The Adventures of Blue Avenger by Norma Howe

The Adventures of Blue Avenger (original 1999; edition 2000)

I first read The Adventures of Blue Avenger because it had a picture of a superhero on the front and a cool title, but it is a really deep book! It's about a teenage boy who decided to change his name to "Blue Avenger" because he saw a lot of hurt in the world and wanted to make a difference. The main theme of the book, though, is how he wonders where everything that happens is predestined or whether we really have free will. It is open-ended about that part, leaving it up to the reader to decide what he/she thinks. It is an enjoyable read with a lot of character development and relationships between characters. (

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DavidDunkerton | Apr 1, 2010 |

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From Kirkus Reviews: "n a funny, warmly romantic tale from Howe (Shoot for the Moon, 1992, etc.) an impulsive decision leads an average teenager into fulfilling his desire to be “Secret champion of the underdog, modest seeker of truth, fearless innovator of the unknown.” David, after announcing on his 16th birthday that he’s officially naming himself after a comic book hero, is catapulted into a string of situations requiring quick, clever action, from a killer bee attack on the principal to the impending demise of the privately funded school newspaper due to [an] illustration."

vashonpatty | Apr 2, 2023 |

One-of-a-kind philosophical YA novel. Very short, but also smart and touching. Definitely worth the read, ends on a cliff-hanger of sorts. (

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themulhern | Jun 23, 2019 |

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DavidDunkerton | Apr 1, 2010 |

Bravo! Wasn't sure what I expected when I started this book. The first few pages kind of shocked me, but I couldn't put it down. A great read. (

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MDLady | Nov 22, 2008 |

David Schumacher wakes up on his 16th birthday determined to make a difference in the world. No more trying to fit in and be like everyone else. Because he knows he is absolutely unique. And so, David decides to change his name. His new name? the Blue Avenger. When he changes his name, things start to happen. David becomes a hero, meets an equally extraordinary girl, begins his effort to bake the perfect lemon merangue and drives his guidance couselor crazy. If you like quirky books and don't like the ordinary, this book is for you. (

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mamasigs126 | Sep 16, 2008 |

I didn't enjoy the writing style for the first few pages, but the moment David's Mom complained about the word moniker, I was hooked. The main characters in this story continually did things that were both totally unexpected, yet completely in character. (

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francescadefreitas | May 25, 2008 |

David Schumacher and Omaha Nebraska Brown discuss free will and other philosophical quandaries in their quest to understand life and parental death and desertion. David decides his destiny is to change his name to Blue Avenger, a decision which adds levity and myriad mishaps to the novel's depth. (

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eagletlab | Oct 5, 2007 |

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