It's not a contest, but this is one of my all-time favorite reader messages:

"Dear Mr. Bart King, you are my favorite author. Please write back and tell me why!"

You may need to re-read this post.

I’ve slowly been working on BartKing.net, and one of its improvements is the “Contact Me” section. Recently, I got these two charming messages . . . but they make me worry if there is a re-reading “arms race” going on!

Message 1:I just finished your Big Book of Superheroes for the third time. And, for the third time, I liked it a lot. I am just writing to ask a question and praise you on your writing. First of all, I was just wondering how long it took you to write this book. It looks like you had to do a lot of investigation for it. Second of all, I love your writing! I like the humor you put into your stories. It brightens life.
Hope to hear back from you soon! Message 2:Just wanted to let you know that the Big Book of Spy Stuff is the best book I have ever read, and I read a ton of books. I have read it 15 times (still counting) it is even starting to fall apart. I found it very informational, and funny.
Excellent writing,from [name redacted]Age 12

"It's a green light—so why isn't that car moving?

*notices license plate*

"Oh, I guess she's on a really good chapter."

Via.

Who is this mysterious masked hero?

All I know is that he lives somewhere in North Carolina. 

(Thanks, Chris M.!)

Don't you hate it when people just skim through their books?

Via Welcome to My World of Daydreams.

Need help picking your superhero name?

That's where The Big Book of Superheroes can come in handy—it has a whole chapter devoted to picking the right name! For example, above is how the Crimson Goddess gets ready for school. :)

(Thanks, Jillian S.!)

"Mischief" in the beauty salon?

Thanks for the shout-out, Raven!

"What are you doing today?"

Can you spot the coolest person at this concert?

Via.

Psst! Want to read a really cool letter?

I've thanked this kind reader individually, but here I'd like to just add: YOU RULE. :)

Somebody stop him!

Wait, never mind. You might wake up the dog! 
(Photo of Nick courtesy of his mom, Elizabeth.)

I agree with what he said.

Sometimes it's fun to go on Twitter and run a search on your own name. That's what I just did; here's what I found!

Thanks, Mitchell J.!

Readers and Non-Readers

I guess this isn't that surprising. (From Hunch.)

Reed Reader

I was looking at Eliot Hall at Reed College when I spotted this gnomish reader. Nice spot for a book, eh?