Gravity Buster: Journal 2 of a Cardboard Genius (Journal of a Cardboard Genius)
Grade 3-5–The young inventor featured inStar 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, ORCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.