Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J FICTION ASC | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | PB J FICTION ASC | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
In Alex Archer's previous journal, Star Jumper, he revealed how his amazing cardboard spacecraft was tragically destroyed during a pillow fight with his little brother Jonathan. Alex knows that all geniuses encounter a setback now and then, yet this setback has only spurred him on to even greater achievements. Alex's new spaceship is twice the size of the old one and is equipped with many astonishing features, such as a telescope that can see around the universe and an electromagnetic shield stronger than Superman's cape! But will Zoe Breen want to be Alex's co-pilot when he leaves Earth and goes galaxy-hopping? And what about Alex's rotten little brother? Does Jonathan really want to drive Alex stark-raving mad? Or is he just looking for some big brother attention? Find out the answers to all these questions and more as the cardboard genius unleashes his brainchild -- the Gravity Buster -- and defies the laws of physics! But who will bring him back down to Earth?
Author Notes
Frank Asch is the author and illustrator of more than 70 books for children. His picture books with Kids Can Press include Ziggy Piggy and the Three Little Pigs and Mr. Maxwell's Mouse (illustrated by his son, Devin Asch). Frank lives in Middletown Springs, Vermont.
Frank Asch is the author and illustrator of more than 70 books for children. His picture books with Kids Can Press include Ziggy Piggy and the Three Little Pigs and Mr. Maxwell's Mouse (illustrated by his son, Devin Asch). Frank lives in Middletown Springs, Vermont.
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-The young inventor featured in Star Jumper (Kids Can, 2006) returns in a second novel full of amazing contraptions and humorous escapades. This time, the self-proclaimed "Boy Supergenius" perfects his spaceship and develops several other handy gadgets along the way. His primary materials are cardboard, duct tape, and other household supplies, and his major challenge is the interference of Jonathan, his pesky little brother. Alex's spirited narration conveys his earnest enthusiasm while inviting readers to smile at his assorted mishaps. Lighthearted interplay between brothers successfully drives the plot along with the series of inventions. An otherwise typical sibling argument, for instance, occurs after Jonathan cuts off his brother's left foot (painlessly and temporarily) with the Quantum Sword that Alex just built from magnets, a paper clip, and other items. The older boy gradually realizes that Jonathan is pretty clever in his own way, and agrees to take him along on his next outer-space adventure. Alex's creations are far-fetched, but they involve basic principles of science and logical problem solving, which make the results especially satisfying. Numerous black-and-white drawings contribute to the premise that the book is a scientist's journal and also match the text's whimsical tone. The combination of imaginative science and family humor should have strong appeal to children.-Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Though his original cardboard spaceship was destroyed in Star Jumper, Alex has built an even better model. As soon as he tests a new gravity-manipulation device, he'll be able to escape his little brother--and their (broadly portrayed) antagonistic relationship--forever. Frequent spot art masterfully depicts high-tech devices made of common household items, and the boundary between reality and imagination is playfully fluid. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
