a talented soldier who was deployed with…


Book cover of The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey Into the Dark Side of the Brain

Ishmael A. Soledad Author Of Diathesis

From my list on move from movie trope to reality.

Why am I passionate about this?

Why am I passionate about psychopaths? I’m not, but I am passionate about creating characters with depth that aren’t the cardboard cutout tropes that litter science fiction, like used confetti. People are deeper, richer, and far more twisted than most authors imagine or dream. So knowing nothing about psychopaths, I found out. I read the books listed above and visited some nice (slightly amused but paid) psychologists for long chats, with the goal of making one central character in three volumes of my hexalogy as close to real as an imagined person can be. Why? So, Diathesis stands out from the crowd. So the reader can immerse fully in the story.

Ishmael's book list on move from movie trope to reality

Ishmael A. Soledad Why Ishmael loves this book

All I needed was the view from inside a psychopath, and there aren’t many reliable ones out there, but hey, guess what, this one is—because it’s written by a self-diagnosed psychopath who’s also a neuroscientist!

I loved this one as the inside view is that extra layer of nuance I needed to build into one of my main characters—understanding how they think and process from their perspective is crucial in making my psychopath real. Bonus here is that the author’s absolutely honest, describing his behaviours, what he didn’t see impacting on those around him,and then adding in how they felt and reacted. Very valuable.

By James Fallon ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Psychopath Inside as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Compelling, essential reading for understanding the underpinnings of psychopathy.” — M. E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath

For his first fifty-eight years, James Fallon was by all appearances a normal guy. A successful neuroscientist and professor, he’d been raised in a loving family, married his high school sweetheart, and had three kids and lots of friends. Then he learned a shocking truth that would not only disrupt his personal and professional life, but would lead him to question the very nature of his own identity.


While researching serial killers, he uncovered a pattern in their brain scans that…


Book cover of My Father's Eyes, My Mother's Rage

Alicia Cook Author Of The Music Was Just Getting Good

From my list on modern poetry for days when life is the most.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a writer and best-selling poet who addresses themes of mental health, addiction, grief, and hope, I have a deep understanding of the struggles that many face and what they are looking for when they are trying to heal, feel less alone, or come to terms with something. They are looking for honest, authentic writing from people who have made it out alive, free of platitudes and chronic optimism. For over 10 years, I have used my own writing to create connections and open conversations around sensitive topics, so of course, I would recommend other writers who do the same.

Alicia's book list on modern poetry for days when life is the most

Alicia Cook Why Alicia loves this book

This book made me reflect deeply on how my connection with my own parents has changed as I’ve gotten older. I highlighted so many lines, especially ones centered on the complicated evolution of a parent-child relationship and the pain, love, and resentment that can coexist in these relationships.

Brik might be one of my favorite modern poets at this point. I even recommended this book to my therapist. 

By Rose Brik ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Father's Eyes, My Mother's Rage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"My Father's Eyes, My Mother's Rage" is the raw and emotionally charged debut poetry collection by Rose Brik. Rose delves into the intricate layers of the human experience with profound insight. Through her poetry she fearlessly navigates themes of the mother and father wound, childhood trauma, domestic violence, grief, mental health struggles, love, motherhood and ultimately, the process of healing. Her words possess the power to unearth buried emotions and memories, evoking a deep sense of empathy and reflection in her readers.

"I have my mother's rage,
and my father's ability to walk away.
this, I've learned, is a very…


If you love Super Max's Hero Surprise...

Book cover of Hazel and Mabel

Hazel and Mabel by Melissa Stoller,

A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.

For many years, Hazel and Mabel were inseparable. The two friends made up stories, spent the night together, and shared their snacks. Then, Mabel moved away. As time passes, Hazel and Mabel think of each other often, but they also…

Book cover of The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships

Lisa Bournelis Author Of Louie and the Dictator

From my list on empowering kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

Lisa Bournelis is a transformation leader in healthcare, a new author, and TEDx speaker. Prior to this, she worked for the United Nations and NGOs in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Africa. Dealing with the unknown makes her passionate about promoting books that empower children to overcome anxiety. As a mom to a child with a mental health diagnosis, she wanted to help children by writing an uplifting novella based on her son’s experiences with OCD during the pandemic. Her aim is for anxious and neurodiverse kids to see themselves as heroes of their own stories. A portion of the royalties from her book will be donated to pediatric OCD research.

Lisa's book list on empowering kids

Lisa Bournelis Why Lisa loves this book

The author is a mom and clinician herself and based on clinical best practices has written a lovely rhyming book to help young children deal with boundaries and bullies in a way that is accessible for younger readers. Ideal for school, daycare, and clinical settings. As a parent of an empathic child, I found this book an easy way to introduce the concepts of self-worth and appropriate relationships. If you have a child that is experiencing bullying or needs to set boundaries at school, then this book is an excellent addition to your library.  

By Christina Furnival , Katie Dwyer (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Not-So-Friendly Friend as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

“Being aware of our feelings is a building block for our emotional and social intelligence. In this charming and creative book, Christina Furnival offers children a way to sense and shape their emotions that emerge in the important friendships that shape who we are now, and who we will become later on in our lives.”
―Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Developing Mind, Parenting from the Inside Out, and The Whole Brain Child

How can I help my child deal with a bully?
What do I teach them about handling an on-again-off-again, not-so-friendly friend?
My…


Book cover of Lead With Empathy

Nico D'Alessandro Author Of People Follow Me: Unlocking Effective Leadership

From my list on effective and empathetic leadership.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a youth, I was very athletic and always aspired to be the captain of the team. I worked hard and was very driven to earn this right. As a business person, I have continued that passion for leadership. In addition, due to my sports experience, I am passionate about coaching others. I feel that with the right direction, the right motivation, and the right information, anyone can be successful. All of the authors for the leadership books I have recommended are also giving back to society in their own way. I hope you all enjoy the books on your journey to becoming a great leader!

Nico's book list on effective and empathetic leadership

Nico D'Alessandro Why Nico loves this book

I recommend this book because Pete clearly understands that empathetic leadership is a way to connect emotionally with your team. I really like how Pete focuses on inspiring his team to do their best and the contribution that makes to the businesses they represent. Pete uses real-world examples to inspire his readers.

By Pete Srodoski ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lead With Empathy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**Winner of the #1 Best New Management Audiobook of 2024 by BookAuthority.org!**

Discover the Future of Leadership in Pete Srodoski's "Lead With Empathy"

In the dynamic world of modern business, success hinges on more than just strategies and goals; it's about the profound impact of leadership. Pete Srodoski's "Lead With Empathy" emerges as a transformative guide, redefining the essence of effective leadership for today's managers and executives.

Why This Book is a Must-Read:

Revolutionize Your Leadership Style: Unlock the potential of empathetic leadership to create a more engaged, productive, and loyal team. Master the Art of Navigating Crises: Learn to…


Book cover of Empathy: A History

Rob Boddice Author Of The History of Emotions

From my list on what your emotions are and where they come from.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a historian of emotions, science, and medicine, with more than a decade of experience in meddling in other scientific affairs, especially in the worlds of psychology and neuroscience. I’m fascinated by human emotions in part, at least, because I feel we’re living in a crude emotional age. I’ve worked in five different countries since gaining my PhD in 2005. In that time I’ve written or edited 14 books of historical non-fiction, as well as dozens of articles and reviews. You can freely read my work in Aeon or History Today. I live between Canada (my adopted country) and Finland, where I frequently lament the loss of my European citizenship.

Rob's book list on what your emotions are and where they come from

Rob Boddice Why Rob loves this book

I was desperately waiting for Lanzoni’s book to come out, being certain that it would be the key to displacing an all-too-easy tendency, among scientists, scholars and the general public alike, to make empathy the hardwired mechanism that defines humanity.

It frankly amazes me how quickly the fortunes of empathy rose in the second of half of the twentieth century when, fundamentally, nobody has been able to say precisely what it is, where it is, how it works or what its limits might be.

I loved Lanzoni’s book for laying it all out. Down with empathy!

By Susan Lanzoni ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Empathy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A surprising, sweeping, and deeply researched history of empathy-from late-nineteenth-century German aesthetics to mirror neurons

Empathy: A History tells the fascinating and largely unknown story of the first appearance of empathy in 1908 and tracks its shifting meanings over the following century. Despite the word's ubiquity today, few realize that it began as a translation of Einfuhlung ("in-feeling"), a term in German psychological aesthetics that described how spectators projected their own feelings and movements into objects of art and nature.

Remarkably, this early conception of empathy transformed into its opposite over the ensuing decades. Social scientists and clinical…


If you love Heather E Robyn...

Book cover of From Cells to Ourselves: The Story of Evolution

From Cells to Ourselves by Gill Arbuthnott,

4.5 billion years ago, Earth was forming - but nothing could have survived there…

From Cells to Ourselves is the incredible story of how life on earth started and how it gradually evolved from the first simple cells to the abundance of life around us today. Walk with dinosaurs, analyse…

Book cover of The Age of Empathy: Nature's Lessons for a Kinder Society

Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson Author Of The Inner Level: How More Equal Societies Reduce Stress, Restore Sanity and Improve Everyone's Well-Being

From my list on busting common myths about our human nature.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are social epidemiologists trying to understand how the societies we live in affect our health. Together, we try to communicate our scientific research to politicians and policy-makers, but even more importantly to everyone who is curious about how our worlds shape our wellbeing and who want to work together for positive change.  We co-founded a UK charity, The Equality Trust, to build a social movement for a more equal society, and we are Global Ambassadors for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, an international collaboration of organisations and individuals working to transform economic systems.

Kate's book list on busting common myths about our human nature

Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson Why Kate loves this book

Often, when we talk to people about the need for more egalitarian societies, we get push back. 

People say, “Oh, there will always be inequality because humans are only interested in their own survival and their own interests, they will always be out for themselves – you can’t fight human nature."

Primatologist Frans de Waal turns that argument on its head, showing the survival value of empathy, cooperation, and a sense of fairness for animals and humans alike.

By Franz de Waal ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Age of Empathy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Kindness and co-operation have played a crucial role in raising humans to the top of the evolutionary tree ... We have thrived on the milk of human kindness.' Observer

BY THE AUTHOR OF ARE WE SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW HOW SMART ANIMALS ARE?

'There is a widely-held assumption that humans are hard-wired for relentless and ruthless competition ... Frans de Waal sees nature differently - as a biological legacy in which empathy, not mere self-interest, is shared by humans, bonobos and animals.' Ben Macintyre, The Times

Empathy holds us together. That we are hardwired to be altruistic is the result…


Book cover of Night Catch
Book cover of The Peppered Sky
Book cover of I'm A Dandelion: A PCS Story For Military Children

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