A Special Power [CD-ROM]

Glen Ebisch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

What happens when teens have extra-sensory powers that they can't control...

A Special Power is the story of three thirteen-year-olds with special, paranormal powers. Told from Greg's point of view, a boy who can move objects with his mind, we also meet Jessie, who can read minds, and Suzanne, who can see the future. Since none of them is in full control of their abilities, they are sent by their families to spend time after school with Professor Altman who studies such phenomenon and has had some success in enabling young people to control their paranormal abilities by having them work as a team to solve mysteries.

They quickly become involved in helping Professor Grodkind who believes someone has been stealing copies of his exam. They are in the process of solving this case, when a fire breaks out in Professor Altman's laboratory leading them to believe that there is a further mystery underlying the one they are attempting to solve. At the same time Greg feels that his control over his power is steadily slipping away making him an increasing danger to others and to himself.

The characters discover that special powers demand special responsibilities, but that they can rise to the occasion by working as a team.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Glen has been writing fiction for fifteen years concentrating primarily on mysteries for young people; five of his mysteries have been published in paperback by Harlequin. Glen tells us, "I think the fundamental point of mystery writing for both young people and adults is to develop complex characters and place them in puzzling and dangerous situations that capture the reader's imagination. A story that doesn't entertain is a story that has failed."

Glen has a PhD in Philosophy and teaches at a small college in western Massachusetts where he lives with his wife. In the past, among other things, he served in the army, worked in the business-side of an off-broadway theatre, and was a popular substitute teacher. All of those experiences have helped shape the types of stories he writes. Glen's hobbies include yoga, weightlifting, and (of course) reading mysteries.

Product Details

• CD-ROM
• Publisher: Bookmice.com Inc. (October 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 1931071276
• ISBN-13: 978-1931071277
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding The Power, June 30, 2003

By 

Kevin Tipple (Plano, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Special Power (CD-ROM)

For some reason, in doing my review work, I don't often get sent "young adult" novels. I don't know why that is because it is one of the categories I gladly review. With a teenager in the house I often find myself trying to find books that are good ones to serve as a counterpoint to what the school system mandates the kids to read. Not that those books are not quality books. But often, they are books that are on very depressing subjects and a steady diet of that is not a good thing. Luckily, this one came along and provided a nice counterbalance as well as to being really very good.

This early teen novel tells an interesting tale about three very special kids. Suzanne has the ability to tell the future. Jessie can read minds; something her parents are less than thrilled about. Greg has Psychokinesis, or the ability to move objects with his mind. He has to have the object in complete visual view at all times to be able to move the object.

All three have difficulties controlling their special powers and have been brought together by Professor Altman as a result of their families' complaints. Professor Altman studies cases of paranormal psychology at the local university. Professor Altman believes he can teach them how to control their powers. He offers them an opportunity to learn how to turn their powers on and off. To do this, they will learn to work together solving some of the problems that people, including the Police, have brought to Professor Altman.

After agreeing to help, various strange events begin to happen. Told in the first person style of narration through Greg, events begin to suggest that he might be losing his mind. Even Greg suspects the worst but his new young friends are convinced that something else is going on. The events continue to build to a surprising conclusion that tests the unique as well as normal abilities of all the kids.

This short novel is very good and was an enjoyable pleasure to read. While not suitable for young children due to the subject matter, it will definitely appeal to those in the early teen years. The violence is minimal and all the characters presented are competent and realistic.

As always, please read the books that your children read. It is up to the parents to determine the appropriateness of any book because after all, who knows your children best?

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, February 3, 2001

By 

C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Special Power (CD-ROM)

A SPECIAL POWER by Glen Ebisch is the story of teenagers who have paranormal powers which they can't control. Professor Altman, a professor of paranormal psychology, attempts to teach them self-control. He's only been unsuccessful once, when he encountered a youth whose temper overrode any of the professor's teachings.

The narrator, Greg, moves objects with his minds. Jessie reads minds. Suzanne can predict the future. Together they form a team of Extrasensories who are assigned to help Professor Grodkind, who believes someone has been stealing copies of his exam. When a fire breaks out in Professor's Altman's laboratory, the team quickly realizes that there's more than just missing exams afoot. In addition, Greg fears that his powers are slipping even further from his control, endangering everyone around him.

Written from a fascinating premise, A SPECIAL POWER has tension, suspense and enough twists to the plot to keep the reader highly entertained. I hope to see sequels to this one! Perfect reading for young teens, I Highly recommend it.