--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What would you like to be?\" Nina asks…" description: "\"“What would you like to be?\" Nina asks. Nathaniel tosses his magical tablecloth. \"A superhero,\" he says. \"A new one.\" Caleb is sure they could muster u..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca8/jodi-picoult-45_incredible-hulk_what-would-you-like-to-be-nina-asks-nath_1549112.jpg" --- # What would you like to be?" Nina asks. Nathaniel tosses… ![“What would you like to be?" Nina asks. Nathaniel tosses his magical tablecloth. "A superhero," he says. "A new one." Caleb is sure they could muster up Superman on short notice. "What's wrong with the old ones?" Everything it turns out. Nathaniel doesn't like Superman because he can be felled by…” quote by Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca8/jodi-picoult-45_incredible-hulk_what-would-you-like-to-be-nina-asks-nath_1549112.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca8/jodi-picoult-45_incredible-hulk_what-would-you-like-to-be-nina-asks-nath_1549112.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ca8/jodi-picoult-45_incredible-hulk_what-would-you-like-to-be-nina-asks-nath_1549112.jpg) > ““What would you like to be?" Nina asks. Nathaniel tosses his magical tablecloth. "A superhero," he says. "A new one." Caleb is sure they could muster up Superman on short notice. "What's wrong with the old ones?" Everything it turns out. Nathaniel doesn't like Superman because he can be felled by Kryptonite. Green Lantern's ring doesn't work on anything yellow. The Incredible Hulk is too stupid. Even Captain Marvel runs the risk of being tricked into saying the word Shazam! and turning himself back into young Billy Batson. "How about Ironman?" Caleb suggests. Nathaniel shakes his head. "He could rust." "Aquaman?" "Needs water." "Nathaniel," Nina says gently, "nobody's perfect." "But they are supposed to be." Nathaniel explains, an d Caleb understands. Tonight, Nathaniel needs to be invincible.”” [Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-picoult/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A child imagines perfect heroes but learns no one is flawless; imperfection is inevitable. **In simple terms:** No hero is perfect; everyone has flaws. Key Takeaway Accept imperfections and seek realistic strengths. Themes imperfection heroism expectations selfacceptance Mood thoughtful reflective Type literary conversational When to use this quote - parental guidance - friendship - creative play - character development Key Concepts identity idealism vulnerability Questions to Reflect On - What qualities truly matter in a hero? - How do we balance admiration with realism? 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Nathaniel tosses his magical tablecloth. \"A superhero,\" he says. \"A new one.\" Caleb is sure they could muster up Superman on short notice. \"What's wrong with the old ones?\" Everything it turns out. Nathaniel doesn't like Superman because he can be felled by Kryptonite. Green Lantern's ring doesn't work on anything yellow. The Incredible Hulk is too stupid. Even Captain Marvel runs the risk of being tricked into saying the word Shazam! and turning himself back into young Billy Batson. \"How about Ironman?\" Caleb suggests. Nathaniel shakes his head. \"He could rust.\" \"Aquaman?\" \"Needs water.\" \"Nathaniel,\" Nina says gently, \"nobody's perfect.\" \"But they are supposed to be.\" Nathaniel explains, an d Caleb understands. 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