Dusty Higgins – illustratör

“Clever and funny with an irresistible premise, this middle grade adventure/comic book hybrid will engage even the most reluctant reader.” —Rick Riordan, author of the worldwide bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus What if superheroes were real—and you had to become one? A boy is suddenly thrust into the role of a real-life superhero and tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion in this action-packed novel from New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti and award-winning illustrator Dusty Higgins.When twelve-year-old Miles Taylor unexpectedly inherits a golden cape that gives him amazing superpowers, his life instantly changes: he becomes a superhero. For real. With some help from a new friend named Henry, Miles does his best to protect his city. But his skills and courage are about to be put to the ultimate test—an alien horde is working its way toward Earth, with their sights set on the golden cape…and total domination. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover whether he has what it takes to save all humankind.

From New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti comes the second book in the Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape series, about an eighth grader who finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of real-life superhero. His latest mission: to defeat an army of robots designed to destroy him!Master the golden cape. Been there. Save the world from an alien invasion. Done that. Dominate the eighth grade. Keep dreaming. Battle an army of super-deadly robots designed to destroy you. Sure didn’t see that one coming. After a summer of fighting crime as Gilded, the world’s only superhero, Miles Taylor is bummed to learn that nothing has changed for him at Chapman Middle School. He is still the primary target of the Jammer’s bullying. And Josie, the girl of his dreams, has put him squarely in the friend zone. Miles starts spending more and more time as Gilded, neglecting his schoolwork and his friends. His bad attitude lands him and his best friend, Henry, in a military compound, at the mercy of the power-crazed General Breckenridge. When the general steals the golden cape, Miles finds himself back at square one with no superpowers…and no hope of escape. On the verge of losing everything—and everyone—he cares about, Miles must discover the hero within himself before the general puts his evil plans into action.

You’ve met them in your own life: the influential mentor who made a difference . . . the public servant whose energy and dedication are an inspiration to all . . . the business leader who overcame adversity to succeed in an admirable endeavour . . . the visionary who drew an entire community or organisation together.You may not realise that you’ve also met them in a classic of American literature and cinema. Veteran educator Robert V. Smith adopts the virtues of the beloved and familiar characters from the Wizard of Oz stories, along with the trials and triumphs of their creator, L. Frank Baum, as a road map for personal and professional growth. The magical archetypes of the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and the Wizard guide readers—especially those preparing for college and career—to a deeper understanding of lifelong learning, loving, serving, and leading. Smith blends Baum’s fascinating biography and publishing history with practical advice and philosophy drawn from a rich array of sources. For seekers and teachers alike, The Way of Oz opens the door to an imaginative, inspiring journey and challenges every reader to make a difference.