Every kid wants to be a superhero. Some dream of scaling walls to fight crime while others quietly create secret identities to infiltrate the enemy, but the urge to gain glory through super-powered means is just about as American as apple juice. Which is why our mini-heroes will love the cheeky merchandise sold by The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Shop.

The website bills them as "online purveyors of high quality crimefighting merchandise," but we know better. The Superhero Supply Co. is actually part of Dave Egger's ongoing fight against illiteracy and stunted creativity. The critically-acclaimed author of the novel A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius is also a community man, and has 826 National to prove it.

826 (named for the address of the San Francisco location) is an unique kind of writing center, where inner-city kids can learn creative writing and self-expression. With centers throughout the U.S., it's one of the most visionary and colorful nonprofits around.

And if quirky smart products like  brain-shaped food molds, gold lame capes, and secret identity kits weren't reason enough to scoop up some gear at The Superhero Supply Co., here's another: Proceeds from the smart little online shop go to supporting kids at the 826 centers, thus making you the real hero.

Can't make it down to Brooklyn? They've also got an online store.