HERO.COM: RISE OF THE HEROES by Andy Briggs

Pay attention closely, because I am going to tell you the only thing that you need to know to make this book walk out of your store by the pile (or create a huge waiting list for it in your library): It is about kids who figure out how to download superpowers on the internet. That's all you need to know. Seriously. I have sold a stack of these (and the first book in its companion series, VILLIAN.NET) on the basis of that one sentence. That's all kids need to hear. You should see their eyes light up. Why didn't someone think of this idea a long time ago? I have to be honest and say that this book did not knock my socks off. I think the writing could be stronger. Parts of it seem a little derivative of things like X-Men. But I have talked to the kids I've sold it to, and they're all anxiously awaiting the next books, because the only thing that matters is that It is about kids who figure out how to download superpowers on the internet. Two of the kids are boys and two are girls, which makes it even more perfect. The covers are eye-catching. The books are paperback originals. And did I mention It is about kids who figure out how to download superpowers on the internet.  This is a brilliant book to have on the shelf for summer reading. The whole idea could have been conceived in a lab, it's so brilliant. If you missed this one in your Walker catalog when you were ordering last fall, do yourself and your bottom line a favor and order a bunch in. It is a no-brainer easy sell that will have your kid customers buzzing. I'm looking forward to seeing if this series catches on (and hoping it does, because I need sequels to sell). More than one kid has said that they wished it was a TV show, and you know what? That's not a bad idea. The author writes scripts, too, so I'm sure he's already thought of it. Mr. Briggs, I think you'd have an audience waiting for you.

Comments

[Lisa Chellman]

I'm sold! Ordering for my library right now... thank you!