Synopses & Reviews
Alvin Bixby: Hulking, knuckles of steel, hideous breath, foul temper. Kids call him: Bubba.
Nolan Byrd: Puny, power walker, math genius, can't keep shoes tied. Kids call him: Nerd.
Bubba has been the bane of Nolan's existence for five long years. So when Mr. Green asks the class to become reporters, Nolan decides he'll write an expose on Bubba. He doesn't want to sign his name to it (that'd be suicidal), so Nolan creates a secret identity for himself on the Internet. He launches Shredderman.com as a place where truth and justice prevail and bullies get what's coming to them.
This hilariously triumphant story is for any kid who's ever dreamed of unleashing their own inner superhero!
Review
"[A] hilarious new series....'Wa-hoo!' for Shredderman, and kudos to Van Draanen for delivering a character-driven series that's spot-on for middle-graders and great for reluctant readers, especially boys." Jennifer Mattson, Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"[Q]uick-moving, often comical....The reactions of his teacher and classmates will be as gratifying to readers as they are to Nolan....Kids are likely to log on to subsequent tales." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Nolan's narration has a wistful reality that makes him believable and sympathetic....Characterizations are solid, if not overly complex, right down to aware parents and concerned teachers." Janice M. Del Negro, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Review
"[T]he author adds a supporting cast of unconventional characters, and pushes off a rolling tangle of subplots to set the stage for further exploits from Shredderman. They should get an enthusiastic welcome." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Readers will be impressed with the protagonist's ingenious problem-solving abilities....This entertaining story...will keep even reluctant readers laughing and wanting more stories about this cyber superhero." School Library Journal
Synopsis
Creating a secret identity for himself when he writes an expos of a bully for the school newspaper, Nolan Byrd launches Shredderman.com, a place where truth and justice prevail and bullies get what's coming to them. Illustrations.
Synopsis
Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd, tired of being called names by the class bully, has a secret identity Shredderman!
Synopsis
Never underestimate the power of the bean. Tucker MacBean has been drawing comic books almost as long as heand#8217;s been reading them. When his favorite comic has a contest for kids, he hopes he has finally found a way to fix his familyand#8212;all he has to do is create the winning superhero sidekick . . . Introducing and#8220;Beanboyand#8221;and#8212;the first comic book character to truly harness the power of the bean for good. He is strong, he is relentless, he can double in size
overnight (if given enough water).
With thoughtful characterizations and copious comic book illustrations, this laughout-loud novel will have readers rooting for a superhero with true heart.
About the Author
Lisa Harkrader's debut novel, AIRBALL: My Life in Briefs (Roaring Brook), was a Bank Street College Best book of the year, a Texas Lonestar Award Nominee, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and New York Public Library Best book for the Teen Age. She makes her home with her family on a farm in Kansas. Visit her website at ldharkrader.com.