This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes and is perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Ali Benjamin.

Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.

After an accident at baseball practice, Nate’s fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he’s got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus’s book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.

But heroes have powers—and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There’s no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right?

This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes and is perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Ali Benjamin.Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.After an accident at baseball practice, Nate’s fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he’s got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus’s book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.But heroes have powers—and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There’s no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right? An Unforgettable Friendship: Dan and Nate are best friends who share everything—from baseball stats to the latest issue of their favorite comic. This emotional story explores what happens when that bond is put to the ultimate test.A Heartfelt Story of Healing: Faced with a tragedy he thinks is his fault, Dan has to find a way to navigate his grief and guilt. A touching journey perfect for young readers dealing with big emotions.For Baseball and Comic Book Fans: Dan turns to the world of his favorite superhero, Captain Nexus, for answers, blending the action of the baseball field with the epic stakes of a comic book adventure.The Power of Unlikely Allies: He can’t do it alone. Dan finds help from unexpected places, forging new friendships with Nate’s younger brother, Ollie, and the creative but quirky Courtney.

Family and food take center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Antony John.For as long as he can remember, Curtis Pith has been obsessed with becoming a chef like Lucas Taylor, host of Super Chef. And Curtis has a secret: Taylor is actually his long-absent father.So when Taylor announces a kids-only season of Super Chef, Curtis finally sees his chance to meet his dad. But after Curtis wins a spot in the competition and arrives in New York to film the show, nothing goes as smoothly as he expected.It’s all riding on the last challenge. If Curtis cooks his heart out like he knows he can, he just might go home with the top prize—and the truth.A Heartfelt Story: A moving tale about a boy, his single mom, and his little sister, held together by a shared love of food and family.Foodie Fiction for Kids: Packed with detailed cooking scenes and mouth-watering descriptions of everything from crème brûlée cupcakes to the perfect soufflé.An Underdog’s Journey: Curtis arrives in New York ready to prove his talent, but quickly learns that competing on a national stage is much harder than cooking in his own kitchen.Finding a Father: The grand prize isn’t just money—it’s Curtis’s only chance to finally stand face-to-face with Lucas Taylor and uncover the truth he’s been searching for his whole life.

Family and food take center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Antony John.

For as long as he can remember, Curtis Pith has been obsessed with becoming a chef like Lucas Taylor, host of Super Chef. And Curtis has a secret: Taylor is actually his long-absent father.

So when Taylor announces a kids-only season of Super Chef, Curtis finally sees his chance to meet his dad. But after Curtis wins a spot in the competition and arrives in New York to film the show, nothing goes as smoothly as he expected.

It’s all riding on the last challenge. If Curtis cooks his heart out like he knows he can, he just might go home with the top prize—and the truth.

Family and food take center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Antony John.For as long as he can remember, Curtis Pith has been obsessed with becoming a chef like Lucas Taylor, host of Super Chef. And Curtis has a secret: Taylor is actually his long-absent father.So when Taylor announces a kids-only season of Super Chef, Curtis finally sees his chance to meet his dad. But after Curtis wins a spot in the competition and arrives in New York to film the show, nothing goes as smoothly as he expected. It’s all riding on the last challenge. If Curtis cooks his heart out like he knows he can, he just might go home with the top prize—and the truth.

Underdog City has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes and is perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Ali Benjamin.

Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.

After an accident at baseball practice, Nate’s fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he’s got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus’s book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.

But heroes have powers—and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There’s no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right?

This heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes and is perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Ali Benjamin.Whether they’re on the baseball field or in Nate’s basement devouring the newest issue of their favorite comic book, Dan and Nate are always talking. Until they’re not.After an accident at baseball practice, Nate’s fallen into a coma. And if Dan ever wants to talk to Nate again, he’s got to take a page out of his hero Captain Nexus’s book, and do whatever it takes to save the day.But heroes have powers—and without Nate, all Dan has is a closet stuffed with comics and a best-friend-shaped hole in his heart. There’s no way a regular kid can save the day all on his own. Right? An Unforgettable Friendship: Dan and Nate are best friends who share everything—from baseball stats to the latest issue of their favorite comic. This emotional story explores what happens when that bond is put to the ultimate test.A Heartfelt Story of Healing: Faced with a tragedy he thinks is his fault, Dan has to find a way to navigate his grief and guilt. A touching journey perfect for young readers dealing with big emotions.For Baseball and Comic Book Fans: Dan turns to the world of his favorite superhero, Captain Nexus, for answers, blending the action of the baseball field with the epic stakes of a comic book adventure.The Power of Unlikely Allies: He can’t do it alone. Dan finds help from unexpected places, forging new friendships with Nate’s younger brother, Ollie, and the creative but quirky Courtney.

Family and food take center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Antony John.For as long as he can remember, Curtis Pith has been obsessed with becoming a chef like Lucas Taylor, host of Super Chef. And Curtis has a secret: Taylor is actually his long-absent father.So when Taylor announces a kids-only season of Super Chef, Curtis finally sees his chance to meet his dad. But after Curtis wins a spot in the competition and arrives in New York to film the show, nothing goes as smoothly as he expected.It’s all riding on the last challenge. If Curtis cooks his heart out like he knows he can, he just might go home with the top prize—and the truth.A Heartfelt Story: A moving tale about a boy, his single mom, and his little sister, held together by a shared love of food and family.Foodie Fiction for Kids: Packed with detailed cooking scenes and mouth-watering descriptions of everything from crème brûlée cupcakes to the perfect soufflé.An Underdog’s Journey: Curtis arrives in New York ready to prove his talent, but quickly learns that competing on a national stage is much harder than cooking in his own kitchen.Finding a Father: The grand prize isn’t just money—it’s Curtis’s only chance to finally stand face-to-face with Lucas Taylor and uncover the truth he’s been searching for his whole life.

Family and food take center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Antony John.

For as long as he can remember, Curtis Pith has been obsessed with becoming a chef like Lucas Taylor, host of Super Chef. And Curtis has a secret: Taylor is actually his long-absent father.

So when Taylor announces a kids-only season of Super Chef, Curtis finally sees his chance to meet his dad. But after Curtis wins a spot in the competition and arrives in New York to film the show, nothing goes as smoothly as he expected.

It’s all riding on the last challenge. If Curtis cooks his heart out like he knows he can, he just might go home with the top prize—and the truth.

Family and food take center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Antony John.For as long as he can remember, Curtis Pith has been obsessed with becoming a chef like Lucas Taylor, host of Super Chef. And Curtis has a secret: Taylor is actually his long-absent father.So when Taylor announces a kids-only season of Super Chef, Curtis finally sees his chance to meet his dad. But after Curtis wins a spot in the competition and arrives in New York to film the show, nothing goes as smoothly as he expected. It’s all riding on the last challenge. If Curtis cooks his heart out like he knows he can, he just might go home with the top prize—and the truth.

Underdog City has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.