Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Bells Broussard thought he had it made when his superpowers manifested early. Being a shapeshifter is awesome. He can change his hair whenever he wants, and if putting on a binder for the day is too much, he’s got it covered. But that was before he became the country’s most-wanted villain. After discovering a massive cover-up by the Heroes’ League of Heroes, Bells and his friends Jess, Emma, and Abby set off on a secret mission to find the Resistance. Meanwhile, power-hungry former hero Captain Orion is on the loose with a dangerous serum that renders meta-humans powerless, and a new militarized robotic threat emerges. Everyone is in danger. Between college applications and crushing on his best friend, will Bells have time to take down a corrupt government? Sometimes, to do a hero’s job, you need to be a villain.
Is Not Your Villain appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This YA superhero novel features a transgender shapeshifter protagonist navigating government corruption, romantic feelings for his best friend, and action sequences involving superpowers and robots. Contains themes of identity, friendship, and systemic injustice with moderate violence.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include government corruption, identity issues, and violence.
Who'll love this
Teens will love this action-packed superhero story with a diverse cast tackling government conspiracies while dealing with crushes and college applications.