Zero to Hero (Ghost Buddy #1)

By: Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver

Narrated by: Henry Winkler

A hilarious new series from Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver, authors of the best-selling HANK ZIPZER books!

Billy Broccoli is new to the neighborhood, and wants cool friends and a spot on the baseball team more than anything. But the one thing he never wanted is his own personal ghost. So imagine his surprise when he ends up sharing a room with Hoover Porterhouse, a funny ghost with a whole lot of attitude. When an obnoxious school bully sets out to demolish Billy, the Hoove comes up with a plan for revenge. It’s all in the Hoove’s Rule Number Forty-Two: Stay cool. And like it or not, Billy and the Hoove have to stick together if Billy ever wants to get in style, get even, and conquer the school.

©2012 Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver (P)2011 Scholastic Audio

A fun story

Would you listen to Ghost Buddy: Zero to Hero again? Why?

I would and have listened to Ghost Buddy: Zero to Hero a few times. The first time was because the story is enjoyable. We have Billy Broccoli, a young teen. Billy has to deal with a new step dad, new step sister, new home, new school. Billy is embarrassed by the fact that his mom is his school principle. All this is complicated by Hoover Porterhouse the ghost who inhabits his home. Hoover died at a slightly older age then what Billy currently is. I listened to the story again to pick up on more details in the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ghost Buddy: Zero to Hero?

I enjoyed when Hoover decided he likes Billy. Hoover decides to take Billy under his wing. Billy is slightly nerdy. Hoover takes it upon himself to teach Billy how to dress, walk, talk and act. Billy has the goal of getting more friends then he had at his old school. He reluctantly goes along with Hoover's suggestions. There are a lot of things that happen because of and in spite of Hoover. I don't want to give spoilers. There are several moments that are funny and memorable. It is the funniest when Hoover becomes very angry with the neighborhood and school bully's treatment of Billy. He decides to spy on the bully to see what he can discover. The school bully has a secret. Hoover talks Billy into teaching the bully a lesson. Billy reluctantly agrees.

What about Henry Winkler’s performance did you like?

Henry Winkler's voice fit the story. It was easy to picture the scenes and events. The characters seemed more alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The story isn't that long. It was easy to listen to in one sitting. This is especially true because it moves along briskly.

Any additional comments?

The problems that Billy and Hoover have are presented in detail. It is obvious Billy will do the right thing. The fun part is the doubt that is present until the ending. You wonder until the end if Billy will do what Hoover wants him to do. Hoover's advice is 'do bad in order to do good' or 'the end justifies the means'. Billy doesn't want to do this. Hoover is a strong force in his life. In the meantime, Hoover has his own set of problems he must work through. Billy has a strong positive influence on him.