The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus Electro

I Can Read: Spider-Man

by Susan Hill

Spider-Man is in for a shock! Electro plans to steal the city's power supply, and he won't let anything get in his way. Can Spider-Man save the day before it's too late?

Genres: Superheroes, Spider Man, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Susan Hill, graduate of Bowdoin College, resident of Portland, Ore., is the author of many children's books.

She is also published as Susan Hill Long and Frances Ann Ladd.

Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.

Reviews

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son loves superheroes (what little boy doesn't), so I knew he would enjoy this one. I think he expected a little more from the story, but there was enough action to keep him happy.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a part of the "Adventures of Spider-Man" anthology:

We really enjoyed this one. My daughter was very excited to see Spider Man fight the bad guys.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on my book review blog, The Overstuffed Bookcase. It was reviewed as part of a feature called Kiddo's Corner Reviews, where my 6-year-old reviews books.

First Thoughts...

We read the book.

Me: What was this book about?

Kiddo: Um, it's about Spider-Man fighting Electro.

Me: Is that all?

Kiddo: Yeah.

A Bit More Detail...

Me: So what was your favorite part?

Kiddo: (Thinks for a while) When Spider-Man ran into the pipe.

Me: Why is that your favorite part?

Kiddo: Because he figured out what to do next.

Me: What's your least favorite part?

Kiddo: Umm, when Flash Thompson throws a water balloon at Peter Parker.

Me: Why is that your least favorite part? Because Flash is mean to Peter?

Kiddo: Yeah.

Me: Did you like the artwork?

Kiddo: Yeah. (He was not feeling too talkative today.)

Final Thoughts...

Me: So how many stars would you give this book?

Kiddo: (He draws a star on my page of notes and then writes 100'00 which he says is one thousand.)

Me: So 1,000 stars? That's what you want to give it?

Kiddo: Yeah.

Me: Why so many stars?

Kiddo: Because I like the pictures and the writing.

Me: Would you like to say anything else about the book?

Kiddo: I give it 2 thumbs up! (He then tries to draw a thumb on my notes and then writes "I give up!!!" on the paper.)

The Verdict...

Since the Kiddo is still learning to read (and he's starting to get really good at it!), these I Can Read early reader books are great. And I love the fact that they use characters and subject matter that kids are truly interested in, because it really helps them to enjoy reading right from the beginning. The Kiddo gives Spider-Man versus Electro 1,000 stars, but I'm going to give it 4 stars from the both of us. Spider-Man is one of the Kiddo's absolute favorite characters, and I love that he can read a book about him all by himself!

Disclaimer: The Kiddo received this book from Santa in his stocking. We were in no way compensated for this review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My nephew and I liked Spider-Man Versus Electro, but I think he was more enthralled with Spider-Man Versus Venom.

The bad guy in this one meets expectations as far as bad guys go, but I guess he really wasn't that exciting to my nephew. My nephew is four, so he doesn't have any idea what electricity is. Not knowing what electricity is is kind of a problem when the bad guy in your story harnesses it to do his evil deeds.

The main problem I had with this book is that Spider-Man uses water to neutralize Electro. The book is careful to say to kids, "Don't try this at home," but I wonder if there might have been a less potentially deadly way for kids to see Spider-Man defeat his foe. Maybe this is a golden opportunity to talk to children about keeping electricity and water well away from one another.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the other spiderman readers better. They made electro soooo hard to beat and it seemed forced to me. Of course I am a 32 year old girl who would be picker about her spiderman characters. I would love if we could get actual marvel writers to do these and give them a little freedom to have some fun. Oh well. Ages 3+

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very basic storyline doesn't necessarily translate to early reader. The words used are complex and long. The storyline, which includes a lesson on bullying, is fine. My nephew will enjoy it, but he won't be able yo read a large portion of it, even with help, unless that help is reading the word fir him.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excited super-hero battle between Spiderman and Electro. This book could be used to teach electricity concepts in science. It also introduces the characters before the story which is helpful when teaching story elements.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this one when I was browsing at 1/2 price books. I ended up spending twice the amount I received for the books I turned in on more books for the boys. They were really happy with the new purchases, so I guess it was worth it.

[Katielibrary · Rating 2 out of 5]

for comic book and siderman lovers this is a hit. I never got into comic books. this time spider man stops electro from taking the city's power.

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end, Electro makes a face that looks like Emerson when he's angry.