Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder

Recently I've been reading some articles about MakerSpaces.  They are all the buzz these days.  A MakerSpace are often for children but can certainly be for adults as well.  They are spaces setup in libraries or other community areas where people are encouraged to create or "make".  MakerSpaces may be simple things like origami or Lego or high tech such as 3D printers.  MakerSpaces could be knitting and sewing machines or hammers, nails and wood.  Anything to create.  It is a growing trend and if you haven't heard about it do a quick search to see what is available in your area.

The Nick and Tesla series caught my eye on a recent shopping trip for my school library.  Without having any reviews to go on I took a risk and scooped up the 5 book series.  Am I glad I did!  I've only had a chance to read Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular but I can tell that I am going to love this series and I think teachers and students will too.

Nick and Tesla are brother and sister.  It seems each book has a bit of a mystery that they stumble upon and work to solve.  While unraveling the mystery they work on these awesome projects to create cool stuff.  Unfortunately I didn't have time to do one of the projects before posting my review but they seemed totally do-able and fun.  

I'm really hoping I can convince one of the teachers to do this as a read aloud this year and do one of the crafts with the kids.  I'm very excited about this series.

The Past by Tessa Hadley

Fran, Harriett, Alice and Roland are siblings that enjoyed spending time as children at their grandparents place in the countryside of England.  Even though their mother and grandparents have long passed away, every summer they continue to gather at the home to vacation and reconnect.  This year though they are thinking about selling the place.  Not an easy decision.

Fran brings her two young children but her husband has conveniently made other plans for the holiday.  Harriett's husband is off competing in cycling races.  Alice brings her ex-boyfriend's 20 year old son and Roland's got a new wife - again and he also brings his 16 year old daughter Molly.

The odd group try to live under one roof for three weeks without any TV or internet to distract them.  But after a rainy few days in the country it's uncertain whether they'll last the 3 week holiday and come to a decision about their vacation home.

The Past by Tessa Hadley is a wonderful novel that explores relationships with current family but also how we remember and connect to the past.

Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt

Melanie Watt has become a must-have author in Canadian children library collections.  Her Scaredy Squirrel series and Chester series are hilarious and so fun to read.  The illustrations are excellent.

Her new picture book Bug in a Vacuum is just like the title says - about a fly that gets sucked up in a vacuum.  The fly goes through a wave of emotions when dealing with his situation; denial, bargaining, anger, despair and eventually acceptance.

Bug in a Vacuum is not quite as funny as the other two series although I'm certain children will find some humour in the story.  I think teachers will gravitate to the story to teach a lesson on emotions and coping with situations.  This book will definitely be added to my school library this fall.  I suspect this will be on the Forest of Reading nominee list this year or next.

Lost in the Mountains of Death by Tracey Turner

Lost is a new series that I just got at my school in June so no one has even had a chance to read it yet.  I thought I would sneak it home to read this summer and share with my two sons.  I love it!!  I read Lost in the Mountains of Death.  The book is written just like the Choose Your Own Adventure books that some might remember from when they were kids.  The great thing about this series though is that it's based on real facts.  So don't tell the kids but they're actually learning from it!

This one takes place in the Patagonian Andes.  The book starts off by giving an over of the climate, dangers in the area, etc.  Then it's straight into the action.  You awake in the middle of a snowstorm.  You get your bearings and quickly have to make decisions on what you will do next.  Go find your friends or build shelter.  You must way the risks and consequences of each decision.  But the fun part of the story is that you are the main character and you choose the path. 

I think this book would be great as a class read aloud.  I made it through one scenario in just a few minutes.  I can't wait to read this with the kids at school.  I think they are going to love them.

I would highly recommend this series for kids grade 4 to 8 that enjoy adventure and survival.  Teachers I'm certain there would be many ties that you could make to your curriculum with this series.

Us by David Nicholls

I am quite stingy with my stars when rating my books.  4 stars is for books I really like but 5 stars is reserved for books I truly love.  Us is one of the few that I give 5 stars too.  I thought it was funny and romantic.

Connie has just announced that she would like a divorce.  Nothing wrong with Douglas but it's time for something new and exciting in life and Douglas isn't it.  They've scheduled a summer vacation across Europe with their 17 year old son and Connie insists they should still go.  Douglas sees this as an opportunity to change her mind.  All through their grand tour of Europe Douglas is reminded of the best and worst moments of their 25 year marriage.  Douglas is a bio-chemist and he reminds me a little bit of the main character from The Rosie Project.  

My favourite quote from the book is “Our biographies involve each other so intrinsically now that we're both on nearly every page.”   Isn't that beautiful?  I want to frame it and put it on my bookshelf.  Love it!

His Whole Life by Elizabeth Hay

His Whole Life by Elizabeth Hay is the story of Jim.  He's a young boy living in New York City in the mid 1990's.  Every year he escapes the big city to visit family in Northern Ontario.  There he gets to spend his days with his aunt and uncle's dog exploring, fishing, swimming and wishing the summer would never end.

Jim doesn't have any friends his age but he's close to many of the adults in his life.  Close until circumstances remove them from his life.  Sadly, Jim learns early on to cope with loss.

I really enjoyed this story.  Surprisingly, this is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Hay.  I definitely need to revisit some of her past award winning books.  I enjoyed the way Hay gives such beautiful details about Northern Ontario and her love of all things Quebec.