Breakfast of Superheroes

By Steve Frederick

Fifth grader Kyle Alexander and his best friend, Carlos, are delighted when Kyle's mom brings home a hard-to-find box of Scrunchy Corn Flakes with the Breakfast of Superheroes promotion. These boxes contain a toy copy of the magic ring that once belonged to the brother of the city's great superhero, Captain Nightmare. But the ring in the box doe

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thunderbolt Communications, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781732385313

Book preview

© 2017 by Steve Frederick

All rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including scanning, photocopying, or otherwise without prior written permission of the author.

First Printing, 2018

Printed in the United States

Dedication

To my wife, Andi, who is endlessly kind, wise and supportive—and who is patient with me even when I’m not super.

To my son, Ryan, who asked to hear all the superhero stories I knew, and when I couldn’t remember any more, insisted that I make up new ones.

To the many current and former members of my critique groups for the laughter and fellowship; their support and criticism.

To my editor, Pamela Dell, who went way beyond the call of duty and got the book back on track.

Table of Contents

Warning

1

Out On The Ledge

2

A Bad Day At Scrunchy Cereal Company

3

Breakfast Of Superheroes

4

Searching For The Ring

5

Is There A Motor In There?

6

A Painful Game Of Catch

7

What The … ?

8

An Amazing Dream

9

Am I Worthy?

10

Flying Practice

11

How To Tick Off Your Parents

12

A Burning Plane

13

Stop That Man!

14

Lying To Carlos

15

Rocky The Rat

16

The Cockroach

17

Water, Water Everywhere

18

Kyle, Get Down Here!

19

Heaps Of Trouble

About the Author

Warning

I must strongly advise you NOT to attempt the amazing things Kyle Alexander does in this book. If you have super powers, that changes things somewhat. But even if you are absolutely convinced you have super powers, chances are quite good that you don’t. Be sure to check with your mom or dad before attempting to fly across the city, chase burning planes, or face dangerous criminals.

—The Author

1

Out On The Ledge

Kyle Alexander balanced on the ledge outside his second floor bedroom window, terrified of falling into the bushes below.

He wore the superhero costume his best friend, Carlos Santana, had put together from some old clothes in his closet. Kyle was so scared, he’d almost forgotten how dumb he looked. He hadn’t liked the red sweat pants and yellow t-shirt. They were too small for his tall, eleven-year-old body.

He thought the purple swim goggles made him look odd. The blue blankie cape, attached with a safety pin under his chin, looked old and faded. The one part of his costume he did like was his Little League hat. The hat had been his idea.

He leaned with his back against the window, knees shaking, and took a deep breath. He didn’t dare look at the ground.

Carlos stood below, cheering. Jump, Kyle! Fly!

Instead of feeling brave like a superhero, Kyle felt that familiar sick feeling in his stomach. It reminded him of the day he and his dad had gone to the carnival. All day, Kyle had avoided the scary rides. But just before they went home, his dad had insisted they ride the roller coaster together. Kyle could see no way out. He felt sweaty and ill as they strapped in. His stomach lurched as the car started uphill. He closed his eyes as it sped down and then up and down and up and down again. As the ride screeched to a sudden stop, Kyle’s stomach heaved and his lunch exploded from his mouth, splattering all over his dad’s pants. Kyle would never forget his dad’s look of disgust.

As he stood on the window ledge, a strong wind blew and Kyle felt himself wobble. He looked at the blue stone in the magic ring on his finger. The ring had once belonged to Marfando, the dead brother of the famous superhero, Captain Nightmare.

Maybe this ring worked for Marfando, Kyle mumbled, but I’m not so sure it’s going to work for me. He hollered down to his

friend, What if I can’t really fly, Carlos?

You already did, Carlos yelled back. Jump, Kyle!

Easy for you to say, Kyle muttered. I’m the one who gets hurt if this doesn’t work.

He had another horrible thought. What if I really can fly? That might be even worse. If the roller coaster made me sick, what will happen if I’m flying?

He looked down at Carlos and made his decision. Nope. I’m not going to do it. I don’t care what Carlos says. He turned around carefully and stuck his head back through the open window.

What are you doing? hollered Carlos.

Going back inside! Kyle said.

As he tried to step back into the safety of