Common Sense Media Review
Quirky book's mature content is best for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Secret champion of the underdog, modest seeker of truth, fearless innovator of the unknown! When teenager David dons a blue vest and headdress and changes his name to Blue Avenger, he becomes the unlikely hero of his high school. This witty tale of teen eccentricity, unlikely coincidences, and thoughtful musings keeps readers chuckling and wondering.
Is It Any Good?
Part comedy, part adventure, and part witty discourse on free will vs. determinism, this delightfully oddball romp is a breath of fresh air. Thought-provoking yet lighthearted, poignant, and at times hilarious, the story deliberately stretches credulity to show that there are no coincidences. The author takes the reader backstage, behind the scenes of Blue's life -- and of life in general. Skirting the edge of off-color humor (the book's knockout opening pages discuss the moment of Blue's conception in comically clinical terms), Norma Howe hooks the reader into a raucous philosophical dialogue in which events are traced backward to their unlikely -- and usually unknown -- causes, until all of life's events begin to seem like the most farfetched coincidences.
A book like this may get even the most reticent adolescent thinking and talking. This happily quirky way of looking at life is a tonic, renewing the reader's faith in the wonder and joy of our own little lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the book's questions about free will. To what extent do you believe in free will? What about coincidence? How do you think the young hero of the story would be received if he showed up at your school dressed up as a super hero?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1999
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 14
- Number of pages : 230
- Last updated : July 12, 2017
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