Hidden Talents by David Lubar is praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, making it appealing to young readers. The blend of humor and supernatural elements provides entertainment, yet some critics feel the plot's resolution is predictable. Overall, it effectively captures the struggles and growth of its teenage protagonists, resonating well with a teen audience.

Readers who enjoy Hidden Talents by David Lubar are typically young adults who appreciate witty, character-driven stories with a touch of supernatural elements. Comparable to those who relish Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan, they delight in tales of misfit teens discovering hidden abilities in unconventional settings.

In the 1999 fantasy novel Hidden Talents by David Lubar, angry teen Martin Anderson is sent to Edgeview Alternative School where he discovers that he and his friends possess unique supernatural abilities. Together, they learn to control their powers and use them to protect their school from bullies and oppressive administrators, ultimately working to create a safer and more supportive environment for all students.

Edgeview Alternative School / Contemporary

Humorous / Mysterious / Hopeful / Playful / Emotional

- Hidden Talents is the first book in a series featuring a group of teenagers discovering their unique abilities, showcasing David Lubar's blend of humor, fantasy, and insightful character development.
- The novel, despite its fantastical elements, was inspired by Lubar's real-life experiences and observations during his school visits and interactions with students.
- David Lubar is known for incorporating humor and wit into his writing, which is evident in Hidden Talents as it explores themes of friendship and self-discovery.

**Martin Anderson**  
A sarcastic and troubled 13-year-old who struggles with authority figures but finds friendship and self-discovery at Edgeview Alternative School.

**Torchie (Philip Grieg)**  
Martin’s first friend and roommate at Edgeview who has a unique connection to fire and presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

**Cheater (Dennis Woo)**  
A student at Edgeview known for his uncanny ability to replicate answers, which stems from his ability to hear other people's thoughts.

**Flinch (Willis Dobbs)**  
An athletic student known for his nervous anticipation, stemming from an ability to sense future events slightly ahead of time.

**Lucky (Dominic Calabrizi)**  
A strong, supportive friend with the ability to psychically tune into whispered messages from discarded objects.

**Trash (Eddie Thalmayer)**  
A solitary student at Edgeview with telekinetic abilities, often misunderstood due to his tendency to unintentionally cause chaos.

**Bloodbath (Lester Bloodbath)**  
An antagonist and bully at Edgeview who frequently torments other students and poses a significant threat to their safety.

**The Andersons**  
Martin's family, with a dominating father, a loving yet fearful mother, and a loyal sister who writes to Martin during his time at Edgeview.

**Dale Briggs**  
The enthusiastic science teacher at Edgeview who interacts positively with Martin and is admired for his approach to engaging students.

**Principal Davis**  
The principal of Edgeview, who struggles with managing difficult students like Martin, often viewing him as nothing but trouble.

**Ms. Nomad (Priscilla Nomad)**  
An earnest and idealistic English teacher whose encouraging, though sometimes irritating, efforts help spark creativity in her students.

**Ms. Crenshaw**  
A history teacher known for her interactive class approach, involving students dressing up as historical figures.

**Mr. Langhorn**  
A geography teacher with a reputation for being strict and intimidating, often remembered for his authoritarian style.

**Waylon Grestman (Hindenburg)**  
A student at Edgeview known for comic relief through his infamous bouts of intestinal gas.

David Lubar

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Talents

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