Book Review: The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin

THE MECHANICAL MIND OF JOHN COGGIN by Elinor Teele is a whimsical, middle grade fantasy adventure about siblings who runaway from their cruel aunt and the family coffin business.

John is a young inventor who dreams of something more than working for the family funeral business. Together with his sister, they run away from home and try to evade their mean aunt who is always just one step behind them. Along the way, the siblings meet an array of fascinating characters including a circus troupe.

Librarians will find that readers enjoy the mix of quirky humor and daring escapes. Fans of the turn-of-the-twentieth century time period and steampunk-like environments will also enjoy the adventure. John Coggin’s talent for engineering will be a draw for budding inventors.

To learn more about the author, go to http://elinorteele.com/.

Published by Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Mechanica

MECHANICA by Betsy Cornwell is a high-powered steampunk fairytale with a 21st century ending.

Loosely based on the Cinderella story, this engaging steampunk fairytale tells the classic story with a twist. Nicolette longs to invent special, ash-powered machines like her mother did, but magic is now illegal and her wicked stepmother and stepsisters keep her busy as a servant. There’s no fairy godmother, just a hint of magic and Nicolette’s unending passion to become a working inventor.

Cornell provides a refreshing twist on the classic tale. While the book has the potential to draw both fairy tale and steampunk fans, traditionalists may be disappointed by the switch ending. However, many youth (and adults alike) will cheer for the strong heroine’s decision.

With all the recent fairytale retellings, librarians have the opportunity for lots of interesting displays and promotions.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.betsycornwell.com/.

Published by Clarion on August 25, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: 125 COOL INVENTIONS

125 COOL INVENTIONS: SUPERSMART MACHINES AND WACKY GADGETS YOU NEVER KNEW YOU WANTED! is the latest amazing addition to the “125” collection from National Geographic Kids.

From a fish toilet tank and mobile sauna to a multicopter, this book is chuck-full of incredible inventions. Designed for middle-grade students, each two-page spread is filled with colorful photographs of inventions along with descriptions and interesting facts.

At three points in the book, sets of seven-related finds, gadgets, or ideas are presented. Otherwise, readers are bombarded with one invention after another in no particular order. However, a table of contents and index are provided for those interested in a particular topic or category of invention.

Youth never tire of these highly-illustrated National Geographic Kids books. They’re perfect for reluctant readers and those who enjoy short descriptions rather than long narratives. Highlighted words draw reader interest and feature key scientific ideas.

Lovers of engineering and inventions will flock to the library for this attractive and amazing book. Librarians might as well buy multiple copies with the library binding because this book will be in constant circulation.

Children can go to the website to vote for their favorite inventions at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/exp…/125-cool-inventions/.

Published by National Geographic Kids, May 12, 2015