Showing posts with label STEM books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STEM books. Show all posts

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Review: Zero Day

Eight years ago in the Governor's mansion, a girl disappeared. Now, she reappears with a story. Her father's currently the President.

Once they've determined it's Addie and after several hours of questions, she's allowed to return to her family and return home.

Of course, Addie seems different than the girl she was before, but everything will get back to normal once things settle down. At least that's what everyone's hoping will happen.

Her father's term as President has been tainted with would be terrorist attacks that seem incredibly violent, but then appear to cause panic, but not damage.

Could the first daughter's return have anything to do with these attacks?
My Thoughts:  It reminded me a book as I read and loved as a middle school student about the President's daughter being kidnapped. So I was nostalgic for that book, but of course this novel was VERY different.

I loved this book - and couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened. I loved the multiple perspectives.I loved the flashbacks from eight years ago to more present times.

As the book continues, there seems to be two sides to Addie - one is the quiet girl from before and the other is the strong girl who survived during. Now, she starts to come into her own during the aftermath. But she's not sure who to trust when everyone around seems to be lying to her. 

I would have like a little more at the end and a little more details on the hacking, but other than that, an amazing debut.

While this is written for a stand - alone, there is room for a sequel. Or dare I say a companion novel from Ellie's perspective?

Cover Thoughts: I like out it ties in the with story
Source: My Library
Final Thoughts: Pick this one up when you have an afternoon free because you're not going to want to stop until you finish reading it.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Tween Tuesday Review: Ungifted

Donovan's always in trouble. When his latest escapade lands him in hot water, he's waiting for his punishment to come. Instead, he's invited to join the academy - the school for gifted students.

Donovan's never  been gifted at this studies, but from the moment he sets foot into his homeroom, nothing till ever be the same. He might have just wanted to escape his old school and wiggle out of punishment, but soon Donovan finds himself happy. Could it be too good to last?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge Gordon Korman fan (So are the readers at my library - especially my book club readers. We read this one for our May pick and everyone loved it.) I loved how the smart kids saw their world differently after Donovan entered their lives. I liked watching Donovan struggle with his studies, but shine at school with his other talents. I liked watching him make friends with the smart kids. I loved how he expanded their world - like showing Noah YouTube. I loved how Noah became obsessed with YouTube and how he used it. I like how the students used YouTube to share their studies of Katie and her pregnancy and how her husband could watch her progress while he was serving overseas. While I wasn't a huge fan of Donovan's public school friends - they grew on me. I Loved the robot competition - it made me laugh. A funny book about brains, talent, friendship, and finding yourself. If you haven't read Gordon Korman - do so immediately. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library
My Wish: I wish for a companion novel - about Noah