lindageorge's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. The good nerdy kids conquer the big mean bully! This also has the star of the book appreciating his own family a lot more after he sees how the bully is treated by his family.
readertz's review against another edition
3.0
Secret Identity is a great book about standing up to a bully. It's got humor and a pretty good story. Nolan is tired of the class bully picking on him and the rest of his classmates so he comes up with a plan to expose the bully's secrets. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a short funny book. Secret Identity is first in a series of four Shredderman books.
sandraagee's review against another edition
4.0
I love the cheesy justice of it all. Something about this book just makes me happy. :)
I listened to this one as a audiobook. It's narrated by an 11-year-old boy, but it's not too painful - he's really good about 99% of the time. His voice for a random classmate though was hilarious - apparently there's one British kid in the class. :P
I listened to this one as a audiobook. It's narrated by an 11-year-old boy, but it's not too painful - he's really good about 99% of the time. His voice for a random classmate though was hilarious - apparently there's one British kid in the class. :P
bookishb1tch's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
In order to get back at the school bully, Nolan creates an anonymous website under the pseusonym "Shredderman" where he posts pictures and videos of the bully's heinous acts.
Maybe it was the narrator of this audiobook or maybe there are illustrations in the book that make it more interesting, but I just wasn't all that wowed by Shredderman. I can definitely see how it could appeal to kids, though. The hero is a tech-savvy bully fighter who posts jokes and a big picture of the bully's bottom on his website. I think reluctant readers would enjoy this one.
Maybe it was the narrator of this audiobook or maybe there are illustrations in the book that make it more interesting, but I just wasn't all that wowed by Shredderman. I can definitely see how it could appeal to kids, though. The hero is a tech-savvy bully fighter who posts jokes and a big picture of the bully's bottom on his website. I think reluctant readers would enjoy this one.
margaretann84's review against another edition
1.0
Telling teachers about bullying problems: good.
Telling parents about bullying problems: good.
Sticking up for yourself against people who bully you: good.
Getting photographic/video evidence about bullying going on: good.
Posting it anonymously online with mean songs, insulting comics, and so on: cyber-bullying. BAD.
I usually like Van Draanen's books, but this one was massively disappointing. I was actually offended when the teacher pulled Nolan aside and told him he APPROVED of the site--really? I mean, I guess you could argue that Alvin/Bubba deserves a taste of his own medicine, but if any teachers I know said something like that (that a kid's revenge on another kid was a good idea), they'd probably be fired. Nolan would've been better off just turning in the photos and videos in to the office, rather than acting like a bully himself. In an age where cyber-bullying is such a big deal and a lot of kids think they can just say or do what they want online with no negative consequences, this book sends a terrible message. Anything positive that can be gained from it (sticking up for yourself, don't change to please other people, and treat others as if someone was always watching you) is completely overshadowed by the fact that Nolan acts just as bad Alvin/Bubba in the end!
Telling parents about bullying problems: good.
Sticking up for yourself against people who bully you: good.
Getting photographic/video evidence about bullying going on: good.
Posting it anonymously online with mean songs, insulting comics, and so on: cyber-bullying. BAD.
I usually like Van Draanen's books, but this one was massively disappointing. I was actually offended when the teacher pulled Nolan aside and told him he APPROVED of the site--really? I mean, I guess you could argue that Alvin/Bubba deserves a taste of his own medicine, but if any teachers I know said something like that (that a kid's revenge on another kid was a good idea), they'd probably be fired. Nolan would've been better off just turning in the photos and videos in to the office, rather than acting like a bully himself. In an age where cyber-bullying is such a big deal and a lot of kids think they can just say or do what they want online with no negative consequences, this book sends a terrible message. Anything positive that can be gained from it (sticking up for yourself, don't change to please other people, and treat others as if someone was always watching you) is completely overshadowed by the fact that Nolan acts just as bad Alvin/Bubba in the end!
havesomeshawarma's review against another edition
4.0
I remember eating this book up as a kid, but as an adult cleaning out my old bookshelf, I have a bit more trouble taking vindictive pleasure from the downfall of a fifth-grader. I think the messaging got a bit straighter at the end, and Shredderman became a force for justice instead of vengeance. Still, heroes show mercy, and I wish book one had emphasized more of that.
But I also remember reading it, so I'm sure that kids are smart enough not to let their anti-bullying strategy to be influenced by this fun power-trip of a book.
But I also remember reading it, so I'm sure that kids are smart enough not to let their anti-bullying strategy to be influenced by this fun power-trip of a book.
falconerreader's review against another edition
2.0
I was expecting this to develop into a lesson about cyber bullying and the fact that you can't justify cruelty with "he-started-it," then I realized there was only one or two chapters left--not enough time to address the issues. Instead, the adults give explicit approval of Nolan's revenge. Creepy. As a teacher, I'm pretty sure Mr. Green, while otherwise great, could be fired for encouraging a kid to post a hate site, even if it's about a truly awful child.
On the other hand, I read the entire book on the bus home from work today, so obviously a quick read for those who are intimidated by longer chapter books.
On the other hand, I read the entire book on the bus home from work today, so obviously a quick read for those who are intimidated by longer chapter books.
mrswriterchick's review against another edition
3.0
Story of one kid's way of dealing with a bully. While I wanted a little more of the "real world consequences" for his method, it does touch a bit on the bully's motives to make him a tiny bit more relatable at the end.
mjcourchesne's review
4.0
I read this book for the In2Books ePals reading program. I found it a thought-provoking read for kids on how one kid dealt with a bully in his school in a clever (though perhaps a bit deceitful) way. I am eager to read what my student thought!
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