There is no doubt in my mind that our house will be buzzing soon about the new superhero movie, Thor: The Dark World which is scheduled to be released on November 8.  I don't know if I can take another sci-fi, superhero, slash 'em up or beat 'em up movie! I'm the only female in my home now with my husband, our three sons, and two male dogs.  Chick flicks are far and few between around here, unless my oldest stepdaughter agrees to go with her 'ole stepmom to the movies.  But, there is one superhero-themed story that I do recommend for stepfamilies with children ages 4-9.

I've had the pleasure of reading a new book, Heroes, Villains, and Vincent written by Trenton Payne and illustrated by Shahab Shamshirsaz.  Trenton's book is beautifully illustrated, eye-catching, and will certainly keep kids' attention.  The main character in Heroes, Villains, and Vincent is asked to choose sides by his mom and dad.  He is torn between becoming a superhero like his mom and stepdad or a super villain like his dad and stepmom.  I don't want to spoil the ending, but I do want to let you know that Vincent's letter to his mother, father, and stepparents made yours truly, as a mom and stepmom, pause to think as well.  I wish every parent in a stepfamily could see Vincent's letter.

It's clear that the author's heart is into supporting children who are going through transition in their blended families.  Trenton Payne started a small publishing house that celebrates positive parenting through its books. Kudos to Trenton and Shabab for creating a thought-provoking book that can be a valuable tool for parents and stepparents alike.  

If only I could have had this book ten years ago!  It certainly would have been a great reprieve from the superhero syndrome I am facing on family movie nights with all of the guys in our house.  Then again, I do enjoy escaping to spend some girl time with our oldest daughter.  It's surely a blessing that I never thought would have happened.

Note:  I did not receive any payment for endorsing this book.  I think it's important to let blended family members know about helpful and valuable resources to help them on their remarriage and stepfamily journey.

Stepmoms!  Are you interested in helping the field of research related to stepfamily relationships?  If so, you can be a research volunteer by answering a survey out of Texas Woman's University, for a study called "The Effects of Stepmother-Stepchild Relationship, Age Differences, and Gender Differences on the Quality of Stepchild and Biological Child's Relationship." 

Your response will lead to a better understanding of the stepmother's role and its impact on stepsiblings' relationships.  If you are or know a stepmother with at least one biological child and one stepchild - 6 to 18 years old - you are invited to check out the research website.  The Survey Password is:  family

Thanks for contributing to this very important body of research.

 *** 9/12/13:  This survey is now closed.