Happy Birthday, Hero!

By Zoe Quinn

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

This is the beginning of a new series called The Caped 6th Grader. Zoe loves the comic book adventures of Lightning Girl, has a crush on the very cute Josh Devlin, and likes being a social activist like her mom. But on her 12th birthday, Zoe has a big surprise. She develops super powers like superstrength and superspeed! Her grandfather, a retired superhero, gives Zoe the news that becoming a superhero is a genetic trait that can skip generations. Superheroes have to follow a strict pledge and become trained and can never ever tell non-supers (like her parents and best friend) that they are superheroes. In this first installment, Zoe discovers her powers and begins training with her grandfather. She isn't allowed to use her powers until the Superhero Federation gives her permission. But how can she not use them when duty calls? Zoe manages to save her friends from a falling light at the dress rehearsal of the school musical and gets away with it. Is it her imagination, or did the new girl Caitlin have something to do with it? With a jewel thief nicknamed the Slink around town, it looks like Zoe may have some detective work to do! But that will have to wait for further books. Readers might be frustrated by how little really happens in this first book, but it should whet the appetite for more! A fun, light read.

The Legend of Bass Reeves

By Gary Paulsen

Rating: 3 3/4 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

This book is described as "being the true and fictional account of the most valiant marshal in the west." And how true that is! Bass Reeves was an African-American slave in the mid-1800's out in the Wild West. After a fight with his master, Bass runs away as a fugitive into the notorious Indian Territory. The Indian Territory was 20,000 square miles of bad country, filled with every lawless white man hiding out from justice. Bass is adopted by a Creek Indian family after saving their daughter from a wolf attack. When the slaves are freed after the Civil War, Bass marries, raises a family and becomes a successful rancher. Then he is approached to become a federal marshal when he is already in his 50's. He becomes notorious for bringing out thousands of wanted men from the Indian Territory, and despite being shot at countless times, he was never wounded. He never shot first, and fulfilled his duty with courage and honor. Paulsen fills this tale with excitement and adventure about a real person who actually upheld the mythical code of the Wild West. Readers will be fascinated by this slice of true legend.

Blind Mountain

By Jane Resh Thomas

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

Prefer your adventure story to be pure and straightforward? You'll enjoy this book. 12 year old Sam would rather be playing guitar with his new band than following his father and their dog Mac up a mountain. Then disaster strikes when his father gets hit in the eyes with a branch. The hit blinds his dad while they are still near the top of the mountain. Now Sam needs to get them back down on his own. Throw in no cell phones, not being on a marked trail, not having any camping supplies, and having a hungry cougar stalking them, and there's plenty of adventure to be had. Sam, Mac and his father grapple with life and death. Will they make it down the mountain in one piece? A quick, exciting read for outdoor survival and adventure fans.