Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Commissioner Gordon's daughter rebels in twisty origin tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
At the start of THE ORACLE CODE, Barbara "Babs" Gordon is shot and paralyzed below the waist. Over her objections, her father sends her to the Arkham Center for Independence. Babs rebels against any suggestion that she should try to fit in and address the trauma she has suffered. She soon becomes embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of a younger girl, especially after Babs begins to hear strange voices in the hallways at night. Forced to confront her own past, Barbara charts the first steps in her journey to future superhero-dom.
Is It Any Good?
Modern heroes are more vulnerable than they have traditionally been, and this affecting origin story presents the first case of a disabled sleuth who needs to define a new way of life for herself. In The Oracle Code, author Marieke Nijkamp makes Barbara Gordon's emotional journey essential to the thriller plot, and supplies a diverse group of secondary characters to support her quest for the truth. Artist Manuel Preitano is adept at portraying a wide range of emotional states, especially as the mystery becomes more bizarre. The solution to the case may seem obvious to older readers, but there are enough plot twists to keep them and younger younger readers engaged and looking forward to further adventures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Oracle Code portrays kids with disabilities. What accommodations can be made for certain strengths and weaknesses?
What are some of the signs of trauma? What kinds of treatments help people who have experienced trauma?
How is computer hacking portrayed in the book? What kinds of hacking are legal and which are not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Manuel Preitano
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Superheroes , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : DC Comics
- Publication date : March 10, 2020
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Paperback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate