Blue Avenger Cracks the Code - Softcover

Howe, Norma

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0064473724 ISBN 13: 9780064473729

Publisher: HarperTeen, 2002

Synopsis

What do an amorous Shih Tzu, a computer game, and the complete works of Shakespeare have in common?

Maybe nothing. Or maybe everything. It's a mystery...some would say a code. A code that only an adept code-cracker like Blue Avenger (aka David Schumacher), secret champion of the underdog, modest seeker of truth, and fearless innovator of the unknown, would even think about trying to decipher. And it couldn't come at a better time. Having accomplished several seemingly impossible missions, Blue is now a superhero without a cause, directionless and nearly girlfriendless. When he is offered a chance to visit Venice, it seems the forces of nature have aligned, and like all good and noble superheroes, Blue must choose to accept his mission.

About this title

Review

Who can crack complicated ciphers faster than a speeding bullet? Or leap tall gondolas in a single bound? It's a supercomputer, it's an Olympic athlete, no, it's Blue Avenger, a.k.a. David Schumacher, Norma Howe's 16-year-old self-made superhero. Blue is back for another round of everyday miracle making in Howe's deliciously clever sequel to The Adventures of Blue Avenger. This time our hero is on the hunt for the true author of Shakespeare's plays--was it really William Shakespeare? Or could it have been the obscure 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere? While he searches for clues to the history mystery, Blue also manages to score a trip to Venice, foil the foul dog-napping of his grammy's beloved Shih Tzu, and discover a sure-fire way of securing the copyright of his friend Louie's stolen video game idea. But even as he saves the world bit by bit, Blue can't help but wonder what it will take to finally win the trust and love of his friend and crush, the fair Omaha Nebraska Brown. Cracking the code of her heart may end up becoming Blue's biggest challenge.

Like its predecessor, Blue Avenger Cracks the Code is full of engaging, interlocking plot lines that Howe juggles nimbly and matches up neatly by book's end. Has learning through fiction ever been so fun? Full of facts and factoids, Code will have teens running out to research the 17th Earl of Oxford and trying their hands at Francis Bacon's Bi-Lateral Cipher. As always, the Avenger's adventures are true Blue, and very cool. Stay tuned for the next installment! (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

From the Inside Flap

urs, 3 cassettes

"Unless and until someone can convince me otherwise, it's goodbye, Mr. Shakespeare--hello, Oxford!"

Blue's new challenge is tackling the greatest mystery in all literature: Who wrote Shakespeare's plays? Blue is sure that Edward deVere, the Earl of Oxford is the true and long-hidden author of the greatest plays in English. But whether he can prove Oxford really wrote Shakespeare's plays is up to the reader.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperTeen
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0064473724
• ISBN 13: 9780064473729
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 368