Rise of the Heroes

September 1, 2009
Gr 4-8-Siblings Toby and Lorna and their friends Peter and Emily come across a mysterious Web site called Hero.com that beckons them to download superpowers. Intrigued by the idea, they pick powers from vague icons and then check a "job board" from which they can choose crime-fighting missions. A bank robbery piques their interest and they fly off, unsteadily, to their first adventure. Here they meet Doc Tempest, a criminal mastermind, who is intent on taking over the world under the cover of bad weatherhe uses hurricanes and such to hide his exploits. They stop the robbery but they anger Doc Tempest, who then kidnaps Toby and Lorna's mother. The budding superheroes must now rescue her and the adventures continue. The concept of downloading superpowers is interesting, but given that the four youngsters don't know what powers they have and how to control them, the fact that they still manage to fight off an invincible outlaw seems implausible. Add to that clichéd language, flat characterizations, and obvious plot turns, and the book doesn't get high literary marks. But with its nonstop adventures and of-the-moment techy concept, it will appeal to science-fiction fans."Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2009
Grades 5-8 In this Hero.com series starter, four teenagers discover a Web site that offers super powers. Though they are positive that the site is a scam, the foursome decides to download abilities such as flight, teleportation, and laser vision. After initial troubles figuring out how to properly use each power, Toby, Pete, Lorna, and Emily discover that Hero.com really did turn them into superheroes. Soon the group is surfing for jobs and decides to stop a nearby bank robbery. When the teens foil the plans of villain Tempest, he vows revenge. Tempest kidnaps Toby and Lornas mother, and the remaining teens must use their powers to rescue her and save the world. (In Briggs anti-series, Villian.net, readers will find overlapping characters and stories about teens that chose to download supervillain powers instead.) An accompanying Web site to both series is also available. Tweens and younger teens who have wished for super powers will be drawn to this interesting concept, and there will be plenty of action to keep them reading.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)