A romantic coming-of-age story about growing up, falling in love, and surviving life—all set in the world of superheroes—from debut author Cristina Fernandez, proving that you don’t need a superpower to be the hero of your own origin story, perfect for fans of The Rest of Us Just Live Here and Renegades.

* Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2023 * CCBC Choices Best of 2023 *

Falling for a superhero is dangerous. You have to trust that they’ll catch you.

Astrid isn’t a superhero, not like the ones she sees on the news, but she has something she thinks of as a small superpower: She has a perfect sense of time. And she’s not going to waste a single second.

Her plan for college is clear—friends, classes, and extra-curriculars all carefully selected to get her into medical school.

Until Max Martin, a nerdy boy from high school, crashes back into her life. Things with Max were never simple, and he doesn’t keep to her schedule. He disappears in the middle of dates and cancels last-minute with stupid excuses.

When a supervillain breaks into her bedroom one night, Astrid has to face the facts: Her boyfriend, Max Martin, is a superhero. Double-majoring as a pre-med was hard, but now Astrid will have to balance a double-life. This wasn’t part of her plan.

Her five-year plan didn’t account for dating a superhero. What happens when your color-coded schedule clashes with saving the world?

College Romance: Astrid’s plan for medical school is perfect. Her plan for falling for Max Martin, the nerdy boy who keeps disappearing mid-date? Not so much.
Normal Girl, Superhero Guy: She has a perfect sense of time. He has actual superpowers. When a supervillain crashes into her dorm room, Astrid discovers her boyfriend is leading a double life.
Witty, Heartwarming Humor: A laugh-out-loud story about the messes and triumphs of growing up, falling in love, and trying to survive your boyfriend’s dangerous job.
A Coming-of-Age Origin Story: Proving you don’t need a cape to be the hero of your own story, especially when your biggest nemesis is your organic chemistry final.

How to Date a Superhero (And Not Die Trying)

How to Date a Superhero (And Not Die Trying)