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Talents #1
Hidden Talents
Martin Anderson and his friends don't like being called losers. But they've been called that for so long even they start to believe it. Until Martin makes an incredible each of his friends has a special hidden talent.
Edgeview Alternative School was supposed to be end of the road. But for Martin and his friends, it just might be a new beginning.
Edgeview Alternative School was supposed to be end of the road. But for Martin and his friends, it just might be a new beginning.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
David Lubar
98 books240 followersDavid Lubar created a sensation with his debut novel, Hidden Talents, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Thousands of kids and educators across the country have voted Hidden Talents onto over twenty state lists. David is also the author of True Talents, the sequel to Hidden Talents; Flip, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror selection; several short story collections: In the Land of the Lawn Weenies, Invasion of the Road Weenies, The Curse of the Campfire Weenies, The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and Attack of the Vampire Weenies; and the Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie series. Lubar grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, and he has also lived in New Brunswick, Edison and Piscataway, NJ, and Sacramento, CA. Besides writing, he has also worked as a video game programmer and designer. He now lives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidl...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
January 18, 2008
The book Hidden Talents, by David Lubar was a very, very good book. It is about a young boy, about our age, who has gotten kicked out of all of the schools back in his hometown for lipping off to the teachers and somehow always knowing just the right thing to make them feel bad. Now Martin is onto his last resort, Edgeview Alternative School. At this school he pretty much starts to do the same thing. He begins meeting a lot of new friends in the process and eventually finds out that they all have special psychic powers. For example, his friend Torchie can light things on fire using his mind, but he is always denying that he lights stuff on fire. The rest of Martin's friends also have powers, but they too, deny it. Eventually Martin proves it to them, and helps them practice with their powers to perfect them. But Martin feels bad because he thinks he is the only one without a power, but he was wrong. He too has a power of his own, and at the end of the book, he uses it to help save the school of Edgeview from being closed down by the towns people.
What I liked about this book was that it had me hooked right from the start, and I couldn't put it down. Also, I liked that I could relate to this book in many ways. For example, this famous quote is from a character named Bloodbath, "Hey, this is a toll road," Bloodbath said, holding his hand out. "Pay up." I can relate to this is because it reminds me of my daily life at school, and the people around me. At school there is always that one kid that just picks on everyone, and steals their lunch money and such things, as Bloodbath does to Martin here. "They", are called the bully. Or this quote, that reminds me of that one friend who is always lipping off to the teacher and getting detentions, "Make that a weeks detention." "Fine, I dont care!" There were no things to dislike about this book. Maybe only that it could be longer, because I was having such a great time reading it I didn't want it to end.
I think i literary term that could easily be linked to this book is Irony. Its very ironic because Martin is finding out that all of his new friends have these cool psychic powers, and he thinks he has nothing, except the ability to get in trouble with teachers. But he was wrong. Near the end of the book, Martin finds out that, he too, has a power of his own! How ironic! Here is a quote that demonstrates this irony, "So, for the moment, there were five of them. I mean, there were six of us, but only five were specail." Wow. You can just tell here that Martin really feels left out that he doesn't have a cool special power too, but it is very ironic, because in the end you find out that Martin does infact have a power of his own! What a surprise ending!
Overall, I think this book is great. I think it is the best book that I have read this year, and will read this year. I loved Hidden Talents, because first of all it had me hooked, and very interested from the start. Second off, I love that I can relate my everyday school life, to that of Martin Anderson's in this book. This book is just awesome.
What I liked about this book was that it had me hooked right from the start, and I couldn't put it down. Also, I liked that I could relate to this book in many ways. For example, this famous quote is from a character named Bloodbath, "Hey, this is a toll road," Bloodbath said, holding his hand out. "Pay up." I can relate to this is because it reminds me of my daily life at school, and the people around me. At school there is always that one kid that just picks on everyone, and steals their lunch money and such things, as Bloodbath does to Martin here. "They", are called the bully. Or this quote, that reminds me of that one friend who is always lipping off to the teacher and getting detentions, "Make that a weeks detention." "Fine, I dont care!" There were no things to dislike about this book. Maybe only that it could be longer, because I was having such a great time reading it I didn't want it to end.
I think i literary term that could easily be linked to this book is Irony. Its very ironic because Martin is finding out that all of his new friends have these cool psychic powers, and he thinks he has nothing, except the ability to get in trouble with teachers. But he was wrong. Near the end of the book, Martin finds out that, he too, has a power of his own! How ironic! Here is a quote that demonstrates this irony, "So, for the moment, there were five of them. I mean, there were six of us, but only five were specail." Wow. You can just tell here that Martin really feels left out that he doesn't have a cool special power too, but it is very ironic, because in the end you find out that Martin does infact have a power of his own! What a surprise ending!
Overall, I think this book is great. I think it is the best book that I have read this year, and will read this year. I loved Hidden Talents, because first of all it had me hooked, and very interested from the start. Second off, I love that I can relate my everyday school life, to that of Martin Anderson's in this book. This book is just awesome.
January 6, 2018
This is actually my second read... when I found out there was a sequel I decided to reread this first and am glad I did. It's a bit earnest, and the hook has been done elsewhere, but I do appreciate Lubar's voice and am not surprised he's popular among his target audience. I think this deserves the awards it's gotten.
March 29, 2009
In this book Martin is sent to the districts special school for kids who have behavioral problems. When Martin first gets there he makes friends with his roommate, Torchie, a kid who is constantly accused of setting fires. Torchie introduces him to Lucky (always accused of stealing), Cheater(always accused of cheating), and Flinch(talks out of turn in class). Eventually Martin realizes that his friends have special powers; Torchie can set fires with his mind, Lucky hears the items talk to him, Flinch can see into the future, and Cheater hears other people's thoughts. When Martin first tells his friends about their special powers, they are in denial and get angry with him. For the next few days, Martin sits with Trash at lunch, a boy who is always accused of throwing things around (it turns out he is a telekinetic, he moves things with his mind. Martin helps his friends get control of their powers all the while feeling left out. He introduces his friends to Trash when they sort out their disagreements.
There is another student named Bloodbath who is constantly torturing everyone. He doesn't have powers, he is just cruel. Eventually the school comes up for review and Bloodbath plans to sabotage the review so that the school will close and they will all be sent elsewhere. Martin and his friends with the use of their special powers manage to stop Bloodbaths tricks (setting off 20 roman candles throughout the school and starting huge fights.)
Then the committee decides they want to speak to a student and Martin is selected. The principal is very worried because Martin has a tendency to say extremely rude things to people. Martin's friends explain to him that this is his power. He can see into people's hearts, their worst fears and their greatest dreams. They tell him to try and use his powers to say nice things to the committee. Martin decides to tell the committee the truth. He explains how helpful the school really is, but that there are some students that are much more violent and cruel then the rest of them that make it hard for the kids who want to change. He also explains that the students should get the opportunity to be evaluated more then once, because it isn't fair to only give people one chance. The committee makes the changes Martin suggests.
After two months Martin goes home. He has realized that his father is a bully and that his sister needs him. Eventually all of his friends go home as well.
Interspersed throughout the book are illustrations of notes and memos that are from the teachers and principals desk. Some of these memos help the reader figure out that Martin has a power as well. Martin also realizes that his friends standing up for themselves with a bully in town (they sneak out every Friday to play pinball in town) who ended up being the mayor's son. But Martin knows how important it is that they finally stood up for themselves so he doesn't say anything.
There is another student named Bloodbath who is constantly torturing everyone. He doesn't have powers, he is just cruel. Eventually the school comes up for review and Bloodbath plans to sabotage the review so that the school will close and they will all be sent elsewhere. Martin and his friends with the use of their special powers manage to stop Bloodbaths tricks (setting off 20 roman candles throughout the school and starting huge fights.)
Then the committee decides they want to speak to a student and Martin is selected. The principal is very worried because Martin has a tendency to say extremely rude things to people. Martin's friends explain to him that this is his power. He can see into people's hearts, their worst fears and their greatest dreams. They tell him to try and use his powers to say nice things to the committee. Martin decides to tell the committee the truth. He explains how helpful the school really is, but that there are some students that are much more violent and cruel then the rest of them that make it hard for the kids who want to change. He also explains that the students should get the opportunity to be evaluated more then once, because it isn't fair to only give people one chance. The committee makes the changes Martin suggests.
After two months Martin goes home. He has realized that his father is a bully and that his sister needs him. Eventually all of his friends go home as well.
Interspersed throughout the book are illustrations of notes and memos that are from the teachers and principals desk. Some of these memos help the reader figure out that Martin has a power as well. Martin also realizes that his friends standing up for themselves with a bully in town (they sneak out every Friday to play pinball in town) who ended up being the mayor's son. But Martin knows how important it is that they finally stood up for themselves so he doesn't say anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
4 stars!
One of my favorites from when I was a kid.
One of my favorites from when I was a kid.
March 21, 2013
True talents lie in acceptance of personal imperfections.
"Hey, if I could read minds, I'd be thinking about how I could use my power to rule the world," I said.
"You sounds like a cartoon character," Lucky told me.
Flinch nodded. "Martin Mindmaster, Conqueror of the Universe."
Lucky started laughing, "With his faithful sidekick, Zucchini, who can read the minds of vegetables and fruits."
- page 184 of Hidden Talents
Leafing through my worn out pages of a book I read so many times before, I feel the same joy I felt the first time reading it many years before. Giggles escape my throat since I am astound by brilliant quotes like the one above. The thought of a superpower in reading the minds of healthy food resonates with me every time.
Hidden Talents is a special novel to me. Lubar makes a simple story extraordinary with his incomparable wit and outstanding narrative. Every time I settle down to read this story, I am immediately hooked.
Martin reputation, one of arrogance and rudeness, is farther from the truth. Too bad the world does not realize this fact. Teachers, parents, all the people in charge just do not like him. His big mouth leads to his downfall of being expelled by too many schools. The novel starts with Martin on the bus to the special high school for juvenile delinquents, the ever-exciting Edgeview. Edgeview holds Martin's journey to maturity, true friends and the discovery of supernatural talents.
I absolutely love how between each chapter there was little letters, poems, or scripts of scenes that revealed the thoughts or events of the lives of the other characters besides Martin. Above all, I love the "Why I like being me?" pieces that each of Martin's friends wrote. Especially the one of my favorite character Trash. He is certainly not a worthless piece of rubbish to me. He is a star in my mind.
"I'm sorry this is late, but I didn't feel like doing it before. Anyhow, I guess I like being me because I'm a good artist. I really like to draw. It feels good to create something new. It feels bad to destroy things. When I pick up my pen and start drawing on a blank piece of paper, I know I can make something wonderful."
- page 173 of Hidden Talents
What really makes Hidden Talent remarkable is its characters interwoven with its simple story of boys with superpowers rebelling against conforming and learning to fight for what is right. Forgetting the restraints society set and forgiving society's misjudgments.
Each character has an important role to play. Martin, the brilliant protagonist is the one who unites his friends to their full potential while learning more about himself too. Martin and his friends, Torchie, Lucky, Finch, Cheater and Trash, are all grow up magnificently throughout this novel as they learn the truth about Edgeview, their first place to belong. They are real heros!
I enjoyed the genuine journey as the group of friends steadily learn to accept what they wish was not true. Every scene is full of spark; from forgiveness scenes to playing in an arcade to a delightful science experiment that I wish I could do in school. I love the action-packed finale with its surprising revelation.
"I imagine every talent has a price, both the talents we know about and the hidden talents - the gifts we haven't yet discovered."
- page 213 of Hidden Talents
This novel in essence is one of talent.
Originally published at Unforgettable Books
"Hey, if I could read minds, I'd be thinking about how I could use my power to rule the world," I said.
"You sounds like a cartoon character," Lucky told me.
Flinch nodded. "Martin Mindmaster, Conqueror of the Universe."
Lucky started laughing, "With his faithful sidekick, Zucchini, who can read the minds of vegetables and fruits."
- page 184 of Hidden Talents
Leafing through my worn out pages of a book I read so many times before, I feel the same joy I felt the first time reading it many years before. Giggles escape my throat since I am astound by brilliant quotes like the one above. The thought of a superpower in reading the minds of healthy food resonates with me every time.
Hidden Talents is a special novel to me. Lubar makes a simple story extraordinary with his incomparable wit and outstanding narrative. Every time I settle down to read this story, I am immediately hooked.
Martin reputation, one of arrogance and rudeness, is farther from the truth. Too bad the world does not realize this fact. Teachers, parents, all the people in charge just do not like him. His big mouth leads to his downfall of being expelled by too many schools. The novel starts with Martin on the bus to the special high school for juvenile delinquents, the ever-exciting Edgeview. Edgeview holds Martin's journey to maturity, true friends and the discovery of supernatural talents.
I absolutely love how between each chapter there was little letters, poems, or scripts of scenes that revealed the thoughts or events of the lives of the other characters besides Martin. Above all, I love the "Why I like being me?" pieces that each of Martin's friends wrote. Especially the one of my favorite character Trash. He is certainly not a worthless piece of rubbish to me. He is a star in my mind.
"I'm sorry this is late, but I didn't feel like doing it before. Anyhow, I guess I like being me because I'm a good artist. I really like to draw. It feels good to create something new. It feels bad to destroy things. When I pick up my pen and start drawing on a blank piece of paper, I know I can make something wonderful."
- page 173 of Hidden Talents
What really makes Hidden Talent remarkable is its characters interwoven with its simple story of boys with superpowers rebelling against conforming and learning to fight for what is right. Forgetting the restraints society set and forgiving society's misjudgments.
Each character has an important role to play. Martin, the brilliant protagonist is the one who unites his friends to their full potential while learning more about himself too. Martin and his friends, Torchie, Lucky, Finch, Cheater and Trash, are all grow up magnificently throughout this novel as they learn the truth about Edgeview, their first place to belong. They are real heros!
I enjoyed the genuine journey as the group of friends steadily learn to accept what they wish was not true. Every scene is full of spark; from forgiveness scenes to playing in an arcade to a delightful science experiment that I wish I could do in school. I love the action-packed finale with its surprising revelation.
"I imagine every talent has a price, both the talents we know about and the hidden talents - the gifts we haven't yet discovered."
- page 213 of Hidden Talents
This novel in essence is one of talent.
Originally published at Unforgettable Books
May 2, 2022
an old childhood favorite
Of course a dog eared favorite of mine from childhood is published by Tor. Everything that speaks to my neurodivergent, bisexual sci fi nerd soul is from Tor.
One of my favorite genres is “superpowers masquerading as neurodivergence” and this book is just such a great example of that.
Full disclosure: I read this book as a cranky, mouthy teen with adhd and a big issue with authority. I then grew up to be a lawyer for children in foster care…a lot of whom go to alternative schools and are also neurodivergent with authority issues.
The science teacher def feels like the authors self insertion character — and honestly the only teacher who feels too idealized to me. He’s very Mr Holland—and I feel like there needed to be at least one scene where he’s not making the saintly, well-regulated and trained choice.
I love the diversity of this (though honestly, I think it would make more sense to have a Latino presence in the book, given the demographics of kids labeled as “troubled.”) as an adult, the whole thing feels like a veiled criticism of the educational system as a whole and how we deal with “different” children.
The portrayal of trauma as a source of empathy and also self destruction is super powerful, esp. with Martin. I also think it’s really telling that the two obviously non white characters—Flinch and Cheater—react the most strongly to being told they have powers.
I am so excited this book has a sequel!!
Of course a dog eared favorite of mine from childhood is published by Tor. Everything that speaks to my neurodivergent, bisexual sci fi nerd soul is from Tor.
One of my favorite genres is “superpowers masquerading as neurodivergence” and this book is just such a great example of that.
Full disclosure: I read this book as a cranky, mouthy teen with adhd and a big issue with authority. I then grew up to be a lawyer for children in foster care…a lot of whom go to alternative schools and are also neurodivergent with authority issues.
The science teacher def feels like the authors self insertion character — and honestly the only teacher who feels too idealized to me. He’s very Mr Holland—and I feel like there needed to be at least one scene where he’s not making the saintly, well-regulated and trained choice.
I love the diversity of this (though honestly, I think it would make more sense to have a Latino presence in the book, given the demographics of kids labeled as “troubled.”) as an adult, the whole thing feels like a veiled criticism of the educational system as a whole and how we deal with “different” children.
The portrayal of trauma as a source of empathy and also self destruction is super powerful, esp. with Martin. I also think it’s really telling that the two obviously non white characters—Flinch and Cheater—react the most strongly to being told they have powers.
I am so excited this book has a sequel!!
September 23, 2022
reminiscing reading days in elementary with good books is a must
March 3, 2015
Gah. Just lost the review I wrote for this.
ANYWAYS, my only complaints about this book was that it was too short (but it's written for a younger audience) and for the length of the book, it took too long to get to the actual meat of the thing. But, I still enjoyed everything along the way.
This book is ridiculously easy to relate to, even if I'm not a pre-teen boy who has hidden talents. This book struck more of a chord with me than most of the adult books I read, emotionally and otherwise. Simple books just translate universally so well.
This is a wonderful little gem. I'll keep it to give to my nephew someday who should be coming out any day now. ;)
ANYWAYS, my only complaints about this book was that it was too short (but it's written for a younger audience) and for the length of the book, it took too long to get to the actual meat of the thing. But, I still enjoyed everything along the way.
This book is ridiculously easy to relate to, even if I'm not a pre-teen boy who has hidden talents. This book struck more of a chord with me than most of the adult books I read, emotionally and otherwise. Simple books just translate universally so well.
This is a wonderful little gem. I'll keep it to give to my nephew someday who should be coming out any day now. ;)
June 10, 2023
As a kid, I read the next book not knowing that it was #2 in the series... so of course, as an adult, I had to revisit it and finally read the first book! And now that I have the backstory of the kids, I'm ready to reread and tackle book #2 again. Reading this brought back so much nostalgia, and I absolutely love it!
July 3, 2020
It is a good book
January 18, 2008
I read the book Hidden Talents by David Lubar. I liked this book because it has to do with telekinesis, and it is about kids our age. What I disliked about the book was that it was too short and everything happened too quick. I learned from reading this books that Martin Anderson, a boy with a big mouth, is sent from his school to an alternative school called "Edgeview Alternative School". Edgeview is where pretty much the whole setting was. Martin has been expelled from a lot of other schools for going out of his way to make a teacher fell bad and then he gets in trouble. When Martin goes to Edgeview he really gets mouthy with all his teachers except Mr. Briggs. He is roomates with Torchie and he meets a lot of friends including Torchie (who starts fires, but says he doesn't), Lucky (a kid who is always lucky at finding hidden objects, but gets really upset if you call him a stealer), Cheater (a really smart kid who always gets 100%s and is always convicted of cheating), Flinch (a hyper kid who is always jumpy and bouncy), and Trash (who just throws stuff at people). As he starts to hang out with his friends more, he goes into the town of Edgeview and sneeks out to an arcade. Later, Martin finds out that they all have hidden psychic powers, but none of them will admitt it. He helps them to practice and control their powers, and use them wisely so no one will find out their secret. Later, Martin feels sad that they have powers and he doesn't. He feels left out. Shortly after, they find out the school might close and they are having an inspection. Bloodbath, a bully, is trying to screw the inspection up, but Martin and his friends use their powers to stop him. At the end of the inspection, Martin is called in and he has to help save the school from the citizens of Edgeview who want to close it down. He discovers he to has a psychic power at the end of the book.
It is a good book and it kept me wondering because you never really know what is going to happen next.
It is a good book and it kept me wondering because you never really know what is going to happen next.
January 20, 2011
Martin has just been sent to the Edgeview Alternative School for kids who have gotten expelled from everywhere else. Martin's major problem is that he just can't stop himself from saying really insulting and hurtful things to people. He seems to fit right in with most of the other kids at the school - his roommate Torchie, who burns things but says he didn't; and Cheater, Flinch, Lucky, and Trash. The school bully Bloodbath just sees Martin as a new punching bag. As the weeks go by, Martin starts to notice that his new friends have some interesting talents. Martin decides he needs to prove to them that they have supernatural powers if he wants to keep Edgeview from getting shut down by the town.
Despite Martin's issues, he's a likable character. The story was told in a light tone, and it was clean enough for a middle school audience. I liked the pieces of writing assignments, letters, and internal memos between each chapter - they added a little more to the story (mostly the subplot of the town wanting to shut down Edgeview). Martin's relationship with his father was interesting as well, and I would have liked to see that explored more. As a book club activity I'm planning on doing some experiments with Zenner cards like they did in the book.
One thing I did not like was the principal's use of electroshock treatment on Martin - having worked in residential treatment, I know this kind of thing is used but there are a lot of safeguards in place to protect the kids. All Martin would have had to do was tell his parents about it and there would have been a lawsuit.
Despite Martin's issues, he's a likable character. The story was told in a light tone, and it was clean enough for a middle school audience. I liked the pieces of writing assignments, letters, and internal memos between each chapter - they added a little more to the story (mostly the subplot of the town wanting to shut down Edgeview). Martin's relationship with his father was interesting as well, and I would have liked to see that explored more. As a book club activity I'm planning on doing some experiments with Zenner cards like they did in the book.
One thing I did not like was the principal's use of electroshock treatment on Martin - having worked in residential treatment, I know this kind of thing is used but there are a lot of safeguards in place to protect the kids. All Martin would have had to do was tell his parents about it and there would have been a lawsuit.
August 24, 2017
When no other school will take you … you end up at Edgeview Alternative. Martin Anderson is one of those boys. All the kids there have been treated like freaks and rejects for so long that they have all started to believe it. But when Martin gets to the school he notices something that no one else seems to see. Some of his new classmates have special abilities. Martin helps them figure out their hidden talents, but how they use them he never could have expected.
The kids in this book have really hard lives. I was really impressed with that author and how he basically revealed their powers. I felt sorry for the kid who moved things with his mind. I could see how if you got angry a lot and things seemed to fly around and break all the time around you so you get blamed for all the damage even if you didn't touch things … that would get annoying and just make you even more angry. Poor kid! Anyway, If you want a good book for boys and don't mind the idea of hidden powers then this would be a good one for you.
The kids in this book have really hard lives. I was really impressed with that author and how he basically revealed their powers. I felt sorry for the kid who moved things with his mind. I could see how if you got angry a lot and things seemed to fly around and break all the time around you so you get blamed for all the damage even if you didn't touch things … that would get annoying and just make you even more angry. Poor kid! Anyway, If you want a good book for boys and don't mind the idea of hidden powers then this would be a good one for you.
June 30, 2011
I have my local children's librarian to thank for steering me to Hidden Talents-- a story of life at an alternative boarding school for boys of junior-high age who have been kicked out of more traditional schools for their unacceptable behavior, which includes stealing, bullying, setting fires, cheating, and general destructiveness. Martin, the main character, has a habit of verbally insulting teachers in ways they can't forgive. The story is told in much detail, as Martin meets and scornfully judges each boy, then finds himself becoming friends with them. I appreciated the multi-racial cast, but was getting impatient with the pace-- on page 88 to be exact-- when the story turned in a completely unexpected direction, taking flight into fantasy, science fiction, or magical realism-- I'm still not sure how I'd classify it. From that point until the end, it was compelling reading. The messages-- that each person's weakness can also be viewed as an asset, and the importance of learning self-control-- never take over or push the plot out of the way.
February 7, 2017
This is a story about Martin Anderson who goes to edgeview alternative school.Martin had to go to a special school because he was a very bad kid.One thing that I liked about the main character was that he had a special talent.His talent is really cool.Something that bothered me was that there were a lot of bad kids that do bad stuff.People who like to read mystery will like this book because,all of Martins friends have talents.
July 24, 2018
I love this book. I picked it off the shelf last night and read a few pages to my kids. They didn't pay any attention, but then I went and finished it today. I remember when I randomly picked it up from the library years ago and loved it so much I read twice in a row. It's still one of my very favorite books.
September 25, 2016
This book is very relatable for everyone who has ever felt like they did not fit in somewhere. It is light and easy to read, and Lubar's trademark sarcasm and sense of humor is in every character. The storyline didn't really peak my interest but it was still a fun read nonetheless. Definitely pick up any of Lubar's books if you need a light read.
April 13, 2019
I read this about . . . 7 years ago, maybe? I don’t remember exactly when. I read the second book first, then read this one. I remember not being that impressed.
For me, it was nothing special, but I liked being reintroduced to the characters again. :) (Also, it’s clean, so no content to worry about here - except the main character kind of being a jerk. . . .)
For me, it was nothing special, but I liked being reintroduced to the characters again. :) (Also, it’s clean, so no content to worry about here - except the main character kind of being a jerk. . . .)
October 1, 2014
i understood when the boy was getting bulled and he got annoyed and he told people
May 10, 2024
Here’s the definition of a backburner item I had been wanting to get. We’re back in the world of David Lubar, the Weenies guy. I wonder how he feels about that being his legacy to me despite all the other works he has. Ah well. I’ve been wanting to get to one of his meatier books and here’s one of them.
Published in 1999, this seems to be his first real book beyond stuff like the Pyschozone, which became Weenies 1. It got its share of honors and got a sequel. It’s turning 25 years old this year, not that the publisher will ever celebrate that it seems lol. I own the sequel physically and had been wanting to get to this first one.
Archive being my main access held me off given my current situation makes that a bit tricky since a good chunk would be me on my phone and all that. Somehow my library has the sequel and not the first one, odd. Anyway, I eventually got it so here we are.
Martin Anderson has been through a lot of schools due to his not so great attitude and so on. Eventually he ends up at Edgeview, a school that’s basically the end of the line, for people no one will accept by now which mixes in simply wonky cases and some serious bullies.
While there, he meets basically some friends that form a band of misfits that bond through how they are seen as lost causes. Soon, Martin discovers that most of them seem to have powers of sorts and starts to wonder how they can use these and if Martin has any of that himself.
So that was pretty good, a solid 3,5, I’ll say that off the bat. It’s a YA book, you can tell since it’s 213 pages and has tinier type that does play a part in me having trouble reading through some of this kind of stuff. Despite that, the writing makes it easy to read. As far as YA stuff goes, swearing is light (bastard the worst it gets) and nothing is too intense but is on the real side despite the powers.
I think he described it as “younger YA” which fits. Martin has a good voice and there’s solid humor and charming interactions. It’s mostly just seeing these interactions as we deal with a variety of teachers with different styles. It’s enjoyable and we do get some depth as we see why these kids are like this, to an extent. It’s maybe not as deep as I expected in some regards, as it does end before we get full answers to everything.
That’s what the sequel is for I guess but that was in response to the success of this so we could have been left hanging. I thought it would build to something big but the main stakes come in later and are about the school possibly being shut down. It does take about 80 pages to get to the titular talents so it could be tighter in that regard.
It’s more basic than you may think but that does help. It’s not too complicated and it was enjoyable to go through. Between chapters we get these little things like letters from his sister or exchanges from someone to the school that do add to the world, even if it feels like a way to pad the page count. Makes 213 pages fly by somewhat at least.
After everything I read, it’s weird to not have tons to say but it’s basic enough for that to be the case. It’s mostly all in the little stuff and I can’t just recap all that I guess. David Lubar is good at humor alongside other elements and some of his other works I have looked through have some clever wordplay stuff. He’s another one that I think truly “gets it’, you know? No wonder Bruce Coville approves.
Speaking of, I read the first edition which has the Bruce Coville/Christohper Pike quotes from the Psycho Zones alongside one from the Time Warp Trio guy. Good company, certainly better than the 2nd edition having an Orson Scott Card quote. Don’t worry, he seems to regret that and is based now. (Just look up his daughter Allison Lubar).
Overall, a pretty solid read. Doesn’t quite go above and beyond and feels like it’s maybe missing something but it still works. I do want to get to the sequel, maybe before the end of the year as I want to see where this can go from here. It’s not the biggest take on this setup but that made it stand out well for me. So yeah not much to add, it’s good.
The 3 reads for this week I had in mind since last week which leaves me flounder for options. So we’ll see where I go next reading this, beyond backburner items and all that. See ya then.
Published in 1999, this seems to be his first real book beyond stuff like the Pyschozone, which became Weenies 1. It got its share of honors and got a sequel. It’s turning 25 years old this year, not that the publisher will ever celebrate that it seems lol. I own the sequel physically and had been wanting to get to this first one.
Archive being my main access held me off given my current situation makes that a bit tricky since a good chunk would be me on my phone and all that. Somehow my library has the sequel and not the first one, odd. Anyway, I eventually got it so here we are.
Martin Anderson has been through a lot of schools due to his not so great attitude and so on. Eventually he ends up at Edgeview, a school that’s basically the end of the line, for people no one will accept by now which mixes in simply wonky cases and some serious bullies.
While there, he meets basically some friends that form a band of misfits that bond through how they are seen as lost causes. Soon, Martin discovers that most of them seem to have powers of sorts and starts to wonder how they can use these and if Martin has any of that himself.
So that was pretty good, a solid 3,5, I’ll say that off the bat. It’s a YA book, you can tell since it’s 213 pages and has tinier type that does play a part in me having trouble reading through some of this kind of stuff. Despite that, the writing makes it easy to read. As far as YA stuff goes, swearing is light (bastard the worst it gets) and nothing is too intense but is on the real side despite the powers.
I think he described it as “younger YA” which fits. Martin has a good voice and there’s solid humor and charming interactions. It’s mostly just seeing these interactions as we deal with a variety of teachers with different styles. It’s enjoyable and we do get some depth as we see why these kids are like this, to an extent. It’s maybe not as deep as I expected in some regards, as it does end before we get full answers to everything.
That’s what the sequel is for I guess but that was in response to the success of this so we could have been left hanging. I thought it would build to something big but the main stakes come in later and are about the school possibly being shut down. It does take about 80 pages to get to the titular talents so it could be tighter in that regard.
It’s more basic than you may think but that does help. It’s not too complicated and it was enjoyable to go through. Between chapters we get these little things like letters from his sister or exchanges from someone to the school that do add to the world, even if it feels like a way to pad the page count. Makes 213 pages fly by somewhat at least.
After everything I read, it’s weird to not have tons to say but it’s basic enough for that to be the case. It’s mostly all in the little stuff and I can’t just recap all that I guess. David Lubar is good at humor alongside other elements and some of his other works I have looked through have some clever wordplay stuff. He’s another one that I think truly “gets it’, you know? No wonder Bruce Coville approves.
Speaking of, I read the first edition which has the Bruce Coville/Christohper Pike quotes from the Psycho Zones alongside one from the Time Warp Trio guy. Good company, certainly better than the 2nd edition having an Orson Scott Card quote. Don’t worry, he seems to regret that and is based now. (Just look up his daughter Allison Lubar).
Overall, a pretty solid read. Doesn’t quite go above and beyond and feels like it’s maybe missing something but it still works. I do want to get to the sequel, maybe before the end of the year as I want to see where this can go from here. It’s not the biggest take on this setup but that made it stand out well for me. So yeah not much to add, it’s good.
The 3 reads for this week I had in mind since last week which leaves me flounder for options. So we’ll see where I go next reading this, beyond backburner items and all that. See ya then.
February 6, 2017
The book itself is written in a very interesting way - the snippets of conversations, memos between teachers and admins, and excerpts of letters from other characters give another dimesion to the ones we follow throughout the story. They also do a good job of adding tension, even though some of that tension seems like it won't pay off until the next book (though you wouldn't really know there are more books just based on the ending of this one). I also enjoyed the variety of the characters, not just in ethnicity and factors like that but in their speech and how they grow in their talents. It does take a little while to get to the crux of the story, however, and Martin's part in the whole thing seems very rushed, as though the author needed him to have a purpose and power by the end and just threw it together so that he could finish writing it.
February 20, 2022
Middle grade book about an alternative school for 6th - 8th graders.
Martin's been sent there for insubordination/disrespect. Basically, he can't stop saying the exact thing that will tic all the adults in his life off the most.
His roommate is Philip, but goes by Torchie. Things constantly catch fire around him and so the adults assume he's an arsonist. Lucky is assumed to steal things, Cheater is assumed to cheat, and Flinch is disruptive because he's so twitchy. Martin figures out that everyone has different psychic powers and gets them to practice them so they won't be spewing out in troubling ways.
He also gets the reform school reformed and manages to get sent back home.
Cw: Bullying (mostly verbal) by father, physical bullying by certain students, yelling teachers, being sent away with no way out
Martin's been sent there for insubordination/disrespect. Basically, he can't stop saying the exact thing that will tic all the adults in his life off the most.
His roommate is Philip, but goes by Torchie. Things constantly catch fire around him and so the adults assume he's an arsonist. Lucky is assumed to steal things, Cheater is assumed to cheat, and Flinch is disruptive because he's so twitchy. Martin figures out that everyone has different psychic powers and gets them to practice them so they won't be spewing out in troubling ways.
He also gets the reform school reformed and manages to get sent back home.
Cw: Bullying (mostly verbal) by father, physical bullying by certain students, yelling teachers, being sent away with no way out
April 1, 2020
I love this book! I read it first when I was 13 years old and now, rereading it at 27, it's still a favorite. David Lubar puts the reader squarely in the proverbial shoes and mind of a troubled, misunderstood, teenage boy to give a fascinating look at what it might be like to attend an alternative school. Martin, who narrates the novel, discovers that he is part of unique fraternity of students who inexplicable get in trouble with teachers, no matter how hard they try to avoid it. It's a story about sass, friendship, and self-discovery that leads to a change in perspective.
Content warnings: Rude language in the form of personal insults, and violence in the form of cafeteria fights. Mistreatment of children.
Content warnings: Rude language in the form of personal insults, and violence in the form of cafeteria fights. Mistreatment of children.
March 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book because it all the kids find out they have powers by on of there friends his name was Martian Anderson. Martian Anderson is a teenaged kid who has a smart mouth. He got sent to a alternative school called “Edge View alternative school”. The first day Martian get the Edge View he is bullied by Bloodbath his real name is Leaster Bloodbath. At the end Martian face Bloodbath and wins because all he did was punch bloodbath in the face. On some Fridays Martian and his friends sneak out of school and go to the arcade but on the way back from the arcade they get stopped but a mob that dose not like the alternative school so there was a fight and the kids from edge view win because they have powers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
"Hidden Talents", is one of my favorite books of all time. It is about a boy, Martin, that goes to a boarding school for the first time as a last resort because of his behavior. Their he meets a group of friends that are each special in their own way. They each have their own, "hidden talents." This book is filled with humor, friendships, aventures, and more. It was very well written by, David Lubar. He captured all of the personalities of all of the characters very well and added just enough seriousness, humor, and saddness. I 100% recomend this book. It is an amazing page turner that you will never want to put down. David Lubar did a wonderful job.
June 11, 2020
This was an easy and fun read. This is kind of an in-between book for me; I read easier books in between the big, longer reads. This book was fun to see how the kids handled life and how they discovered their talents. It’s interesting, but it’s definitely not one of my favorite books. I like it when the stakes in books are a lot higher, but it wasn’t too bad for how low the stakes were.
I would recommend this book to anyone 8-12 years old. It would be fascinating to that age group, but any older and you will just be a bit bored. It’s cut and dry with only male characters. Not too bad, though.
I would recommend this book to anyone 8-12 years old. It would be fascinating to that age group, but any older and you will just be a bit bored. It’s cut and dry with only male characters. Not too bad, though.
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March 2, 2021I just finished reading the book, Hidden Talents. In my opinion, it was an "all-right" book. What I like about the book was that even though Martin was expelled from three different schools, he still was actually a good kid. Bloodbath was always trying to get Martin in trouble, but he didn't win in the end. This book was not really close to true life because of the super-powers the kids have. This is not a bad thing, but it is true that no kids really can use powers like these to make a difference in their school.
A powerful message is that when we think about the powers we have in life, we may use them to hurt people, or help them.
A powerful message is that when we think about the powers we have in life, we may use them to hurt people, or help them.
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March 2, 2021The Book "Hidden Talents by: David Lubar," show the type of friendship every friend should have. Martin is a kid who gets stuck at a place after being expelled from all schools he's ever went to. When experiencing Edgeview Alternative School, he experiences different types of kids not just ordinary kids, but with secret powers. I would give this book all my five stars because I love the creativity and thought into the characters. The story shows the true meaning of friendship and how Martin and all his friends stick together to experience Edgeview. I totally would recommend this book to discover the meaning of Friendship and read and Martin and his path at Edgeview.
February 26, 2018
This book contained a very good story in it.It mainly contained friendship in it.But there were also conflicts that happened between the friends in this book.Later on in the book one of them is going to find out that his friends have hidden powers,he is going to try to convince them but they won't listen to him.Find out what happens next in the book by reading the book "Hidden Talents", by David Lubar. I recommend this book to people that like stories that talk about the characters finding out they have superpowers and trying to find out what they can use them for.
December 9, 2019
This isn't the 1st book I've read about kids who discover they have unorthodox (and somewhat unwelcome) superpowers: Sanderson's "Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians" comes immediately to mind. Short and fast-paced, this anti-Potter boarding school is bullies and fitting in and figuring out yourself. If you don't realize you can read minds, nobody believes you when you say you didn't copy during a test. Does your dad verbally bully you because your superpower is to blurt out the one thing that will make someone angry, or is he just an angry bully?
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