My first thought when reading this was how refreshing it was to see a main character who is multiracial. This is not a major factor in the story, but it does highlight the other questions he faces regarding his identity and place in the world. As the protagonist tries to figure out what his apparently mystical powers are, he also has to deal with more traditional coming-of-age concerns. Like other books written by this author, this story includes characters with diverse spiritual and philosophical worldviews without over-simplifying them. The author's tone encourages the readers - or any discussing these themes - to examine these questions analytically as well as respectfully.

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

For Nicholas "Nicky" Herrera, his life is simply defined by getting through the day. His very Catholic mother has a habit of reminding him how much he's like his older brother, Salvatore. His police officer father tries to keep the family peace. His other brother, Paulie, is the smart one. For Nick, who is barely making it through the tenth grade, he's finally decided that there's nothing more in his future than surviving, and possibly working at the docks or in sanitation like the goals of his best friend, Marco.

Until one day, Nick rescues a little girl from the tracks of the subway. Suddenly, he's a hero, and every quarter he tosses keeps coming up heads. When he garners the attention of Linda Lanko, the daughter of the richest developer in New York, he realizes that there might be a purpose to his life after all. Rescue opportunities are now popping up all over, and word-of-mouth throughout the city has turned Nick into a modern-day hero of Superman proportions.

Nick's heroism, of course, brings him all sorts of problems that he never even imagined. While on one hand his life now seems charmed, his personal relationships--with his family, with Marco, with Linda--are taking twists and turns into unfamiliar territory.

Then tragedy strikes a number of devastating blows all in quick succession, and Nick realizes that being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be. Who is Nick Herrera, really, and what's his purpose in life? It's suddenly the most important thing in his life to figure it out, and the way he does that will leave the reader breathless.

SPEEDING BULLET is a compelling, quick read that had me staying up late to finish it. You won't be disappointed when you pick up your own copy! ( )

Speeding Bullet is an interesting and good read. This was the book that got me to start reading. Before this I had no interest but the synopsis hooked me. I think the premise was intriguing and was easy to understand for a middle school student yet I can still look back on it as a high school student and appreciate it. For those who want a bit of thrill this is a great jumpstart to an avid reading future: trust me I speak from experience.

After becoming famous and getting the attention of the daughter of a wealthy New York City developer following his rescue of a little girl from a speeding subway train, Nick looks for other people to rescue. ( )