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240
Novel • Fiction
Edgeview Alternative School • Contemporary
1999
Starscape
Middle grade
10-14 years
630L
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
3,122 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
3,122 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Torchie (Philip Grieg)
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.
Cheater (Dennis Woo)
A student at Edgeview known for his uncanny ability to replicate answers, which stems from his ability to hear other people's thoughts.
Flinch (Willis Dobbs)
An athletic student known for his nervous anticipation, stemming from an ability to sense future events slightly ahead of time.
Lucky (Dominic Calabrizi)
A strong, supportive friend with the ability to psychically tune into whispered messages from discarded objects.
Trash (Eddie Thalmayer)
A solitary student at Edgeview with telekinetic abilities, often misunderstood due to his tendency to unintentionally cause chaos.
Bloodbath (Lester Bloodbath)
An antagonist and bully at Edgeview who frequently torments other students and poses a significant threat to their safety.
The Andersons
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.
Dale Briggs
The enthusiastic science teacher at Edgeview who interacts positively with Martin and is admired for his approach to engaging students.
Principal Davis
The principal of Edgeview, who struggles with managing difficult students like Martin, often viewing him as nothing but trouble.
Ms. Nomad (Priscilla Nomad)
An earnest and idealistic English teacher whose encouraging, though sometimes irritating, efforts help spark creativity in her students.
Ms. Crenshaw
A history teacher known for her interactive class approach, involving students dressing up as historical figures.
Mr. Langhorn
A geography teacher with a reputation for being strict and intimidating, often remembered for his authoritarian style.
Waylon Grestman (Hindenburg)
A student at Edgeview known for comic relief through his infamous bouts of intestinal gas.
240
Novel • Fiction
Edgeview Alternative School • Contemporary
1999
Starscape
Middle grade
10-14 years
630L
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