Archvillain, by Barry Lyga

Kyle is the smartest and most popular kid in school, right up until Mighty Mike enters the scene.  Mighty Mike is a product of a recent plasma storm, a storm which has also bestowed on Kyle super human powers.  Kyle sees Mighty Mike as a sham, but the rest of the school, and the town for that matter, thinks Mighty Mike is the best thing since sliced bread.  How will Kyle show the world what Might Mike really is?

This book is recommended for kids 9-12, but I have to tell you, it appeals to the kid in all readers.  I absolutely loved this book, and at a mere 192 pages, it took me about 2 hours to read.  I love the character of Kyle, and think he is relatable to a lot of kids who end up feeling like the loner.  It also made me chuckle to read the story, remembering how annoyed I was as a kid when my classmates seemed so perfect, but I could see their flaws.  I think we have all been there.

I think there are some valuable lessons embedded in the story as well.  It can serve as a precautionary tale about taking people for granted, and being a know it all.  It also stresses the importance of real friendship, which I think is also helpful for kids.  There is a lot of action in the book, and lots of talk about gadgets and technology, so I really think this book will appeal to young men the most, which is good since they tend to be less interested in reading that young girls.  However, I can see my niece absolutely loving this book, and am thereby recommending every parent and teacher check it out when it is released in October of 2010.

The ending seemed a little vague to me, which makes me wonder if it will be a book series.  I sincerely hope so, because this is a wonderful story concept, one I find fresh and appealing.  I cannot wait to see what will happen!