6th grade & up. The sports references worked for me because of who Zach was. Really nice pacing & sequencing. The characters are believable & I'd like to read the next. But when is it coming out? No news on Lupica's website nor Ingram. It's won or been a nominee for enough awards, so what's stopping him from making another?

(From Ingram) Awards: Delaware Diamonds Award | Nominee | Middle School | 2011 - 2012 ; Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award | Nominee | Children's | 2012 - 2012 ; Kentucky Bluegrass Award | Nominee | Grades 6-8 | 2012 - 2012 ; Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award | Nominee | Grades 6-8 | 2012 - 2012 ; Georgia Children's Book Award | Winner | Children's Book | 2013 - 2013 ; Bluebonnet Awards | Nominee | Children's | 2013 - 2013 ; South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award | Winner | Junior Book | 2012 - 2013 ; Nevada Young Readers' Award | Nominee | Intermediate | 2014 - 2014; Massachusetts Children's Book Award (MCBA) 2013-14 nominee ( )

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I felt like this book was a long introduction to a series. I really enjoyed the setting as Zach roamed around Central Park and Manhattan.
14 year old, Zach Harriman has just received the worst news any kid could get… his dad was killed in an airplane crash. Knowing his father’s dangerous line of work, Zach is determined it was no accident. He sets out with his best friend, Kate, to find out how it happened. Along the way, Zach finds out more information about his dad and himself. Apparently, Zach and his dad are not like everyone else. They have special powers and Zach plans to put them to use in order to find out who killed his father. As time passes, he finds himself between his “Uncle” that he loves and an old man, Mr. Herbert. He doesn’t know which one is telling him the truth and wishes his father was here to help him. ( )

This book is about a boy who loses his father, and then soon finds out that he is a super hero. This is a book for older students fourth through sixth grade. To use this book in your classroom, you can talk about character development and heroism. ( )

Very interesting book. It kind of reminded me of the gallagher girls series but more towards boys and super powers. ( )

Very interesting book. It kind of reminded me of the gallagher girls series but more towards boys and super powers. ( )

I read this book aloud to my 5th grade class, and they loved it. Mike Lupica is already a favorite, and this book also engages those readers who are not interested in his sports themed novels. ( )

Hero, by Mike Lupica, was provided by IJustFinished for review. And I'm glad they did!

What a fun YA novel. Fourteen year-old Zach lives in New York, plays in Central Park, and adores the rare times he gets to spend with his dad. His dad is a special assistant to the President of the United States of America. And he's a superhero. Only Zach doesn't know that, until he visits the site of his father's death in a plan crash. Soon Zach starts to experience rushes of super abilities, and two different adults that knew his father's secret vie to be his guide to the inevitable conflict with The Bads.

I have some minor nitpicks with the story, but overall I really enjoyed this story. I don't know if it's the first in a series, or stand-alone. It works either way - it sets up the world and conflict to come, but there's just enough resolution for me that I'm satisfied with the ending.

Some of my nitpicking: Zach and his best friend, Kate, go alone to a beach house for a week. There's a set-up for the battle with The Bads, as Zach's dad called them, but we only get a small glimpse of them in small skermishes and one larger event at the end. There's no real motivation shown for The Bads other than wanting Zach for their own purposes. That's just a couple of minor issues in an enjoyable book.

Hero is a quick read with a fun story that moves around New York City and touches on the possibility of a much larger world awaiting Zach.
( )

Strangers. As a kid, you are never supposed to talk to them, the old saying stranger danger still applies to kids and teens. But to one 14 year old boy, strangers didn't mean danger, especially when the stranger "knew his family."

Being the son of Tom Harriman must not have been easy. Tom Harriman was a hero trying to save the world. From who? The Bads, a group of people trying to take over the world, to be the evil rulers.

Zachary is Tom's son, and when Zachary has to take his dad's place as hero, he meets a stranger and becomes unsure of who to trust. He later finds a strange partnership that sends Zachary abrupt inch with anger.

The book ended very quickly, which made me hope for another book. I loved how the book wasn't all just paragraph or too much dialogue where you lost halfway through. There was a perfect mixture that made it hard to put the book down. The paragraphs went into great detail and the action was around every unknown corner.

Mike Lupica is a fantastic sports writer, who adds deep detail to all his writing. I really wish that there was another book, a sequel to HERO. ( )

WATCH BOOK TRAILER

In this fast-paced adventure story, fourteen year old Zach Harriman races to uncover the mystery behind his dad’s death, while also learning to control his new superhero powers. Will he discover the truth and learn to trust himself in time to face his father’s fiercest enemies – or will he be too late?

This was an enjoyable adventure, though I could have done without the "bads" and some of the slang - it felt awkward. Billy's transformation from regular kid to hero follows the progress of his journey to understanding his father and the heritage he shares with his father. ( )

I have never been one to read comic books or even enjoy the movie renditions of them, but as soon as I began reading Hero, I was hooked! Lupica uses many references to today's popular culture that would draw kids in even quicker. The suspense will stop any reader from putting the book down and creates a tidal wave of a climax! I loved the tug-of-war between good and bad, along with main character Zach's battle with who to really trust when solving the mystery of his father's death. This book would be a great mentor text to get students thinking about writing science fiction and a perfect choice for reluctant readers (especially middle schoolers). I couldn't find the grade level but I think that it is probably around 6th and the interest level is anywhere from 5th to 9th grade. ( )

Bourne movie-like action kept me reading this thoughtful and thrilling adventure. Lupica puts us inside the head of his hero, Zach Harriman, as he struggles with who to trust, including himself. We feels Zach's feelings of both devastation as he loses his beloved father and excitement as he comes into his powers. The twists and turns were many: I wanted to know as much as Zach who Mr. Herbert really was. I loved his relationship with best friend, daughter of the live-in help, Kate. She always gives Zach the truth and is there for him, even when he thinks he doesn't need her. I look forward to further adventures of Zach Harriman and hope Kate continues to be his "right-hand woman." ( )

Library Summary: "Fourteen-year-old Zach learns he has the same special abilities as his father, who was the President's globe-trotting troubleshooter until "the Bads" killed him, and now Zach must decide whether to use his powers in the same way at the risk of his own life."

Personally, I really liked this book. The main character is someone that most people can relate to. I mean, not that most people have superpowers that they never knew that they had until now. I mean that the main character sort of feels like he never knew his father at all. Some people have felt that way about someone.

I also liked this book because of the action in it. The action made it a real page turner. Even though it was unrealistic. Like the fact that "the Bads" just disappear when Zach defeats them. But sometimes, unrealistic action is just what we need to really get into a book. I recommend this to anyone who likes action stories. ( )

Mike Lupica's style of writing kept the momentum flowing in a way that made me keep turning the pages and I enjoyed aspects of it, but certain things did not ring true. First, we learn that his father has died and also that he is being bullied by Spencer. The outcome of his scene in the park with Spencer does not make sense as it does not showcase any of Billy's powers. Since the book is about the discovery of Billy's powers, what then is the point of adding Spencer as a character unless we see those powers emerge in a scene with Spencer? Also, after this scene with Spencer, we never hear about Spencer again. We learn about Billy going back to school, but it is portrayed like an aside. If Spencer was to ring true as a character, why did he fade into the distance? If a bully succeeds in beating up someone he has been tormenting, he is not going to suddenly stop bullying them yet after this scene. Second, I was expecting the lead-up to be to something unique, but instead it was like a scene from "The Bodyguard" movie so his powers did not seem in any way remarkable. It does read like a movie too so I could not help wondering if Mike Lupica has had experience writing scripts. Third, although I liked the part where we learned about the identity of the old man, his death shortly thereafter fell flat. The old man's reasons for being ready to go did not ring true since we, the readers, and Billy had learned so little about him and his purpose in regard to the baddies. As such, I felt no emotion for this character at all so his death seemed pointless.

While the ending created an opening to a series, I was left feeling that I had not really learned anything by the book's ending. I still was not sure what Billy's powers were or why he had them, who the baddies were and why they were there, and why Spencer was in the story. What I expected was a big revelation about Billy's powers and why his father died, a more solid purpose in regard to Spencer's role in his life, and a more solid connection between the old man and Billy. Also, Kate seemed to serve no purpose other than to get Billy to open up, act as a shoulder in need so he felt listened to and accompany him on excursions. When the baddies arrived, all she did was stand on the sidelines and watch so to speak. The characters need to be fleshed out more in order to create a strong purpose and connection with readers. I feel there is potential for a second book in the series if these matters are addressed in the sequel. Otherwise, I feel readers may again end up with more questions by the book's end than a feeling of resolve. ( )

I would tell them that it has a lot of action, mystery, and plot twists and a very good story line. Q4P4 AHS/Conner F.

8th grader Zach Harriman is the only son of Tom Harriman, famous "troubleshooting diplomat" who works for the president of the United States. After a successful European mission, Tom's plane mysteriously crashes at the tip of Long Island, and Zach begins to realize that his father never told him anything important about his work... or his life, and how he became who he was. Zach begins to develop powers after meeting with an old man who knows far too many personal details about him and his father. His Uncle John warns Zach repeatedly not to trust the old man, but could he have his own reasons for keeping these new developments secret? The forces of evil, known as "The Bads" start ominously circling, and they look like they are spoiling for a serious fight... There's a lot to learn about using heightened senses against The Bads, and there are people Zach must protect: Mom and brilliant best friend Kate. Oh, and the entire population of Manhattan and a presidential candidate. Not too much to handle on top of basketball practice and homework, right? Mike Lupica draws from a long history of comic book superheroes to bring us what looks like the first of a new series. Great for 6th grade and up! ( )

I just couldn't get this one going. I would pick it up and try to read it, but couldn't help comparing to much better written stories. It did not flow well and the story really never took off. I never finished it. ( )

This book's trying to be like Percy Jackson and not succeeding. I kept waiting for the action to start, only it didn't really ever start. Supporting characters are flat, especially Zach's best friend Kate who serves no purpose other than to follow Zach around and tell him he's awesome. The entire book felt like 300 pages of set-up for an exciting story that might begin in the sequel. Ugh. ( )

When Zack's father dies, he starts to realize that he wasn't just any old government bureaucrat - he was a super-hero. Zack must pick up where his father left off to save the country from doom at the hands of its mysterious enemies - The Bads.

This was the slowest moving book about a kid with developing super powers that I've ever read. I sure hope there's not a sequel! ( )

I like Lupica's style, so I thought I'd enjoy this book as well, but I really think he needs to stick to writing sports stories. This book just didn't work for me. Firstly, the whole explanation of specific powers is quite vague, as is the explanation of where those powers came from. Secondly, the face of the enemy is also too vague, and the reader never does figure out exactly who The Baddies are, which, I understand, is probably the whole point, but I still didn't like it. Finally, the conclusion which reveals who the "old man" is, was just too sudden and too convenient for me to swallow. So, although I enjoy his facility with language, and his great sports similes, the rest of the book fell short, or, in the words of Lupica, completely missed the net. ( )

On the day that Zach Harriman's dad dies in a plane crash, his life begins to change. At first, he's not sure what is happening. He has an intense sixth sense. He feels to compelled to do things but can't explain why. His eyesight has sharpened. He can't get hurt.

When he meets "Mr. Herbert" at the remote crash site on Long Island, he discovers the truth. With Tom Harriman's death, Zach has become the world's only hero. There's no time to think about it. He's got work to do.

This is sci-fi that reads like contemporary fiction, and although it’s somewhat of a departure from sports for best-selling author, Mike Lupica, sports fans can rest assured that there are many sport analogies and references within Hero. This is a smartly written book - mixing political intrigue and adventure seamlessly with the school and family life of a wealthy, 14-year-old Manhattanite.

Only one person is listed as narrator, Dan Bittner, but it sounds as if there are two, so distinct are the adult voices from that of Zach Harriman's. Chapter One opens with the voice of Zach's dad, Tom Harriman. The listener is immediately enveloped in Tom Harriman's latest "mission," witness to his powers, privy to his thoughts. And then, Tom Harriman is gone. The mature voice of Tom Harriman makes the opening of Hero sound like an adult political thriller - a gripping and powerful beginning. Bittner switches effortlessly between the voices of Zach, best friend Kate, Mrs. Harriman, and the many adult males in the story. Although school features prominently in the story and Zach is the _target of the school bully (obligatory for those with superpowers, no?), the real action takes place outside of school where Zach must navigate the dangerous adult world of politics, lies and evil.

There's sure to be a sequel and kids will be looking for it!
www.shelf-employed.blogspot.com ( )

Hero is a departure of Lupica from sports novels but he does a great job with it. Zach is a boy whose dad has always been the go-to man. His last assignment was trouble shooter for the president of the United States. When his plane goes down, Zach doesn't believe it's an accident and sets out to find the truth. Instead, he finds himself in the middle of a number of secrets that even his mother is not privilege to. He also finds himself confused by his new 'powers' that manifest themselves when he is angry or someone he cares about is in trouble. This must be the beginning of a series for Lupica because we just begin to understand what is in store for Zach when the book ends. ( )

Lupica's Hero is a thrilling book for younger teenagers. The story of Billy's heritage and burgeoning power is interesting and moves along quickly. I feel a superhero series is in the making. ( )