Dull Boy

May 11, 2009
In her engrossing first novel, Cross introduces Avery Pirzwick, a misunderstood teenager with mysterious superpowers he keeps secret. Avery tries to use his super-strength and flying ability to help others, but mostly they just cause him grief (“the only 'super' I've been to my friends lately is super lame”). He quit the wrestling team after accidentally breaking another wrestler's arm, and after additional mishaps his parents send him to an alternative school. There, he meets other misfit kids with secret abilities, like Sophie, who can stick to walls, and Catherine, who has razor-sharp claws (and a temper). Unfortunately, Avery is also being dogged by Cherchette, a superpowered adult who aims to recruit Avery and his friends for her own purposes. Like the best superhero stories, Cross's novel has crisp action sequences and a good sense of humor, but also gets deep into the fears and struggles of teenagers who simply don't fit in. “Every single one of us has secrets,” Avery reflects as the group grows more close-knit. “Only now we have them together.” Ages 12–up.

August 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Avery Pirzwick is not at all dull. He pretends to be, since being different can be dangerous. He keeps his superpowers (he is incredibly strong and able to fly) secret from everyone, even his parents. Convinced that with great power comes great responsibility, he patrols his town, trying to right wrongs. After a few "strength malfunctions," he's sent to an alternative school for troubled youth and eventually meets some other teens who are equally extraordinary (e.g., Darla is a super genius, Catherine has razor-sharp fingernails, and Nicholas has a dangerous vortex raging in his chest). Together, Avery and his pals realize that they are not freaks; they even become heroes when they catch a mugger and rescue a lost scout troop. Meanwhile, the icy, mysterious Cherchettean adult with superpowerspromises to help them reach their full potential if they will live with her. The kids eventually learn the truth about her nefarious plans, and a sequel is obvious at the book's end. Avery's narration, generously peppered with swear words, is hip, witty, funny, and sarcastic. His voice is the major strength of the novel. The secondary characters are less well drawn. Teens who enjoy science fiction/fantasy will chuckle over Avery and also be attracted to the characters' unique abilities."Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME"

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