Rise of the Heroes by Andy Briggs - OPTIONAL

Briggs, Andy HERO.COM: Rise of the Heroes, 251 pgs. Walker & Company, 2008. $7.99 Language – PG (3 swear, 0 “f”), Mature Content – G; Violence – PG; 

As much as people imagine having superpowers, no one actually believes that they can receive them. Until it happens. At first, Toby and his friends like the adventure and excitement of doing the impossible, but then they realize that having these powers isn’t just a game. Now they’re off to defeat a real supervillain, but what can a bunch of inexperienced kids do?

Of course the premise is exciting to think about, because we ponder superpowers and love the impossible, but I also liked the idea of anyone becoming a hero. Becoming a hero is what we do, not necessarily the powers behind what we do. However, I did not like the opening scene of the book; not that it’s a bad scene, but that Toby flashes back to the real beginning of their story. I didn’t like it because it felt like a trick and I became annoyed after just starting the book. 

MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen