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Nick and Tesla #3
Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle: A Mystery with Spy Cameras, Code Wheels, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself
In this third installment of the series, 11-year-old whiz-kids Nick and Tesla discover that someone in the quiet town of Half Moon Bay has placed their beloved Uncle Newt under electronic surveillance—but who is spying on him, and why? To expose the secret agent, Nick and Tesla build all kinds of outrageous contraptions. Throughout the book, the narrative is interrupted by blueprints and instructions so that budding young inventors can follow along. Science and electronics have never been so much fun!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2014
30 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Bob Pflugfelder
12 books31 followersScience Bob is an award winning teacher and television personality with a mission to share the amazing world of science. Through his website, television appearances, and now a series of books coauthored with Steve Hockensmith, Bob shows that science is fun, accessible, and inspiring. Bob has shared his love for science as a regular on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live With Kelly & Michael, and the Dr. Oz Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 24, 2018
Recently, I've been trying to read all of the print books that I own. I live in a small two bedroom apartment, and they're slowly starting to take over my apartment. I own the whole Nick and Tesla series in print, so I've been trying to make my way through that so I can give the books to kids that I know will enjoy them, and do the experiments/projects in them. I recently finished the third book in the series, Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle. I thought it was just an okay read.
In this third installment of the series, the tone really changed. It felt completely different than the previous two books. With all of the new characters that were added and the mystery surrounding them, it almost felt like it was A Series of Unfortunate Events knockoff. The tone was a lot darker than the two previous books. The new characters even had similar personalities to Count Olaf's troop, especially the cleaners. I was also sad that Dr. Sakurai didn't make much of an appearance. I was really looking forward to seeing her relationship with Uncle Newt progress.
Despite being frustrated with those things, I did find some parts of Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle enjoyable. As always, I thought the projects that they made were really creative, and unique. I love the element it added to the book. The projects aren't the typical science fair projects. It takes some creativity to be able to think of them in the first place. I love it when the authors do that. Also, I didn't correctly guess who the spy was, which makes things interesting. Up until it was revealed, I was almost positive I knew who the spy was. It shocked me when I was wrong.
Even though I had mixed feelings about Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle, I am excited to continue the series. I think it will be interesting to read the next book and see if the spy somehow gets revenge on Nick, Tesla, and Uncle Newt for everything that happened in this book. I also think it will be interesting to see how the plot changes with a somewhat important character removed. I plan on starting the next book very soon.
In this third installment of the series, the tone really changed. It felt completely different than the previous two books. With all of the new characters that were added and the mystery surrounding them, it almost felt like it was A Series of Unfortunate Events knockoff. The tone was a lot darker than the two previous books. The new characters even had similar personalities to Count Olaf's troop, especially the cleaners. I was also sad that Dr. Sakurai didn't make much of an appearance. I was really looking forward to seeing her relationship with Uncle Newt progress.
Despite being frustrated with those things, I did find some parts of Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle enjoyable. As always, I thought the projects that they made were really creative, and unique. I love the element it added to the book. The projects aren't the typical science fair projects. It takes some creativity to be able to think of them in the first place. I love it when the authors do that. Also, I didn't correctly guess who the spy was, which makes things interesting. Up until it was revealed, I was almost positive I knew who the spy was. It shocked me when I was wrong.
Even though I had mixed feelings about Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle, I am excited to continue the series. I think it will be interesting to read the next book and see if the spy somehow gets revenge on Nick, Tesla, and Uncle Newt for everything that happened in this book. I also think it will be interesting to see how the plot changes with a somewhat important character removed. I plan on starting the next book very soon.
April 13, 2014
This is my favorite book in this series thus far. It is because I have imagined myself as a secret agent many times and wondered what it would be like. Of course, I am one of the best agents around...well in my dreams anyways. So read about Nick and Tesla trying to uncover the mystery of the stolen necklace was fun. In fact, I mind this time actually break down and make the gadgets in this book along with my nephews.
I always love the drawn out picture of the elaborate plan on how Nick and Tesla are going to distract their target and solve the mystery. It usually involves an eagle. Don't worry as no real animals including eagles were harmed in the making of this book. Well I don't believe so anyways. These books are quick reads. Nick and Tesla may not wish for this but I hope that their parents don't come back anytime soon. However I would have liked to see their uncle more in the book. He is so entertaining and a skatterbrain. I loved the new addition to the group with Oli. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I always love the drawn out picture of the elaborate plan on how Nick and Tesla are going to distract their target and solve the mystery. It usually involves an eagle. Don't worry as no real animals including eagles were harmed in the making of this book. Well I don't believe so anyways. These books are quick reads. Nick and Tesla may not wish for this but I hope that their parents don't come back anytime soon. However I would have liked to see their uncle more in the book. He is so entertaining and a skatterbrain. I loved the new addition to the group with Oli. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 7, 2015
Nick and Telsa are the greatest smarty-pants twins I've ever read about (except for the Hardy boys).This story has humour,adventure,and best of all ....SPIES!!!!!Bob pflugfelder had an amazing idea of writing the instructions for kids to build at their house! Nick has the greatest,Telsa is trying to be brave with their family's situation and with this spy buissnes it's not making her feel any better.great gadgets,great plot,and great story.I recommend this story to kids who "how did they make that?!?!?!? I hope youenjoy this book as much as I did,READ THE STORY!!!
March 24, 2019
Good fun for its target age range. 11-year-old twins Nick and Tesla (ha ha) are staying with their distracted inventor uncle Newt (ha) when they discover that something nefarious is going on. Their house is under surveillance, their belongings start to disappear, and a bunch of suspicious people show up. But which one is the spy? Or thief? Or both? Nick and Tesla build several spy gadgets (and show you how to build them too) to help solve the mystery.
The gadgets are fun, although some don't look like they would work exactly as planned, and their use in the plot in some cases is strained at best (e.g., why build a booby trap to drop water balloons on someone if you're standing right there with other water balloons you can throw with your hand?). Still, the inclusion of gadgets with instructions elevates this book for me from 3 stars to 4 stars.
I enjoyed the first half of the book (setup) more than the second half (revelation). The plot devolves into an increasingly unlikely denouement with characters that are increasingly implausible (and was anyone else annoyed by Oli's cringe-worthy foreign dialect? If it turned out to be so bad because Oli was faking it, that would have worked, but apparently not.). But in the end, who doesn't enjoy seeing smart kids solve a mystery and come out on top?
The gadgets are fun, although some don't look like they would work exactly as planned, and their use in the plot in some cases is strained at best (e.g., why build a booby trap to drop water balloons on someone if you're standing right there with other water balloons you can throw with your hand?). Still, the inclusion of gadgets with instructions elevates this book for me from 3 stars to 4 stars.
I enjoyed the first half of the book (setup) more than the second half (revelation). The plot devolves into an increasingly unlikely denouement with characters that are increasingly implausible (and was anyone else annoyed by Oli's cringe-worthy foreign dialect? If it turned out to be so bad because Oli was faking it, that would have worked, but apparently not.). But in the end, who doesn't enjoy seeing smart kids solve a mystery and come out on top?
April 19, 2014
Nick and Tesla are back at it again in this third story. They know that someone is spying on them and they have loads and loads of suspects. Is it their neighbor Julie Casserly? She is always fussing around her yard and some of Uncle Newt's inventions have done damage. Her garden gnome will never be the same. Or is it Mr. Jones who is Uncle Newt's neighbor on the other side. Nick is suspicious of everyone they know in town from the lone police officer to the man who delivers the mail.
Their suspicions are really roused when they come home one day to find that Uncle Newt has hired an exterminator who seems suspiciously afraid of bugs and two cleaning ladies too. Then the apprentice Uncle Newt didn't remember hiring arrives. Oli says he is from Australia but he had a strong Russian accent and doesn't seem to know very much about science.
Nick and Tesla take the opportunity to contrive a number of devices the let them spy on the suspicious people including a fingerprint finder, a "ring-a-ding-ding spy exposure system", and a hidden camera. They also make a code ring using styrofoam cups so that they can write in code to each other. There are plans in the book so that young spies and inventors can make the gadgets too.
The story is fast-paced and filled with funny incidents. Middle grade mystery readers will enjoy this story.
Their suspicions are really roused when they come home one day to find that Uncle Newt has hired an exterminator who seems suspiciously afraid of bugs and two cleaning ladies too. Then the apprentice Uncle Newt didn't remember hiring arrives. Oli says he is from Australia but he had a strong Russian accent and doesn't seem to know very much about science.
Nick and Tesla take the opportunity to contrive a number of devices the let them spy on the suspicious people including a fingerprint finder, a "ring-a-ding-ding spy exposure system", and a hidden camera. They also make a code ring using styrofoam cups so that they can write in code to each other. There are plans in the book so that young spies and inventors can make the gadgets too.
The story is fast-paced and filled with funny incidents. Middle grade mystery readers will enjoy this story.
April 6, 2014
From the 11-year-old:
My favorite quote from the book was, naturally something Uncle Newt said: “I’m not sure they’d believe me,” he said. “I think I lost a lot of my credibility after I called about Bigfoot.” It’s funny because Uncle Newt was calling to say that he found evidence that Bigfoot was fake. But the police misunderstood and thought he was saying that he believed in Bigfoot. It was all a comedy of errors.
My favorite scene was when they were in the Newtmobile during a car chase, pursuing a spy suspect. I liked the action of the high-speed car chase and the suspense of trying to catch the spy.
I have to say that this was my favorite book of all three. I liked the mystery and I really enjoyed the secret aspect to the book. I didn’t know who was the spy or what would happen next. I especially liked all of the spy gadgets that I got to build. And I loved the way the book ended with the SBSP (space-based solar power) because I’m interested in solar power. I can’t wait for the next book. When is it coming?
Any book that my kid reads in a day, then reads again the next day, then reads aloud to his little brother is a winner in my book!
My favorite quote from the book was, naturally something Uncle Newt said: “I’m not sure they’d believe me,” he said. “I think I lost a lot of my credibility after I called about Bigfoot.” It’s funny because Uncle Newt was calling to say that he found evidence that Bigfoot was fake. But the police misunderstood and thought he was saying that he believed in Bigfoot. It was all a comedy of errors.
My favorite scene was when they were in the Newtmobile during a car chase, pursuing a spy suspect. I liked the action of the high-speed car chase and the suspense of trying to catch the spy.
I have to say that this was my favorite book of all three. I liked the mystery and I really enjoyed the secret aspect to the book. I didn’t know who was the spy or what would happen next. I especially liked all of the spy gadgets that I got to build. And I loved the way the book ended with the SBSP (space-based solar power) because I’m interested in solar power. I can’t wait for the next book. When is it coming?
Any book that my kid reads in a day, then reads again the next day, then reads aloud to his little brother is a winner in my book!
January 17, 2014
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, so- voila! Here is my five star honest review!
Now, most people would think I'm a little too old for this book, now that I've started tentatively browsing through the YA section at the library. Personally, I think that you're never too old to read this book! In the third book of their series, Nick and Tesla are in quite the predicament. It seems they are being spied on, and Nick refuses to trust anyone. Then, when something important goes missing, it's up to Nick and Tesla to catch the thief before he/she gets away! The book was funny and fast-paced and I can't wait to try some of the blueprints (Anyone know where I can get a bicycle bell?). Now, in the unedited proof there were a few mistakes. Apparently (Maybe this is kind of a spoiler?...) just Tesla's expression can hurl apricot filled balloons. Like she has telekinesis or something. I think maybe a page was missing there. But all in all, it was really fun to read and I would not have regretted buying it if I had!
Now, most people would think I'm a little too old for this book, now that I've started tentatively browsing through the YA section at the library. Personally, I think that you're never too old to read this book! In the third book of their series, Nick and Tesla are in quite the predicament. It seems they are being spied on, and Nick refuses to trust anyone. Then, when something important goes missing, it's up to Nick and Tesla to catch the thief before he/she gets away! The book was funny and fast-paced and I can't wait to try some of the blueprints (Anyone know where I can get a bicycle bell?). Now, in the unedited proof there were a few mistakes. Apparently (Maybe this is kind of a spoiler?...) just Tesla's expression can hurl apricot filled balloons. Like she has telekinesis or something. I think maybe a page was missing there. But all in all, it was really fun to read and I would not have regretted buying it if I had!
March 15, 2014
After winning this book on Goodreads, I would rate it 4/5. Some of my thoughts while reading the book:
PROS:
-I liked how Nick and Telsa are normal kids.
-I thought the drawings were cool.
-When the author alternated perspectives of the characters I found the story more interesting.
-I haven't tried all of the experiments yet, but the one I tried I loved.
CONS:
-I think the word "suspicious" is used too often.
-Most of the book happened in just one day. I think it could have been a little better in separate days.
-I did found some interesting words but, I think it could have used a little more vocabulary.
And overall, I loved this book!
PROS:
-I liked how Nick and Telsa are normal kids.
-I thought the drawings were cool.
-When the author alternated perspectives of the characters I found the story more interesting.
-I haven't tried all of the experiments yet, but the one I tried I loved.
CONS:
-I think the word "suspicious" is used too often.
-Most of the book happened in just one day. I think it could have been a little better in separate days.
-I did found some interesting words but, I think it could have used a little more vocabulary.
And overall, I loved this book!
October 30, 2017
I read this to my 8&11 yr olds, and we all liked it. We read this first, by mistake, so we are now going back to read the first two books. My kids generally don't like books without dragons or some kind of magic, but this was funny and kept their attention. Also, there are a few science how to projects inside that you can try to make yourself. Great idea!
November 15, 2017
In this book the twins realize that their annoying neighbor is actually evil! As a bunch of people help clean their house, they have to detect which ones are evil. Later they realize that their parents are NOT in Uzbekistan harvesting beans...
October 3, 2017
This was a fun, easy read. We didn't do any of the experiments, but the children enjoyed this book. This is the kids' equivalent of a "beach read".
January 19, 2019
Good for a juvenile to expand their vocabulary and has a few over the top complicated experiments to show case some science.
September 27, 2019
Interesting book...decent story. Overall it was okay.
September 1, 2024
Another great story in series but these should have been read in order Library borrow
December 20, 2015
No matter which of Nick and Tesla's adventures you read, it is always a good time. Their friends Silas and DeMarco always find some sort of crazy stunt to attempt, and this time it is riding a bike down a slide and then jumping it over a mud pit that they have dug in the backyard. Uncle Newt is busy trying to perfect his latest invention, which is a vacuum cleaner powered by rotten fruit. Newt's neighbor Julie is busy trying to replace the garden gnomes that the kids and Uncle Newt's inventions keep destroying. And they still miss their parents, who are off on an agricultural trip studying soybeans. Or are they?
The kids receive a cryptic phone message from their mother warning them that they are not safe and not to trust... Okay, the message was cut off and they don't know who it is that they shouldn't trust. And when they try to play the message back for Uncle Newt, it has mysteriously vanished from the voice mail. So it seems that the kids will have to look out for themselves and figure out who the bad guys are. They don't have a lack of suspects. Could it be their uncle's new girlfriend? What about the intern that has just arrived to study with their uncle through the M.A.D. Scientists union? Or the two cleaning ladies who just happened to show up and offer the first day's service for free? Maybe it's Skip the exterminator, who also just happens to be in the neighborhood making sales calls?
To find the spy, retrieve the pendants from their parents that have been stolen, and discover what everyone is up to, Nick and Tesla will have to create more of their awesome gadgets. Within the book you will find the instructions for how to make Nick's Fingerprint-Finder Powder and Evildoer Identification System, Tesla's Ring-a-Ding-Ding Spy Exposure System, Nick and Tesla's Spybusting InvisiCam, Nick and Tesla's Code Wheels, and Nick and Tesla's Booby-Trap Balloon Drop. Young scientists and inventors will have a blast constructing the gadgets, as well as cheering on Nick and Tesla as they outwit the bad guy(s), whomever that might be.
The action is fast paced, there is plenty of humor, and true friendship to make the stories entertaining and enjoyable. The added bonus of instructions for all the gadgets used in the story makes this a perfect book to include in any library or classroom where kids enjoy MakerSpace activities.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The kids receive a cryptic phone message from their mother warning them that they are not safe and not to trust... Okay, the message was cut off and they don't know who it is that they shouldn't trust. And when they try to play the message back for Uncle Newt, it has mysteriously vanished from the voice mail. So it seems that the kids will have to look out for themselves and figure out who the bad guys are. They don't have a lack of suspects. Could it be their uncle's new girlfriend? What about the intern that has just arrived to study with their uncle through the M.A.D. Scientists union? Or the two cleaning ladies who just happened to show up and offer the first day's service for free? Maybe it's Skip the exterminator, who also just happens to be in the neighborhood making sales calls?
To find the spy, retrieve the pendants from their parents that have been stolen, and discover what everyone is up to, Nick and Tesla will have to create more of their awesome gadgets. Within the book you will find the instructions for how to make Nick's Fingerprint-Finder Powder and Evildoer Identification System, Tesla's Ring-a-Ding-Ding Spy Exposure System, Nick and Tesla's Spybusting InvisiCam, Nick and Tesla's Code Wheels, and Nick and Tesla's Booby-Trap Balloon Drop. Young scientists and inventors will have a blast constructing the gadgets, as well as cheering on Nick and Tesla as they outwit the bad guy(s), whomever that might be.
The action is fast paced, there is plenty of humor, and true friendship to make the stories entertaining and enjoyable. The added bonus of instructions for all the gadgets used in the story makes this a perfect book to include in any library or classroom where kids enjoy MakerSpace activities.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
April 20, 2014
This is the third book in the Nick and Tesla series. If you enjoyed the previous books I think you will enjoy this one as well. It was an excellent addition to the Nick and Tesla series. They are fewer gadgets to build in this book than in previous ones, but I thought the story was better here.
The last book in this series ended with a message from Nick and Tesla’s mom, she basically told them they are being spied on. Now Nick is seeing spies everywhere. He thinks the new apprentice that shows up at his Uncle’s house is a spy, he thinks that the cleaning ladies are spies… When Tesla’s special necklace disappears, her and Nick, along with their friends come up with a plan to find out who the spy is once and for all.
The book is humorous and funny, but deals with some serious things too. We learn a bit more about what is going on with Nick and Tesla's parents and why they got that cryptic message from their mother in the 2nd book.
The plot twists and turns as our characters follow one lead only to be derailed and led down a different path. There isn’t really any character development here. Nick and Tesla have interacted in much the same way throughout all of these books so far. These books are all about the mystery and the neat gadgets.
The book is well written and easy to read and their are some excellent pictures throughout. It seemed like there were fewer gadgets to build than in the previous books. However, I did appreciate that the gadgets seemed to cover a broader breadth of difficulty. The spy cams were a bit more difficult to build and required some special materials, while the code wheel is something pretty much anyone could build. Most of the activities will still require parental involvement.
I have yet to try building any of the devices and gadgets in these books. My son and I were going to try and build one of the robots from the last book, but just got derailed by other activities we have going on.
Overall another solid addition to this series. These book are fun reads that are mostly mysteries, with some science and gadget building thrown in. There are some decent pictures throughout. I would definitely recommend to middle grade readers who like a good mystery and enjoy some humor in there too!
The last book in this series ended with a message from Nick and Tesla’s mom, she basically told them they are being spied on. Now Nick is seeing spies everywhere. He thinks the new apprentice that shows up at his Uncle’s house is a spy, he thinks that the cleaning ladies are spies… When Tesla’s special necklace disappears, her and Nick, along with their friends come up with a plan to find out who the spy is once and for all.
The book is humorous and funny, but deals with some serious things too. We learn a bit more about what is going on with Nick and Tesla's parents and why they got that cryptic message from their mother in the 2nd book.
The plot twists and turns as our characters follow one lead only to be derailed and led down a different path. There isn’t really any character development here. Nick and Tesla have interacted in much the same way throughout all of these books so far. These books are all about the mystery and the neat gadgets.
The book is well written and easy to read and their are some excellent pictures throughout. It seemed like there were fewer gadgets to build than in the previous books. However, I did appreciate that the gadgets seemed to cover a broader breadth of difficulty. The spy cams were a bit more difficult to build and required some special materials, while the code wheel is something pretty much anyone could build. Most of the activities will still require parental involvement.
I have yet to try building any of the devices and gadgets in these books. My son and I were going to try and build one of the robots from the last book, but just got derailed by other activities we have going on.
Overall another solid addition to this series. These book are fun reads that are mostly mysteries, with some science and gadget building thrown in. There are some decent pictures throughout. I would definitely recommend to middle grade readers who like a good mystery and enjoy some humor in there too!
March 7, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
As with previous installments of this series (which it is not necessary to have read prior to reading this one, although it is certainly pleasant to do so!) the story serves as a vehicle for the science gadgetry. I have no problem with that at all, seeing as it's great to encourage kids to enjoy science AND to read! The story is entertaining in itself, with lots of humor and fun characters both new and returning, and it can be read without making the gadgets.
Young twins Nick (boy) and Tesla (girl) are still living with their mad scientist uncle for the summer, and after a few hints that their absent parents are involved in some sort of secret conspiracy, the twins are convinced that a spy has been sent run surveillance on them. The spy could be any one of a number of suspicious neighbors and visitors, and the twins once again get a couple of local kids to help them identify the spy and solve the mystery. I don't consider this to be a spoiler. This is a straight-up children's novel, and therefore predictable in its outcome at least so far as the mystery elements are concerned. Bad guys are bad guys, and the smart kids win.
My favorite scenes in Book 1 (I have not yet read Book 2) were the ones in Uncle Newt's crazy house of crazy, so I was happy the majority of this installment took place in the house. Newt himself didn't appear quite as much, but this lack was more than made up for by the presence of Oli -- who speaks in a hilariously rendered "Eastern European" stereotype voice -- the evil cleaning lady duo, "Skip", Hiroko (however sadly underutilized), and more.
Mystery, even YA mystery, is not a genre in which I read much but I'm on the lookout for things to read with my daughter in the coming years as she gets a bit older. This is definitely a great book and a great series for my list, and I'm sure she will like the gadget-building as much as the story!
As with previous installments of this series (which it is not necessary to have read prior to reading this one, although it is certainly pleasant to do so!) the story serves as a vehicle for the science gadgetry. I have no problem with that at all, seeing as it's great to encourage kids to enjoy science AND to read! The story is entertaining in itself, with lots of humor and fun characters both new and returning, and it can be read without making the gadgets.
Young twins Nick (boy) and Tesla (girl) are still living with their mad scientist uncle for the summer, and after a few hints that their absent parents are involved in some sort of secret conspiracy, the twins are convinced that a spy has been sent run surveillance on them. The spy could be any one of a number of suspicious neighbors and visitors, and the twins once again get a couple of local kids to help them identify the spy and solve the mystery. I don't consider this to be a spoiler. This is a straight-up children's novel, and therefore predictable in its outcome at least so far as the mystery elements are concerned. Bad guys are bad guys, and the smart kids win.
My favorite scenes in Book 1 (I have not yet read Book 2) were the ones in Uncle Newt's crazy house of crazy, so I was happy the majority of this installment took place in the house. Newt himself didn't appear quite as much, but this lack was more than made up for by the presence of Oli -- who speaks in a hilariously rendered "Eastern European" stereotype voice -- the evil cleaning lady duo, "Skip", Hiroko (however sadly underutilized), and more.
Mystery, even YA mystery, is not a genre in which I read much but I'm on the lookout for things to read with my daughter in the coming years as she gets a bit older. This is definitely a great book and a great series for my list, and I'm sure she will like the gadget-building as much as the story!
September 22, 2014
2.5 stars
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Thanks to the publisher for giving me this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
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I want to get this out at the very beginning: I think the more I read Middle Grade the less I feel like most MG is for me. Maybe I'm getting too old in mindset, but I don't know. This feeling, unfortunately, spreads to Nick and Tesla. That being said, I don't think this review is going to be very long... because I don't feel like I have very much to say.
For much of the novel I was entertained, but the bare minimum amount. If I'm being completely honest? The only reason I kept reading was because this book was given to me for review. Otherwise I don't think I would have been compelled to keep going. I actually tried starting it once before and didn't pick it up again for months because I wasn't captured by the story.
This is why I think it's Middle Grade + me, not so much Nick and Tesla + me. The simplicity of the story killed it for me. The dumb jokes would make children laugh, I'm sure, but they were filler to me. I craved a more in depth and complex story and I wasn't getting it... So I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked. Maybe I'm becoming a bitter adult? I just was having so much trouble getting into the story from the POV of the target demographic (as opposed to the adult I am).
So yeah. I wanted to love this book, I really did. But I think maybe this series and I are reaching our end. Sigh. I'm going to read the next book (because I have that one for review as well), but if I'm still feeling the same way then I'll walk away content with the feeling that I gave the series a fair shake.
All of that being said, if you're a hardcore Middle Grade fan then I recommend this series. I've spoken to several people who loooove it. And, of course, the science projects included in every book are super cool and most definitely a selling point.
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Thanks to the publisher for giving me this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
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I want to get this out at the very beginning: I think the more I read Middle Grade the less I feel like most MG is for me. Maybe I'm getting too old in mindset, but I don't know. This feeling, unfortunately, spreads to Nick and Tesla. That being said, I don't think this review is going to be very long... because I don't feel like I have very much to say.
For much of the novel I was entertained, but the bare minimum amount. If I'm being completely honest? The only reason I kept reading was because this book was given to me for review. Otherwise I don't think I would have been compelled to keep going. I actually tried starting it once before and didn't pick it up again for months because I wasn't captured by the story.
This is why I think it's Middle Grade + me, not so much Nick and Tesla + me. The simplicity of the story killed it for me. The dumb jokes would make children laugh, I'm sure, but they were filler to me. I craved a more in depth and complex story and I wasn't getting it... So I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked. Maybe I'm becoming a bitter adult? I just was having so much trouble getting into the story from the POV of the target demographic (as opposed to the adult I am).
So yeah. I wanted to love this book, I really did. But I think maybe this series and I are reaching our end. Sigh. I'm going to read the next book (because I have that one for review as well), but if I'm still feeling the same way then I'll walk away content with the feeling that I gave the series a fair shake.
All of that being said, if you're a hardcore Middle Grade fan then I recommend this series. I've spoken to several people who loooove it. And, of course, the science projects included in every book are super cool and most definitely a selling point.
June 16, 2014
I read the third book in this new science-themed mystery series by “Science Bob” Phlugfelder and Steve Hockensmith. There are two parts to this book- one, a mystery story and the other, a few science experiment ideas and instructions. I’m assuming Science Bob did those, while Steve Hockensmith wrote the story. He’s the author of “Holmes on the Range” and “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.”
The story was a not altogether unpleasant read, but at the same time I must say it was really, really poor craftsmanship. The book was loaded with awkward sentences and cliched characters/dialogue on par with what you’d expect from a Disney Channel show. I know, that’s a low blow, but it’s just true. It seemed like Hockensmith was in a hurry when he wrote it.
Anyway, the book is about a brother and a sister named Nick and Tesla respectively (we get it- science), who have had to move in to their Uncle Newt’s grotesque food laboratory home while their parents are doing some secretive undercover thing in Uzbekistan.This book finds Nick and Tesla trying to figure out a distressed voice mail from their Mom about a potentially dangerous spy sent to get them. They need to figure out who the spy is. The exterminator? The old lady maids? The guy with the Russian accent who looks like a spy?
With a little help from SCIENCE, they figure everything out.
SCIENCE.
Actually, the science parts of this book are definitely the most worthwhile bits. In this book the activities and experiments are spy-themed, and some of them look very complex and interesting. Plus, I can cut Hockensmith some slack if I choose to think that he had to string all the activities together in to a plot rather than the other way around. Still. Try a little harder. Just because it’s a kid’s book, doesn’t mean original writing isn’t appreciated.
In conclusion, this book might tickle the fancy of a kid who loves science activities, and it’s good enough to skim through, but don’t expect a classic.
The story was a not altogether unpleasant read, but at the same time I must say it was really, really poor craftsmanship. The book was loaded with awkward sentences and cliched characters/dialogue on par with what you’d expect from a Disney Channel show. I know, that’s a low blow, but it’s just true. It seemed like Hockensmith was in a hurry when he wrote it.
Anyway, the book is about a brother and a sister named Nick and Tesla respectively (we get it- science), who have had to move in to their Uncle Newt’s grotesque food laboratory home while their parents are doing some secretive undercover thing in Uzbekistan.This book finds Nick and Tesla trying to figure out a distressed voice mail from their Mom about a potentially dangerous spy sent to get them. They need to figure out who the spy is. The exterminator? The old lady maids? The guy with the Russian accent who looks like a spy?
With a little help from SCIENCE, they figure everything out.
SCIENCE.
Actually, the science parts of this book are definitely the most worthwhile bits. In this book the activities and experiments are spy-themed, and some of them look very complex and interesting. Plus, I can cut Hockensmith some slack if I choose to think that he had to string all the activities together in to a plot rather than the other way around. Still. Try a little harder. Just because it’s a kid’s book, doesn’t mean original writing isn’t appreciated.
In conclusion, this book might tickle the fancy of a kid who loves science activities, and it’s good enough to skim through, but don’t expect a classic.
June 26, 2014
I'm a literature teacher, and my husband is Quality Director for a tool and die shop, so it probably won't surprise you that we don't often read the same books. This third installment in the Nick and Tesla series charmed us both. We will definitely be giving it to our nieces and nephews on the next "gadget-building day with Uncle Jeff."
This is the first Nick ad Tesla book that I've read, and I will definitely go back and read the first two. I appreciate that the kids are smart and self-reliant, but they're still kids. They aren't too precocious or too precious, they're just the regular smart kids of smart parents. They don't always make the right decisions, but they are persistent and resourceful--like most of the kids I know. But what really hooked me were the witty one-liners like, "For twelve minutes she'd been an only child, and that kind of experience really toughens a person." This book elicited frequent giggles from me.
As for the gadgetry...as my husband started to re-engineer it, I reminded him that these kids are eleven, and while there are a ton of options in Uncle Newt's lab--and literally thousands of resistors and vacuum tubes and capacitors and, well, you get the picture, in ours--most kids need to be able to use stuff they can con their parents into buying at a hardware store or a Radio Shack. This brought out a tirade about Radio Shack that I won't detail here. Suffice it to say, he finally agreed that the engineering is sound. Oy!
Read this with or without the kids in your life. Then build a Ring-a-Ding-Ding Spy Exposure System with your husband's stuff while he's at work telling people they have to remake a part because it's 0.001 millimeters too big, then prep for the shock and awe on his face when he comes home to discover that you did more than just read and bake cupcakes on day twelve of your summer break. It'll be fun, I promise.
This is the first Nick ad Tesla book that I've read, and I will definitely go back and read the first two. I appreciate that the kids are smart and self-reliant, but they're still kids. They aren't too precocious or too precious, they're just the regular smart kids of smart parents. They don't always make the right decisions, but they are persistent and resourceful--like most of the kids I know. But what really hooked me were the witty one-liners like, "For twelve minutes she'd been an only child, and that kind of experience really toughens a person." This book elicited frequent giggles from me.
As for the gadgetry...as my husband started to re-engineer it, I reminded him that these kids are eleven, and while there are a ton of options in Uncle Newt's lab--and literally thousands of resistors and vacuum tubes and capacitors and, well, you get the picture, in ours--most kids need to be able to use stuff they can con their parents into buying at a hardware store or a Radio Shack. This brought out a tirade about Radio Shack that I won't detail here. Suffice it to say, he finally agreed that the engineering is sound. Oy!
Read this with or without the kids in your life. Then build a Ring-a-Ding-Ding Spy Exposure System with your husband's stuff while he's at work telling people they have to remake a part because it's 0.001 millimeters too big, then prep for the shock and awe on his face when he comes home to discover that you did more than just read and bake cupcakes on day twelve of your summer break. It'll be fun, I promise.
June 30, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It's unclear who the intended audience is, but I'm thinking the reader should be at least 11-13 years old. It was a good story and had the unique inclusion of various experiments that the reader could try out for himself. Note that there is a warning at the beginning of the book regarding the how-to projects and how they involve "motors, hydraulic power, hot glue, booby traps and other potentially dangerous elements", that adult supervision should be employed and a disclaimer that neither the authors or the publishing company would be held responsible for any injuries and/or accidents that may ensue. This is one of the reasons I feel the book is not suitable for children under 11. Also, the story, in my view, was not written in typical grade school language, so it would probably be difficult for a younger reader to fully understand.
I didn't particularly like the ending, but this is just my personal opinion. I thought that the kids should have been reunited with their parents, but they were still left in limbo because both mom and dad were working on the same project away from home for an indefinite period of time. It was still a good read and a well thought-out story with 3 unexpected culprits and other unexpected twists surrounding the different characters. The 2 main child characters, siblings Nick and Tesla, were likeable, interesting and energetic. Their goofy, mad scientist uncle spiced up the story; he was my favorite character.
I'd recommend the book for mature pre-teens, particularly those with an interest in science.
I didn't particularly like the ending, but this is just my personal opinion. I thought that the kids should have been reunited with their parents, but they were still left in limbo because both mom and dad were working on the same project away from home for an indefinite period of time. It was still a good read and a well thought-out story with 3 unexpected culprits and other unexpected twists surrounding the different characters. The 2 main child characters, siblings Nick and Tesla, were likeable, interesting and energetic. Their goofy, mad scientist uncle spiced up the story; he was my favorite character.
I'd recommend the book for mature pre-teens, particularly those with an interest in science.
October 16, 2015
My thoughts on the series:
This is a lot of fun. I am way out of the target age range, but I enjoyed the stories. Middle-grade detectives, crazy scientist uncle, and international intrigue all converge. The projects are the type that kids in the target group will enjoy—my (bright) third-grader can’t wait to try some out. The illustrations could be clearer for the technically inept such as myself. However, there are videos available, as well as other cool information, at http://www.nickandtesla.com . It’s an entertaining website—fun even if you don’t have the books. Overall, though, the instructions are fairly clear and the parts needed are not too exotic. The earlier books give Radio Shack part numbers—alas, Radio Shack is no more.
The characters themselves range in believability. Nick and Tesla interact like real children. Other characters are more stereotypical, stock characters. However, the intended audience is not generally looking for sophisticated literary material. The characters, overall, are entertaining. There could be more female characters—beyond Tesla, the female characters tended to be minor. There are characters of color.
Possible objectionable material:
Squeaky clean, no cursing. Some perilous situations, kids sneaking out at night, and somewhat oblivious adults.
Who would like these books:
Kids with an interest in science and inventing, and their adult helpers. Fans of mysteries, adventure, and spy stories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance reader e-books.
Details on the series at my blog: www.bibliouquacious.com
This is a lot of fun. I am way out of the target age range, but I enjoyed the stories. Middle-grade detectives, crazy scientist uncle, and international intrigue all converge. The projects are the type that kids in the target group will enjoy—my (bright) third-grader can’t wait to try some out. The illustrations could be clearer for the technically inept such as myself. However, there are videos available, as well as other cool information, at http://www.nickandtesla.com . It’s an entertaining website—fun even if you don’t have the books. Overall, though, the instructions are fairly clear and the parts needed are not too exotic. The earlier books give Radio Shack part numbers—alas, Radio Shack is no more.
The characters themselves range in believability. Nick and Tesla interact like real children. Other characters are more stereotypical, stock characters. However, the intended audience is not generally looking for sophisticated literary material. The characters, overall, are entertaining. There could be more female characters—beyond Tesla, the female characters tended to be minor. There are characters of color.
Possible objectionable material:
Squeaky clean, no cursing. Some perilous situations, kids sneaking out at night, and somewhat oblivious adults.
Who would like these books:
Kids with an interest in science and inventing, and their adult helpers. Fans of mysteries, adventure, and spy stories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance reader e-books.
Details on the series at my blog: www.bibliouquacious.com
January 19, 2014
I won this book in the Goodread's First Reads Program. I was excited to win this book, because my nephew and I loved reading the first two books together.
This one picks up right where the second book left off. Nick and Tesla get a message from their mom that cuts off right before she can tell them who is spying on them. Now they are trying to figure out who is spying on them, and why that person would want to spy on a couple of kids living with their crazy uncle. There are five more experiments that they use to figure out who the spy is that you can make at home.
I thought that this one was even funnier than the first two books. This is a series that continues to get better as it goes along. Nick and Tesla's adventures get more interesting as we learn more about them. I thought they had some really cool experiments in this book. There are code wheels, fingerprint kits, and spy cameras. Not only will these be fun to make, but these experiments will encourage kids to use their imaginations.
This one picks up right where the second book left off. Nick and Tesla get a message from their mom that cuts off right before she can tell them who is spying on them. Now they are trying to figure out who is spying on them, and why that person would want to spy on a couple of kids living with their crazy uncle. There are five more experiments that they use to figure out who the spy is that you can make at home.
I thought that this one was even funnier than the first two books. This is a series that continues to get better as it goes along. Nick and Tesla's adventures get more interesting as we learn more about them. I thought they had some really cool experiments in this book. There are code wheels, fingerprint kits, and spy cameras. Not only will these be fun to make, but these experiments will encourage kids to use their imaginations.
March 24, 2014
Great concept! Science/engineering projects for kids + good story writing = a winner!
This is the first book I've read by Bob Pflugfelder, but I really would like to read the other books in the series now. The projects are not too complex, but they are still interesting. And the plot was a mystery that kept me interested -- it didn't feel like it was too contrived or just a thin string connecting the projects.
Overall, this book reminded me of the books in A Series of Unfortunate Events, with a slightly different, more upbeat tone, and with a dose of Mythbusters or Mr. Wizard.
One thing that would make this book even better would be to package the book with some of the items you need for the projects, like a small motor, which might be harder to find on your own. Then I think I'd be more likely to do the projects. The concept is similar to the Klutz books.
I was very lucky to win a copy from Goodreads First Reads. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my kids!
This is the first book I've read by Bob Pflugfelder, but I really would like to read the other books in the series now. The projects are not too complex, but they are still interesting. And the plot was a mystery that kept me interested -- it didn't feel like it was too contrived or just a thin string connecting the projects.
Overall, this book reminded me of the books in A Series of Unfortunate Events, with a slightly different, more upbeat tone, and with a dose of Mythbusters or Mr. Wizard.
One thing that would make this book even better would be to package the book with some of the items you need for the projects, like a small motor, which might be harder to find on your own. Then I think I'd be more likely to do the projects. The concept is similar to the Klutz books.
I was very lucky to win a copy from Goodreads First Reads. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my kids!
April 29, 2014
I received this book from Quirk Books to review. This is the third book in the series that my son and I have read. My son is 9 years old and loves this series and he was excited when we received it. He read the book first and he told me that it's his favorite one in the series. He especially likes the instructions in the book for whatever gadget they are making. After he finished the book I was able to read it. It was a great story and I kind of suspected who the spy in the book was but the way that person was uncovered was great. I also love that we found out more about Nick and Tesla's parents and why they are staying with their uncle Newt. I like all the characters in the book from Nick and Tesla's friends to Uncle Newt. I can't wait to find out more about Nick and Tesla as well as their parents.
April 11, 2014
What a wonderful book! Why didn't they have books like this when I was a kid? Nick and Tesla are clever and loyal siblings who are spending some time with their scientist grandfather while their parents are on a boring-sounding business trip. But of course everything is not as it seems! A strange call from their mother makes it clear that her trip is related to something dangerous - and that Nick and Tesla may be in danger too! One of the wacky characters hanging around the house today is a spy! But who? Nick and Tesla come up with several contraptions to try to find out - and provide full instructions for DIY spy-hunting readers.
A winning combination of mystery, geekiness, and just plain silliness.
A winning combination of mystery, geekiness, and just plain silliness.
May 4, 2014
After getting a phone message from their mother warning that a spy is after them, Nick and Tesla find their uncle's house full of suspects. Who is the spy?
Another fun book filled with a great mystery, good characters, and a few laughs. The target middle grade audience will love it and enjoy building their own spy camera, code wheel, and more after they've found out who the spy is.
NOTE: I received this book via Amazon Vine in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Another fun book filled with a great mystery, good characters, and a few laughs. The target middle grade audience will love it and enjoy building their own spy camera, code wheel, and more after they've found out who the spy is.
NOTE: I received this book via Amazon Vine in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 27, 2014
Another great story for Nick and Tesla. In this adventure they are trying to find out who is spying on them. The authors provided us with a handful of very humorous possibilities. I loved watching Nick and Tesla try to figure out each and every one of them. The techniques they used and the gadgets they build have instructions that are very easy to follow once again. It was a perfect mix of fun and education. My 11 year old daughter is loving this series as well.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest revew*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
*This book was received in exchange for an honest revew*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
December 21, 2015
I have to say I have enjoyed this third installment just as much as the two previous. Nick, Tesla, and their friends continue to amaze me with their ingenuity and guts. Further into their wacky summer at their Uncle Newt's home, the twins realize that there is a spy in their midst that has something to do with their parents' mysterious scientific work for the government. And even when no one who can do anything about it believes them, the twins work together using whatever is available to them to figure out who the spy is and thwart their evil intentions. It was hugely satisfying.
September 10, 2016
I received my copy through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This series is really building up steam. It's going to be exciting to see where they will take the series in future volumes, as this installment finally answers some questions we've had since the beginning. Cool projects (I'm sure parents will be thrilled with the spy camera, and I'm sure kids won't care :) ), mysterious maids and more banana-fueled vacuum fun! Honestly, what more could a kid ask for?
This series is really building up steam. It's going to be exciting to see where they will take the series in future volumes, as this installment finally answers some questions we've had since the beginning. Cool projects (I'm sure parents will be thrilled with the spy camera, and I'm sure kids won't care :) ), mysterious maids and more banana-fueled vacuum fun! Honestly, what more could a kid ask for?
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