Meet the Gecko (Shredderman) (Paperback)

by Wendelin Van Draanen (Author), Brian Biggs (Illustrator) "I was in the middle of updating my Shredderman Web site when Dad barged through my bedroom door..." (more)
Key Phrases: big butt, Old Town, Cedar Valley, Miss Newby (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6 - The endearing cyber-superhero, Shredderman, otherwise known as Nolan Byrd, exposes yet another annoying nuisance through the use of his anonymous Web site. The 11-year-old's favorite television superhero, The Gecko, comes to his hometown of Cedar Valley to shoot an episode, and Nolan's father, a newspaper reporter, is assigned to cover the story. The boy not only gets to meet Chase Morton, but also plays video games with him, and the two form a friendship. School bully Bubba Bixby also wants to meet the popular on-screen personality, causing even more tension between the two boys. As Nolan witnesses Bubba's resentment toward him, he learns that sometimes being a superhero is about "being bigger than yourself," and invites Bubba to meet Chase. Nolan is also successful in exposing an unethical photographer, causing quite a stir in the journalism community. The protagonist's strength in rising above his fear of Bubba and showing compassion for him is gently and poignantly portrayed. Reluctant readers will find this book accessible, and the use of modern technology to fight the "bad guys" is an appealing inclusion. - Jennifer Cogan, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Nolan Byrd is delighted to learn that the cast of his favorite television show The Gecko and Sticky is coming to his town to film an episode. He's even more pleased when his journalist father announces that he's been assigned to interview Chase Morton, the young star of the show, and invites Nolan along. Chase and Nolan hit it off immediately, and Chase confesses his fear of a whacked-out reporter called the Mole, who has been stalking him. Nolan takes a picture of the Mole committing an act of vandalism and spreads the information through his Internet alter ego, Shredderman. At the same time, Nolan reaches out to his nemesis, Bubba Bixby. This is the third in the Shredderman series, all of which feature short chapters and a lighthearted, fast-moving story, with Nolan serving as a true hero, despite his geeky ways. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 169 pages
• Publisher: Live Oak Media (October 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1430101075
• ISBN-13: 978-1430101079
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,394,627 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous series, November 28, 2005

By	N. McDaniel "mother of 2" (Charleston, WV, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Shredderman: Meet the Gecko (Hardcover)

This entire series (my 9 year old son has not yet read the 4th book) if terrific. The books are entertaining, humorous and fast paced. Nolan has problems that any elementary school boy might face - like being a nerd or facing a bully. Nolan handles his problems in a unique but clever way by using his computer geek skills. As a parent, I am thrilled with the moral lessons that can be found in each of these books - using brains is better than using force, your parents may not be as awful as you thought, all kids have the potential to be heroes, kids should strive for truth and justice... Buy this series for your kids. They will LOVE it - and so will you.

5.0 out of 5 stars good book, May 11, 2009

By	lauraswindow "lauraswindow" (tucson, arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shredderman: Meet the Gecko (Paperback)

My son, who doesn't read (age 11) read one of these books from the school library and then asked me to get him the rest in the series. I saw my son get ready for bed and then say: "I'm just going to read for a while before going to bed" WOW

He got done with both of the books we ordered, in the same week. This is the kid who can't see any reason to read, except the instructions on the video games! Somehow the subject matter is interesting to him!

4.0 out of 5 stars Granddaughter loves this series!, September 30, 2008

By	Zinda Foster (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Shredderman: Meet the Gecko (Hardcover)

After reading Shredderman 1 & 2 my 9 year old granddaughter just had to have 3 and 4. It's a great series on honesty, doing the right thing, bullying and creativity.