Hero by Mike Lupica (a middle school Battle of the Books title!)

When Zach learns his dad is killed in a plane crash, he is devastated. His father was a special advisor to the President of the United States, and he was often away on business. Zach didn’t really know much about what his father did for work, but things start to get strange after he is gone. First of all, his body seems to be changing: he is stronger and can run faster than he ever could, and he seems to have a sixth sense when something is about to happen. And people are following him, people who know all about his father.

When Zach visits the site where his father’s plane crashed he meets a man named Mr. Herbert who tells Zach that he has magic within him, just like his father did. Zach realizes that his father had superpowers just like he does, and it is up to him to finish what his dad started.

Hero is a departure from Lupica’s usual sports novel, and he is already working on a sequel.  A great action story that will appeal to middle school students.  I hope the middle school Battle of the Books members enjoy it!