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The Computer's Nerd by W. Royce Adams Rairarubia Books
book review by Laura Miller Edwards
"Arthur swallowed. His dry voice cracked. 'This is crazy. Impossible. It can't be happening.' He stood up and backed away. ... 'Ah, but it is, Arthur. It is happening. You've opened The Game.'"
Thus begins the chain of events that allows Arthur, a bullied know-it-all to have revenge on his tormentors. A lonely, intelligent boy, Arthur is often the first to answer in class, to correct a mistaken fellow student, and to be on the receiving end of name-calling and even physical violence from three boys at school. When his father finds a computer for Arthur, he's ecstatic, and when the computer offers a way to exact vengeance on the boys picking on him, Arthur jumps at the chance. But when events take a disturbing turn, and "The Game" begins to take on a life of its own, Arthur must decide if his vengeance is really worth the price the computer requires.
The Computer's Nerd will appeal to elementary and middle school aged children who've been the object of bullying, and it is a must-read for would-be bullies of the same age. It explores the darkness we are all capable of versus the determination to do right, a tough choice to make when vindication is offered at the click of a mouse. Adam's clear and entertaining writing style will pull in younger readers, and his creative solutions and plot twists will keep them reading. The central theme of the book ultimately deals with the feeling of powerlessness so many children face and teaches that the ability to change your life begins within.