Book Review: The Silence

THE SILENCE by Mark Alpert is the final book in The Six trilogy.

The trilogy revolves around Adam and the pioneer program that’s intended to protect society from digital threats. In this action-packed conclusion, Adam finds his new powers difficult to control. The Silence along with surprising revelations adds a new dimension to the trilogy’s storyline.

Librarians will find this trilogy popular with science fiction fans and those that enjoy robotics and technology.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 4, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Titans

TITANS by Victoria Scott is a captivating near-future, science fiction, young adult novel involving high-stakes, mechanical horse racing.

Astrid Sullivan lives in a working-class neighbor near the race track where jockeys practice with their robotic horses known as Titans. Designed by and for the wealthy elite, these life-like horses have ruined the lives of many poor people who gamble on the outcome of their popular races. However math-whiz Astrid jumps at the chance to recondition an old Titan and enter it in a race that could change her life.

The heart-pounding race descriptions along with the moving stories of friendship and family will keep teen readers engaged from beginning to end. Fans of romance may be disappointed, but others will enjoy the lack of a love interest and focus on friendship instead.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to both horse and fantasy lovers. Fans of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater will enjoy this title too.

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

Published by Scholastic Press on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Soar

SOAR by Joan Bauer tells the powerful story of a heart transplant survivor who becomes an amazing baseball coach.

Although Jeremiah isn’t allowed to run because of his heart transplant, he hasn’t given up his baseball dreams. Instead, he decides to turn his middle school baseball team into champions. Along the way, he connects with a neighbor and brings a town alive.

Librarians will find this heart-warming story to be a great addition to the library’s realistic fiction collection. Books about sports are always popular with boys, but this title crosses boundaries and its likely to inspire a wide range of readers. The focus on coaching rather than playing baseball provides a unique perspective. The robotics, steroids, and adoption subplots provide a bonus that will appeal to some youth.

Keep in mind that this title also fits well with the growing number of books exploring ways youth are overcoming disabilities.

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

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Challenge: Robots

CHALLENGE: ROBOTS from National Geographic is an educational game involving youth in solving real-world problems.

Designed for grades three through ten, the online activities explore key concepts related to engineering. Students act as engineers to solve a series of problems at RoboWorks. Students begin with an orientation that reviews the six steps of the engineering process. After completing the Orientation, students work their way through a series of online activities including Build a Robot, Robotic Bees, Ocean Cleanup, and Tunnel Explorer.

Librarians will find this resource to be a motivating way to promote the engineering aspect of STEAM. An educator guide provides lots of extension activities for both the library and classroom settings.

To visit the website, go to http://education.nationalgeographic.org/g…/challenge-robots/.

Book Review: Secret Coders

SECRET CODERS by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes combines an appealing action adventure with concepts related to computer programming.

When Hopper arrives at Stately Academy, she has a tough time fitting in until she meets a boy who shares her passion for solving the school’s mysteries. Together, they use binary numbers and beginning computer programming to unlock secrets kept by the school’s custodian.

Written for middle grades students, the graphic novel seamlessly weaves mathematics and computer science concepts into a witty school story. The attractive illustrations contribute both to the engrossing tale, as well as understanding of the math concepts.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to children who enjoy smart school stories. It also provides librarians with the chance to promote nonfiction books related to codes, computer programming, and robotics. Connect the book with makerspace activities related to STEAM. Mystery lovers will also enjoy the story’s unusual cast of characters.

Teachers will find this new series to be a wonderful way to help young computer scientists learn programming concepts. The memorable stories provide a meaningful context for remembering key ideas.

To learn more about this amazing new series, go to http://www.secret-coders.com/.

Published by FirstSecond, an imprint of Macmillan on September 29, 2015.

Book Review: The Six

THE SIX by Mark Alpert is a heart-pounding near-future thriller exploring artificial intelligence, digital preservation, and what it means to be human.

Adam’s body is withering away from the effects of muscular dystrophy. Along with five other terminally ill teens, Adam undergoes an operation that allows his brain to be merged with a computer to produce the first human-machine hybrids. Since the army controls the technology, The Six pioneers are obligated to work with the military on a top secret mission to destroy a rouge artificial intelligence known as Sigma who is about the exterminate human life on earth. The conclusion sets up the premise for a new series that’s likely to be popular with YA science fiction fans.

Alpert’s fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and attention to scientific detail will be a draw for many young science and science fiction fans. Librarians will find this adventure-suspense equally popular among both male and female teens. Use this book to inspire youth to go back and read the works of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and others. Also tie this work of science fiction with nonfiction books related to artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics, and physics. The many thought-provoking issues addressed in the text make it a good choice for book club discussions.

Librarians need to be prepared for questions about when the next book in this series will be available. It’s sure to be a YA hit.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 7, 2015.