Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Bookreview of Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles

By: Gracie Dix

Publication Date: March 2, 2020

ISBN: 979-8636975403

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: August 6, 2025

Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles by Gracie Dix is a delightful and heartfelt prequel that introduces readers to Oliver and Jessica, twin siblings whose journey into the world of extraordinary abilities is as heart-warming as it is adventurous. Written with young readers in mind, this fast-paced, character-driven story lays the foundation for the world Dix continues to build in The Vork.

The story begins with a scenario that many parents can relate to: Mrs. Fletcher comes home from work to find her young children engaging in chaos. However, this is not just any kind of chaos. Oliver is flying through the air with Jessica being pulled along, with a blue protective force field. The twins have just discovered their superpowers, and with them, a world of confusion, secrecy, and loneliness. Too different from their classmates to fit in, the twins form a quiet, unbreakable bond, confiding only in each other about their abilities.

Shortly after that, something strange happens during one of Oliver's exams. The figures on the exam paper appear to escape the confines of the page and reassemble into solutions, as if they were reacting to his mind. As a result, Oliver advances to a higher grade after that, and the twins have to adjust to spending less time together in class.

The heart of the story lies in their loneliness, children who are special, but without anyone to understand them. Their lives take a dramatic turn on a particular day when they must use their powers to rescue their mother and her co-workers from a burning building. Among those who survive is Mrs. Macintosh, a teacher from the Superhero School, who recognizes the twins' incredible potential.

A week before their thirteenth birthday, their parents share the thrilling news that they are considering enrolling the twins in a different school. While Mrs. Fletcher is decorating their birthday cake, she receives a call from Mrs. Macintosh, one of the people rescued from the fire. Impressed by the twins’ bravery, Mrs. Macintosh invites them for a tour of the school.

From this point, the story unfolds into themes of hope and acceptance. Oliver and Jessica accept the invitation to explore the Superhero School, where they encounter other talented kids, build friendships, and start envisioning a future in which they can still be unique but also feel like they have a place to belong.

Gracie Dix’s writing is engaging and insightful, blending humor with emotional depth in a way that connects with middle-grade readers. The pacing is brisk, the plot is easy to follow, and the themes —family, courage, friendship, and embracing who you are —stand out brilliantly without feeling forced.

This prequel serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Vork universe and will excite readers about Oliver and Jessica’s upcoming adventure. Whether you are a newcomer or already a fan of Dix’s work, Journey to Superhero School delivers a feel-good, empowering tale that reminds young readers that being different is often the first step toward becoming something extraordinary.

Quill says: An inspiring and thrilling origin story, Journey to Superhero School is a must-read for young enthusiasts of superhero stories. Gracie Dix captures the magic of discovering who you truly are with a dash of superpowers to make it unforgettable.