Synergy: Celebrating Invention

INVENTION is the act of creating something original such as a process or device. The term invention is also used to describe something that has been invented. Generally, an invention is considered something that hasn’t been made before. It’s totally unique and based on new ideas. It’s a product of imagination.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

COPY THAT, COPY CAT! written by Katrina Tangen and illustrated by Giulia Orecchia shares inventions inspired by animals. The author is effective in introducing concepts related to biology and biomimicry through easy to understand examples. The colorful collage illustrations and predictable format will appeal to young picture book readers. The interactive flaps encourage additional engagement. ARC courtesy of Barefoot Books.

OPEN SCIENCE: KNOWLEDGE FOR EVERYONE written by Monique Polak and illustrated by Catherine Chan introduces middle-grade readers to the concept of open science and the importance of collaboration in STEM. By tracing the benefits of sharing scientific research through history, readers learn how even young citizen scientists can have a positive impact. Useful blocks of text, photographs, diagrams, and other illustrations add to the appeal. ARC courtesy of Orca Book Publishers.

GLITTER EVERYWHERE written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat explores where glitter came from, where it’s found, and where it’s going. This attractive nonfiction picture book connects glitter with science and history uncovering fascinating facts and encouraging children to think about the pros and cons of this shiny confetti. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

OPERATION CUPCAKE by Bambi Edlund is an engaging picture book demonstrating how simple machines work. In this engaging picture book, readers follow an adorable group of critters overcoming obstacles to invent the ultimate cupcake swiping machine. Readers learn about each of the six types of simple machines and its role in solving a particular problem. The ingenious story along with the easy-to-understand explanations are perfect for the target audience. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

SPARE PARTS written by Joshua Davis and adapted by Reyna Grande tells the true story of four undocumented teenagers, one ugly robot and an impossible dream. This young reader edition of the bestselling adult book and movie shares the inspiring story of two high school science teachers who inspired four teens to build an underwater robot. ARC courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan. 

Book Review: The Wild Robot Escapes

THE WILD ROBOT ESCAPES by Peter Brown is a sequel continuing the story of a robot who calls an island her home.

Roz the robot is taken to a farm where she helps a family run a dairy. After telling the farm animals about her experiences on the island, they agree to help her find a way home to her son Brightbill and her wild creature friends. Much of the story involves Roz’s journey that ultimately leads to meeting her designer.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel a popular follow-up to the original. The Wild Robot books provide a nice bridge between beginning chapter book and longer novels for young readers. Use the book to jumpstart discussions about perseverance and what it means to be human. Feature the title in a display exploring robot characters.

Published by March 13, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publishers.

Book Review: The Constellations

The CONSTELLATIONS by Claudia Gray is a thought-provoking science fiction adventure series exploring the relationship between a soldier and a robot.

In the first book DEFY THE STARS (2017), readers are introduced to teen soldier Noemi who stumbles upon a sophisticated robot named Abel. Although enemies, they work together to save Noemi’s planet of Genesis.

In the second book DEFY THE WORLDS (2018), a deadly plague threatens Genesis. Noemi and Abel once again must work together to save the universe. A cliffhanger at the end of this book establishes intriguing questions for the next book in this series.

Librarians will find an audience for this series among young adults who enjoy the combination of science fiction and adventure with a hint of romance. Exploring topics such as immortality and tolerance, the series is deeper than the standard YA options.

Published by Hachette. ARCs courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall

STRANDED ON PLANET STRIP MALL by Tom Angleberger is the first chapter book in the new Rocket and Groot trilogy for middle grade readers.

Rocket Raccoon and his giant plant sidekick Groot have crash landed on a planet that’s a giant strip mall. Filled with slapstick comedy, this unlikely duo face raccoon-eating toilets, bizarre robots, and other strange shopping related hazards. This wacky adventure features non-stop action for fans of silliness and the galaxy’s most dangerous super intelligent tape dispenser.

Librarians will find fans of Angleberger’s Origami Yoda books flocking for this new science fiction trilogy. The book will appeal to reluctant readers who enjoy the varied fonts and small chunks of text interwoven with simple artwork. With the popularity of the Guardians of the Galaxy comics and movies, this title with be popular with younger readers who want to feel connected to this media franchise.

Published by Disney-Marvel on March 8, 2016. 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/.

Multiplatform Book-Tech-App Review: Voyagers: Project Alpha

The VOYAGERS series is a multi-platform experience including books, an app, and a website filled with engaging activities.

Each book in this science fiction series is written by a different author. The first title, PROJECT ALPHA by D.H. Hale features four children battling against a wide array of creatures to become part of an elite team that will be sent into space to help save the world. The books contain attractive graphics and cool coded symbols to engage readers.

The Voyagers website contains information about each book. A “Code Entry” area is used to unlock secret information based on the codes found in the books. The “Beyond the Universe” page contains information about the team’s ship and fictional information about planets. New sections will be unlocked as each book in the series is launched. The “Project Alpha” area invites participants to take a quiz and become part of the team. Users will also enjoy creating their own ZRK Commander using the “Customizer” tool.

Voyager: The Game is an app that immerses players in the world of the books. Users pilot their space craft through an asteroid field, test their knowledge, complete puzzles, and explore planets.

This multi-platform experience could serve as the focal point for a fun library book club or literature project. Aimed at the middle grades, even reluctant readers will be drawn to the action and multi-media approach. Students would enjoy inventing their own planets and writing their own stories based on the book characters.

To visit the website for the app and games, go to https://www.voyagershq.com/.

Published by Random House Children’s Books.

Book Review: The Scorpion Rules

THE SCORPION RULES by Erin Bow is a fast-paced, young adult, dystopian drama set four hundred years in the future.

Known as Children of Peace, the heirs of each country are sent to live in a boarding school controlled by the United Nations which is run by an artificial intelligence. If a war is declared, the “hostages” of the countries involved with the conflict are killed. Greta along with her friends Elian, Xie and other classmates are faced with difficult decisions when their school is attacked.

Librarians will find this science fiction novel to be equally popular among boys and girls. The balance of violence, romance, and life-changing dilemmas will appeal to young adults who enjoy a thought-provoking storyline with a twist of wicked wit. Fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will find Talis’ dark humor particularly compelling.

Unlike many of today’s dystopian works that rely on adventure and violence, this story leans more toward classic science fiction storytelling and questions about the nature of humanity. Readers will enjoy the satisfying ending but still be thirsty for more books about the Children of Peace.

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

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster on September 22, 2015. ARC paper and ebook.

App Review: Robots

ROBOTS is an interactive reference app exploring over 150 real-world robots.

This award-winning app provides a complete reference guide to the topic of robotics. The engaging app contains hundreds of animations, photos, videos, and articles.

Users select a robot to explore from thumbnail images of 158 robots from 19 countries around the world. Users can examine a 360 degree view of the robot, participate in interactive animations, review technical specifications, read articles, and view photos and videos.

Librarians will find that this app appeals to both beginners as well as experienced robot enthusiasts. Include the app in a display with toy robots, LEGO robots, and books related to the topic.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/robots-for-ipad/id566581906.

Book Review: Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

HILO: THE BOY WHO CRASHED TO EARTH by Judd Winick is the first book in the new Hilo graphic novel, science fiction series for middle grade readers.

Readers will be enthralled with this exciting story featuring an ordinary boy named D.J. that meets a mysterious boy who falls from the sky. D.J., along with his friend Gina, help the strange other-worldly boy save the world. While children will be drawn to the robots and non-stop action, the story also features important themes related to friendship, acceptance, loyalty, and bravery.

The bright, colorful illustrations combined with the action-packed plot will have readers cheering for our latest graphic novel heroes. Librarians will find a huge audience among middle grade children who are thirsty for age-appropriate graphic novel titles. Librarians will appreciate the diverse cast of characters.

To learn more about the author, go to his website at http://www.juddspillowfort.com/.

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2015.

Book Review: Icebreaker

ICEBREAKER by Lian Tanner is an intriguing middle-grade science fiction thriller that takes place aboard a huge ship traveling the icy southern polar regions.

After 300 years at sea and an epic Civil War, the crew of the Oyster is divided into three tribes. As an outcast, twelve-year-old Petrel lives a lonely life with only a couple talking rats as companions. The ship was originally launched to save the final remnants of knowledge and technology from the evil Anti-Machinists. However, memory of the original mission has been lost for generations until a lone boy is spotted by Petrel on an iceberg. What follows is a fast-paced story of survival and renewal.

Tanner’s skills at world building and character development will bring the story alive for middle grade readers. Her balance of interesting dialog with vivid descriptions will help readers visualize this unusual shipboard setting.

Librarians will find that this exciting adventure will appeal to youth who enjoy dystopian settings with elements of steampunk. ICEBREAKER is the first book in The Hidden Trilogy.

To learn more about this Australian children’s author, go to http://liantanner.com.au/.

Published by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on August 18, 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.

Book Review: Before Tomorrowland

BEFORE TOMORROWLAND is a prequel to the upcoming Disney film, Tomorrowland.

Written by Jeff Jensen, Jonathan Case, Brad Bird, and Damon Lindelof, this fast-paced science fiction novel introduces readers to a secret society led by scientific geniuses. Set in 1939, the group is about to reveal an amazing new world. However an evil scientist and a confused robot-human hybrid have other plans. Caught in the middle are a mother and son in New York for a science fiction convention.

Although younger readers may be confused by the wide spectrum of characters and historical references, science fiction fans will easily become immersed in the fantasy. The retro-superhero comic illustrations add to the appeal. The book also includes the 20 page comic featured in the story adding an additional dimension to the experience.

With the popularity of Disney films, this book is likely to be popular. Consider a summer library program based on the Tomorrowland theme. There are lots of social media resources ready to use. Youth who enjoy this aspect of books and movies will love these connections. To get started, go to the Tomorrowland Times website at http://www.tomorrowlandtimes.com/.

For more information about the movie, go to http://movies.disney.com/tomorrowland.

Published by Disney Press and available April 7, 2015.

Book Review: Finishing School Series

I hate jumping into the middle of a series? With the third book in the popular FINISHING SCHOOL series by Gail Carriger coming out November 4, I thought I’d go back and review the first two books to get you up to speed in case you missed it. Steampunk is a popular genre with teens and young women will immediately be attracted to Sophronia’s likable personality.

ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carriger is the first book in this exciting new series. This whimsical adventure establishes an alternative Victorian-era world filled with quirky characters including robots, vampires, and werewolves.

Most fans of fantasy will immediately see connections between Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality and Hogwarts. Most teens (as well as adults) love the idea of going to a school where they learn skills in espionage, interact with interesting creatures, and go on daring adventures.

Carriger’s skillful narrative makes even the most ridiculous situations seem plausible. Like most “first books” in a new series, this one spends most of text establishing the setting and characters leaving the plot elements surface level. However, the author weaves an entertaining tale and leaves enough untold to entice readers to seek out the next book in the series.

CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES by Gail Carriger is the second book in the FINISHING SCHOOL series. This book picks up six months after the first book with Sophronia completing her first formal exams. As her training continues, she’s forced to test her skills in the dangerous city of London and an unexpected love triangle adds to the adventure.

Gail’s crisp, humorous writing style will appeal to young adult readers. Like many sequels, the characters and setting seem less fresh and innovative than the first book. However this quick, quirky story will keep readers coming back for the rest of the series.

It’s time to start reading the first two because the third book in the series WAISTCOAT & WEAPONRY (Book 3) is coming out November 4, 2014.

Whether you’re new to steampunk or looking for a great way to get started with this exciting genre, ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carriger is an excellent choice. Other books in the series include CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES and WAISTCOATS & WEAPONRY. To learn more about the series, go to Finishing School at http://finishingschoolbooks.com/

For more light-hearted, steampunk fun, look for Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. 

To learn more about Gail Carriger and her books, go to http://www.gailcarriger.com/

NetGalley ARC used for review