Blue Avenger Cracks the Code

by Norma Howe

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064473724
• ISBN13: 9780064473729
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Harperteen
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 12 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 11

Customer Reviews

It makes Shakespeare much more interesting. And its fun to read. Wow!

This book works well as a sequel to 'the Adventures of Blue Avenger,' it picks up more or less where 'adventures' ended, but is clearly its own story. I'm not going to give much away, but it involves a trip to Europe, a historical mystery, Shakespeare, and yes, a code to be cracked. Part of the story is based on 'the Merchant of Venice.' The themes of personal integrity and helpfulness are still strongly present, which I was pleased about, and this time the undercurrent is more academic and historical than philosophical. I am a huge fan of the Blue Avenger series, I first read them when I was in high school, and I can still appreciate them at 25. This particular book would be perfect for a high schooler who is studying Shakespeare at school. It would make the work much more interesting, I think.

Not to sound like a Star Wars fanatic, but...

I do not want to sound like a Star Wars fanatic, so I will say that this general formula is a tried and true method for any trilogy or three-act play. Norma Howe did a wonderful job of writing the first Blue Avenger novel! The story was MUCH more cerebral than most teenage books (I'm 31 and I like it), yet understandable and entertaining. But, at the end of it, Blue seems on top of the world. How, can she write a sequel that will be just as interesting without rehashing the original plotline? Into what I call "the Empire Strikes Back method". In the 2nd act of any good trilogy, our heroes must face problems that the reader (or viewer) earnestly feels may be too much for them. (E.G. In TESB, the rebels are routed from Hoth, Han & Leia are betrayed and captured, and Luke must face the mighty Darth Vader while only half-trained) In this 2nd act, Omaha is embittered and pulls away from Blue, the anti-bullet law may be revoked, and Blue's car is destroyed. Indeed, he seems at an all-time low, with all his triumphs of Act I reversed on him. Read on to see what happens. And also, while I don't agree with all of Mrs. Howe's ideas on free will in the 1st book, she does let the reader think-something most authors don't do anymore. Notice how a subject most youngsters find...uninteresting is expounded on in this book in such a way that makes you truly interesting in Shakespeare, Edward de Vere, and even word puzzles. One more thing, Blue's integrity is proven in this book. Despite his hormones urging him to the dark side, he intently stays true to Omaha, not even entertaining unfaithful thoughts about another girl. Commendable! Blue truly is a superhero! I do not want to give away the plot, so remember my vague refernce to TESB, and bore on full speed ahead at Warp Factor 9! (Oops, wrong show!)

Blue Avenger Cracks the Code

In Norma Howe's first book, THE ADVENTURES OF BLUE AVENGER, her main character David Schumacher changes his name to "Blue Avenger" and becomes a self-made hero. In the sequel, BLUE AVENGER CRACKS THE CODE, the adventure continues. The book opens as Blue is reading through his father's old books, which have remained untouched since his death three years before. The last book on his list is THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, and Blue begins to wonder who the real Bard was. Could it have actually been Shakespeare or was it Edward De Vere, the relatively unknown 17th Earl of Oxford? Blue, his best friend Louis DeSoto, and Louis's sister Drusie all travel to Venice in order to solve this enigma. The three friends navigate through many mysteries on this fateful trip. When the time comes for them to board the plane for their long journey home, you wonder if they will be able to resume their normal lives --- or will author extraordinaire Howe treat us to yet another installment? One can only hope that Blue will have more codes to crack in the near future. --- Reviewed by Audrey Marie Danielson

Da Blue Avenger Cracks the Code

In this book, the sequel to The Adventures of Blue Avenger, Blue continues his journey to stop crime and corruption. His adventures take him from Oakland, California to Venice, Italy, and along the way he meets many new friends. The entire plot is tangled with the mystery of weather William Shakespeare famous shakespearian plays. Many think that Edward De Vere, an english Earl, was the actual author. So can Blue find enough evidense to prove that Edward De Vere really did write the Shakespearian plays? Or while trying to prove that Edward De Vere wrote them, will he prove that William Shakespeare Reallyh wrote the Shakespearian plays? Read this great book to find out! Hope you like the book!

Blue Avenger Strikes Again

In this book, the sequel to The Adventures of Blue Avenger, Blue continues his exploits to save humanity from crime and corruption. His adventures take him from Oakland, California, to Venice, Italy, and along the way he meets many new friends. This book has many more characters than the first, which makes it even more interesting. The entire plot is intertwined with the mystery of whether or not William Shakespeare really wrote the famed Shakespearean plays. Many conjecture that Edward De Vere, an English earl, was actually the author of Shakespeare's plays. Although this book wasn't as funny as the first, the mystery makes it an even better book. Both books in the series are quick reads, but well worth the time for anyone, especially teenage readers.