Monday, November 24, 2014

Mystery + Science + Humor = Nick and Tesla

Premise: This 4th installment of the series centers on a science museum that seems to be being sabotaged from within. Using science and invention, Nick and Tesla must find the culprit and save the museum.

Title: Nick and Tesla's Super-Cyborg Gadget Glove
Authors: Bob Pflugfelder & Steve Hockensmith
Length: 272 pages
Genre: Mystery
Stand Alone or Series: Book 4 of 4 (so far)
Content appropriate for: Grades 4-6
Format: Digital ARC provided by the Quirk Books via NetGalley

Three adjectives that describe this book: creative, fun, entertaining; 
Bonus adjective: nerdy

I just love these mysteries. All of the standards are there: central puzzle, clues, suspects, and daring attempts to get evidence. In addition, all the Nick and Tesla books add humor, science, and inventions you can build at home.

I really enjoyed this one because there was even more humor than in the other three. This time most of it was provided by Nick and Tesla's best friends and some of the museum staff like an owl mascot and an IT man obsessed with his rock band. In previous books, I didn't like that a lot of the humor came from their uncle's science mishaps and lack of social skills. However, the authors have Uncle Newt a more positive light, but still quirky. A terrific change!

I also like how the Nick and Tesla books emphasize that both being smart and doing science/engineering are cool. Preach!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only concern is how my students will handle so many references to historical figures and scientific history since they won't recognize much of it.


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