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57 pages 1 hour read

Hidden Talents

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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David Lubar

Hidden Talents

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Edgeview Alternative School • Contemporary

Publication Year

1999

Publisher

Starscape

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

630L

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Super Short Summary

In the 1999 fantasy novel Hidden Talents by David Lubar, angry teen Martin Anderson is sent to Edgeview Alternative School where he discovers that he and his friends possess unique supernatural abilities. Together, they learn to control their powers and use them to protect their school from bullies and oppressive administrators, ultimately working to create a safer and more supportive environment for all students.

Humorous

Mysterious

Hopeful

Playful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,122 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Hidden Talents by David Lubar is praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, making it appealing to young readers. The blend of humor and supernatural elements provides entertainment, yet some critics feel the plot's resolution is predictable. Overall, it effectively captures the struggles and growth of its teenage protagonists, resonating well with a teen audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hidden Talents?

Readers who enjoy Hidden Talents by David Lubar are typically young adults who appreciate witty, character-driven stories with a touch of supernatural elements. Comparable to those who relish Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan, they delight in tales of misfit teens discovering hidden abilities in unconventional settings.

4.3

3,122 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Martin Anderson

A sarcastic and troubled 13-year-old who struggles with authority figures but finds friendship and self-discovery at Edgeview Alternative School.

Martin’s first friend and roommate at Edgeview who has a unique connection to fire and presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

A student at Edgeview known for his uncanny ability to replicate answers, which stems from his ability to hear other people's thoughts.

An athletic student known for his nervous anticipation, stemming from an ability to sense future events slightly ahead of time.

A strong, supportive friend with the ability to psychically tune into whispered messages from discarded objects.

A solitary student at Edgeview with telekinetic abilities, often misunderstood due to his tendency to unintentionally cause chaos.

An antagonist and bully at Edgeview who frequently torments other students and poses a significant threat to their safety.

Martin's family, with a dominating father, a loving yet fearful mother, and a loyal sister who writes to Martin during his time at Edgeview.

The enthusiastic science teacher at Edgeview who interacts positively with Martin and is admired for his approach to engaging students.

The principal of Edgeview, who struggles with managing difficult students like Martin, often viewing him as nothing but trouble.

An earnest and idealistic English teacher whose encouraging, though sometimes irritating, efforts help spark creativity in her students.

A history teacher known for her interactive class approach, involving students dressing up as historical figures.

A geography teacher with a reputation for being strict and intimidating, often remembered for his authoritarian style.

A student at Edgeview known for comic relief through his infamous bouts of intestinal gas.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Edgeview Alternative School • Contemporary

Publication Year

1999

Publisher

Starscape

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

630L

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