The Adventures of Blue Avenger

Book review by Matt Berman, Common Sense Media
The Adventures of Blue Avenger Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Quirky book's mature content is best for teens.

Norma Howe Coming of Age 1999
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 17+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that some sexual content and language make this best for teens.

Community Reviews

swampfoxsouth
swampfoxsouth Adult
March 16, 2023
age 11+

Excellent threequel is great for tweens; some violence, language - Hawkeye 3

CSM LANGUAGE GUIDE: A few instances of "hell," "goddamn," "prick," "whores," "dick," "Jesus," "oh my God," "bastard," "s--t," and "a--hole." Middle-finger gestures.
Skylar H.
Skylar H. Adult
October 30, 2017
age 12+

lololollololololololool

it gud

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

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

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