Hidden Talents, published in 1999, is a novel by author David Lubar. Its sequel is the 2007 novel, True Talents
Martin Anderson cannot stay out of trouble. He seems to have a natural talent for getting on everyone's bad side. This talent lands him in Edgeview, a last-chance alternative school. There, Martin's roommate, Torchie, keeps setting things on fire, his friends are thieves and cheats, and his mouth quickly gets him in trouble with the teachers. However, as the school year progresses Martin begins to suspect that his friends aren't troubled so much as misunderstood. After researching ESP he learns his friends have special powers. He just needs to convince them of it. They must work together to stop Bloodbath's plan to sabotage Edgeview's state inspection-a task that will require Martin's own hidden talent.
The narrator and protagonist. Martin's biosmart mouth and instinctive knowledge of how to make people upset has made him few friends and landed him in plenty of trouble, particularly with his dad. Edgeview is his last hope, and he struggles to make the best of it. He has the ability to see into peoples souls, to see their deepest humiliations, fears, faults, and their wishes, dreams, values, and proud points. He hates it when people get close to him, and when they do he hurts them by telling them of all their faults. Martin hated himself for screaming at people, but couldn't help it. He is sometimes called 'Coach' by his friends because he helps them get over their talents. He has a sister named Teri who he is very close to, a father who enjoys yelling at people, particularly Martin, and a mother who is caught in the middle.
Martin's roommate. Torchie was sent to Edgeview for supposed pyromanism, but maintains his innocence. Martin discovers he actually has pyrokinesis. Torchie is kind and open, and loves to play the harmonica Martin gave him. While Torchie is not the brightest fellow he makes up for it with having smart friends who don't mind explaining things to him.
Incredibly intelligent, Cheater has an abundance of obscure facts stored away. Despite this he was sent to Edgeview for cheating on all his tests, word-for-word. This is because Cheater is telepathic; during tests he becomes distracted by the thoughts of the other students. He has a habit of taking sarcastic jokes literally. Cheater was the first Martin forced to acknowledge his powers.
Flinch was sent to Edgeview for being disruptive in class. He has precognition, and is able to see into the near-future. As such he answers questions before they've been asked, and reacts to actions before they've been taken. He is also a good comedian. Flinch is amazing at dodgeball due to his talent, and is also very good at pinball.
Lucky received his nickname due to his ability to find objects, which caused his teachers to believe he was a thief. In reality he merely found lost objects that were "calling out" to him. His ability is never specifically stated, though it is implied to be able to find stuff.Lucky is also proud and hates it when people mention anything about him stealing. He gives his friends a lot of the things he finds because he can't just get rid of them. When Lucky tries to ignore a lost item it's calling only gets louder and if he tries to just get rid of it then the voice starts to scream.
Trash was considered troubled even by Edgeview standards, and sat at a table alone at lunch before meeting Martin. He was sent to Edgeview for vandalizing and throwing objects. Upon close observation Martin discovered Trash was actually telekinetic. Trash loves art and hates it when he moves things on accident. After he found out about his talent he had an easier time fitting in. He mastered his talent the most and when he moves things it looks like a true art.
The sadistic school bully, everyone does their best to steer clear of him. After learning about the state inspection Bloodbath conspires with his gang to sabotage it in order to have Edgeview closed. He is dumb and violent. His worst fear is that people won't respect him and will laugh at him. Especially when he tries to bully them.
Lip is Bloodbath's sidekick. Weak, ugly, and scrawny, he isn't particularly intimidating without Lester by his side.
Principal davis: the principal of edgeview school