This is a Young Adult (YA) novel I'd give to any kid or any adult who was a kid like I was - loner, lonely, outcast, etc. If you weren't popular or one of the bullies, you'll probably enjoy how these kids figure things out and manage to carve out improvements despite the many obstacles facing them.

I just learned there's a sequel that takes place a year later; I added it to my to-read list. :) ( )

More like 3 1/2 stars. I can't believe I read through this book so quickly! I finished reading the second Game of Thrones book yesterday and felt like reading something different today and I ended up liking this book a lot more than I anticipated. There are some things which are preventing me from giving this book a higher rating, but it did not prevent me from getting the sequel off of Amazon. Full review of this book will hopefully follow after I finish the second book. ( )

I really enjoyed this book YA novel about an alternative school for those boys on their "last chance". I look forward to reading "True Talents". ( )

I have not yet read this book.

I'd have advised Lubar to make a few different choices... but he's the successful writer, so it's a good thing he didn't. Iow, the following opinions are my own persnicketiness, not an objective reaction to the book's appeal to the target audience.

For example, I wonder if kids 'get' the message that they might have strengths, too, that they can use to cope with school and not get into so much trouble, even if those strengths aren's paranormal powers. I also have trouble understanding Martin's family - if his mom is such a doormat to such a bully, how is the family not despairingly dysfunctional? I would also have liked to see the humanity of the teachers more - they were almost cardboard bad guys.

Otoh, I did really enjoy the structure of the book, the dialogue, the characters, the humor, the suspense... just about everything, really. And I can definitely see why kids (age 9 up) and teachers like this. For example, even the best schools have bullies. And Martin is a good role model. I have read others by the author and will continue to do so. ( )