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Simon Bloom #1
Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper
Sixth-grader Simon Bloom can't believe his luck when he finds a book that enables him to control the laws of physics. By simply reciting the formulas it contains, he can cancel gravity to fly around his bedroom, or decrease friction so he can slide down the street as if he were on Rollerblades. When two thugs with evil intentions come after Simon, he must use the formulas to save himself and the book from falling into their hands. This funny, fast, and imaginative novel from first-time author Michael Reisman will appeal to fans of both fantasy and action-adventure.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
27 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reisman
20 books26 followersMichael went to college in upstate NY at the State University of New York, Albany (a.k.a. SUNY Albany), and he graduated with a degree in Psychology and English. He's had many jobs: a pizzeria dishwasher, a supermarket checkout boy, and spraying cologne in a department store (he got fired on his first night). He's worked making smoothies, selling retail clothing, and he washed enormous party tents for one day. He's worked for a software company, and temped at various jobs in the movie/ TV industry, including an assistant for Tom Hanks for a few months. He's tutored for the SATs (verbal) and has been a script/ book reader for various movie and television companies, including Dreamworks/ Dreamworks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. Some of his friends describe it as getting paid to write book reports; they're not entirely wrong. But he's happy - he loves to read, and he's making money doing it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 12, 2008
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
What would you do if you could control the laws of Physics?
Simon Bloom is an average eleven-year-old boy that dreams of being able to fly and instantaneously travel to the moon. But as a 6th-grader, he doesn't know anything about the laws of Physics. Nor has he ever noticed the woods at the end of Van Silas Way. And not just any woods. These woods have trees as big as the Redwoods, yet no one seems to notice them. Then one fateful day, with his new friend, Owen, the Breeze (yes, with a capital B) beckons Simon to the dead end Van Silas Way. Out of nowhere, Dunkerhoook Woods appears before the two of them. They venture into the magically charged woods and discover a clearing with wood stumps arranged in a circle. While exploring the clearing, a Book (again, with a capital B) falls, seemingly out of nowhere.
Enter the TEACHER'S EDITION OF PHYSICS. The Book belongs to the Keeper of the Order of Physics. Why has it fallen out of nowhere into Simon Bloom's hands? And what is Simon to do with it? Well, as any curious sixth grader would do, he opens it. And thus begins the adventures.
The previous owner of the Book has been injured in a mysterious car accident and the Order of Physics members are out to find the perpetrator of the crime and the missing Book. And a mysterious hooded person and their assistant are trying to find the Book for their own personal use.
Simon and his friends must figure out how to use the Book to protect themselves from those that mean to harm them just to get their hands on the Book.
The story starts out a bit confusing with all of the different characters and names of organizations. But once the plot begins to move along, it all comes together and is quite entertaining to the reader. For fans of the HARRY POTTER and THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY series, this new addition to the genre will be a treat for them.. Simon and his friends are determined eleven year olds not afraid to stand up to stronger adults as they try to return the Book to its rightful owner. Battles ensue and the laws of Physics are put to the test.
Not normally a fan of this genre, Mr. Reisman has created an enchanting story appropriate for all ages to enjoy. The chapters are short so those of a younger age will be able to read a few pages and be able to stop at appropriate places. Older ones will be able to read multiple chapters in one sitting and still want to keep reading. The action is quick and the entire story takes place in less than a week's time. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel to the story, but the ending leaves the possibility there.
Pick up SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER and see what is possible!
What would you do if you could control the laws of Physics?
Simon Bloom is an average eleven-year-old boy that dreams of being able to fly and instantaneously travel to the moon. But as a 6th-grader, he doesn't know anything about the laws of Physics. Nor has he ever noticed the woods at the end of Van Silas Way. And not just any woods. These woods have trees as big as the Redwoods, yet no one seems to notice them. Then one fateful day, with his new friend, Owen, the Breeze (yes, with a capital B) beckons Simon to the dead end Van Silas Way. Out of nowhere, Dunkerhoook Woods appears before the two of them. They venture into the magically charged woods and discover a clearing with wood stumps arranged in a circle. While exploring the clearing, a Book (again, with a capital B) falls, seemingly out of nowhere.
Enter the TEACHER'S EDITION OF PHYSICS. The Book belongs to the Keeper of the Order of Physics. Why has it fallen out of nowhere into Simon Bloom's hands? And what is Simon to do with it? Well, as any curious sixth grader would do, he opens it. And thus begins the adventures.
The previous owner of the Book has been injured in a mysterious car accident and the Order of Physics members are out to find the perpetrator of the crime and the missing Book. And a mysterious hooded person and their assistant are trying to find the Book for their own personal use.
Simon and his friends must figure out how to use the Book to protect themselves from those that mean to harm them just to get their hands on the Book.
The story starts out a bit confusing with all of the different characters and names of organizations. But once the plot begins to move along, it all comes together and is quite entertaining to the reader. For fans of the HARRY POTTER and THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY series, this new addition to the genre will be a treat for them.. Simon and his friends are determined eleven year olds not afraid to stand up to stronger adults as they try to return the Book to its rightful owner. Battles ensue and the laws of Physics are put to the test.
Not normally a fan of this genre, Mr. Reisman has created an enchanting story appropriate for all ages to enjoy. The chapters are short so those of a younger age will be able to read a few pages and be able to stop at appropriate places. Older ones will be able to read multiple chapters in one sitting and still want to keep reading. The action is quick and the entire story takes place in less than a week's time. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel to the story, but the ending leaves the possibility there.
Pick up SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER and see what is possible!
February 14, 2008
fun, Fun story. Its a keeper.
February 10, 2018
Simon is a 6th grader that has a book literally drop out of the sky and land on his head. It is the teacher's addition of the science of physics. Unfortunately, Simon can't read the book because it is written in symbols.
Incredibly, a pen pops out of the book and opens to the page with the owner written in. Simon is now the owner so he writes in his name. All of a sudden, he can now read the book. The book is about all type of physics laws including the law of gravity. Simon reads the codes and whatever he points at becomes immune to gravity including himself.
But Simon isn't the only one that wants the book - in comes the villain and tries continuously to take the book by battling with Simon and his two friend who can each get one rule to use as they see fit.
This is a cute book about different laws of physics such as gravity, velocity and electrical current. It is pretty well written including the use of a narrator that is actually also part of the story. Cute new twist.
Incredibly, a pen pops out of the book and opens to the page with the owner written in. Simon is now the owner so he writes in his name. All of a sudden, he can now read the book. The book is about all type of physics laws including the law of gravity. Simon reads the codes and whatever he points at becomes immune to gravity including himself.
But Simon isn't the only one that wants the book - in comes the villain and tries continuously to take the book by battling with Simon and his two friend who can each get one rule to use as they see fit.
This is a cute book about different laws of physics such as gravity, velocity and electrical current. It is pretty well written including the use of a narrator that is actually also part of the story. Cute new twist.
July 20, 2008
This is a kids book, targeted at about the 10-14 year old crowd, but I think it is going to draw a much larger audience. A series of science lessons rolled into a science fiction/science-fantasy story, it offers an incredibly imaginative perspective on the universe and how it operates. This is the story of Simon Bloom, a sixth grader who finds a book that allows him to control gravity and other physics-based laws of the universe. Adventure, and a good amount of humor, create a well told story that is enjoyable for adults and kids alike.
Get ahead of the curve, this book has already been optioned to a movie, due out in 2009. If done right, this could be a spectacular movie. The contents of the book also suggest this will be a series, as there are books (like the physics book Simon discovers) that give the rules for Biology and Psychology, among other topics.
Get ahead of the curve, this book has already been optioned to a movie, due out in 2009. If done right, this could be a spectacular movie. The contents of the book also suggest this will be a series, as there are books (like the physics book Simon discovers) that give the rules for Biology and Psychology, among other topics.
April 4, 2008
(3 1/2 stars)
Have you ever seen the inside of a teacher's edition of a school book? Not only does it have the answers to all the question, it also provides more knowledge and material than the regular edition; when Simon Bloom accidentally gets the Teacher's Edition on the Book of Physics, his life is changed profoundly. For this Teacher's Edition actually holds the real secrets of the universe, and gives the reader an understanding of- for example how to manipulate gravity. At first Simon and his friends are excited by their discovery, but when they are attacked by a hooded menace who wants the book, they realize they are in great danger.
Though the premise is hard to believe, the book is fast paced, very humorous, and is the first in a series.
Have you ever seen the inside of a teacher's edition of a school book? Not only does it have the answers to all the question, it also provides more knowledge and material than the regular edition; when Simon Bloom accidentally gets the Teacher's Edition on the Book of Physics, his life is changed profoundly. For this Teacher's Edition actually holds the real secrets of the universe, and gives the reader an understanding of- for example how to manipulate gravity. At first Simon and his friends are excited by their discovery, but when they are attacked by a hooded menace who wants the book, they realize they are in great danger.
Though the premise is hard to believe, the book is fast paced, very humorous, and is the first in a series.
August 18, 2008
6th-grader Simon Bloom unexpectedly gets the Book of Physics, a uniquely powerful book which allows him to manipulate the laws of physics to control his surroundings. Unfortunately, he is not the only one who wants the Book. And some are willing to kill to do it. Newton's Laws and some space-time theory are thrown in, but in such a way that they enhance the story instead of feeling pedantic. Very well done and enjoyable.
August 13, 2008
I am not a physics fan--I took a class in high school that probably traumatized me for life when it comes to the subject. But here, physics seemed almost FUN!
Fast moving, characters that are just quirky enough AND a chance to beat the bullies at dodge ball. All in all, a winner.
Fast moving, characters that are just quirky enough AND a chance to beat the bullies at dodge ball. All in all, a winner.
March 31, 2008
This book is so good that if you read it, it will be in your top five book list instantly!
April 29, 2008
I liked the action, but the scientific explanations were a bit too...well...scientific!? This will make a great movie and probably a great graphic novel.
abandoned
September 23, 2008i give up, i can't say that there was anything wrong with it - I just never got into it.
June 17, 2008
Really liked this one. Narrator was very good and the story was interesting and funny.
July 9, 2008
I really liked the way the author started with the real laws of physics and sort of bent them to turn them in to super powers. I definitely will read the sequel.
August 6, 2008
Interesting twist on science fiction/fantasy. Loved how the story was written with the narrator included.
April 2, 2020
Have you ever wiggled your fingers and wondered: "What if the universe was mine?" If you stumbled upon a book controlling every physical law, warp, and theory, what would you do? Create a Theory of Everything? Prove more than Einstein? Bend spacetime for your takeout to show Domino's five-minute delivery IS possible?
Well, look no further, THIS is that book!
Ok, not literally! But it is the book, sorry, The Book, for Simon Bloom, just your average 11-year-old who holds the fate of the cosmos in his hands. When Simon is unwittingly bestowed "The Teacher’s Edition," the tome commanding every formula in the Order of Physics, the stage is set for a weird, wild, and wow-moment filled ride!
With soaring imagination, razor sharp science, engaging characters, and gut- busting humor, Michael Reisman delivers a novel that ranks as the finest YA read, and one of the best original books period, of the 21st century. With the spirit of Douglas Adams, the mind of Arthur Clarke, and a soul all its own, "The Gravity Keeper" is a rollicking tale, perfectly paced, dynamically written, and a boon for science lovers and dreamers everywhere. As a neophyte astronomer, this volume made me fall in love with science all over again; who knew physics had a sassy side? Young and older readers alike can glean from its pages, be it a dash of science, or a hearty dose of entertainment. I cannot spoil the story; my only regret is that 10 stars aren't available! I HIGHLY recommend with every bone in my body!
July 20, 2022
This, imo, was an average book. Even though it was a short read, I found myself getting bored with it at times and having to power through.
One issue I had with this is the fact that this book spoon feeds you definitions like an episode of Word Girl. I understand it’s a middle grade sci-fi read that deals with topics of physics (I thought those definitions were well-simplified) but the author took the time to blatantly explain words like “motif” to its readers. Have more faith in your 12 year old readers, Mr. Reisman. (Sincerely, a once 12-year-old)
For the most part, this book just didn’t stick with me. Although I will commend the action sequences, which are unique when it comes to what you can do with the powers of the Book.Also, I am so over the weird trend in sci-fi/dystopian books where Random Words are capitalized for Importance. But I digress. The main trio are a little flat but I enjoyed them nonetheless.
Also Sirabetta's glowing tattoos reminded me of Simon from Infinity Train.
One issue I had with this is the fact that this book spoon feeds you definitions like an episode of Word Girl. I understand it’s a middle grade sci-fi read that deals with topics of physics (I thought those definitions were well-simplified) but the author took the time to blatantly explain words like “motif” to its readers. Have more faith in your 12 year old readers, Mr. Reisman. (Sincerely, a once 12-year-old)
For the most part, this book just didn’t stick with me. Although I will commend the action sequences, which are unique when it comes to what you can do with the powers of the Book.
Also Sirabetta's glowing tattoos reminded me of Simon from Infinity Train.
February 21, 2018
This book was about how a kid named Simon bloom finds a book and when he opens that book and reads he find a lot of spells. Simon finds some friends and shares the spells the with them. Simon is the hero of his city because he kills a person who tries to take the book and use the book foe evil.
I thought this book was really good because it had a lot of action and it was about middle school kids and it was relate able with what was happening too him. I also thought this was a good book because it had some fighting and that made this book really interesting.
I thought this book was really good because it had a lot of action and it was about middle school kids and it was relate able with what was happening too him. I also thought this was a good book because it had some fighting and that made this book really interesting.
August 28, 2017
This book started off rather promising -- like it would be witty and unique. In many ways it was unique; but it also quickly got old and was hard to finish. The dialogue became corny and forced. The ending was oh so predictable. And I didn't like how everyone (including all the physics people) were against them.
A fun read maybe if you're in middle school -- but I feel any age group would be bored.
A fun read maybe if you're in middle school -- but I feel any age group would be bored.
April 10, 2021
I'm not a huge science fiction fan, but I had to read this one for my children's literature class. Like all fantasy books, it was just eh to me. I appreciated all of the science talk, but I just could not find myself getting into it. However, a fantasy loving upper elementary student would love this book. It contains other worlds, science, friendship, suspense and adventure. What is not to love? Unfortunately, it was just not for me.
October 13, 2019
This book would be the equivalent of what would happen if Harry, Hermoine, & Ron used the laws of physics instead of magic to fight bad guys. Science-fiction has never been my favorite genre but this book was light-hearted and based on actual science. (Note: Physics was my favorite science class in high school.) My students really seemed to enjoy this book for book club.
Read
October 24, 2019 This book Simon bloom the gravity the keeper was a good book and my favorite part of the book was most likely when Simone and serrabrretta first battle for the book of formulas or when siomn was floating around his room trying to control his formula. I would really recommend this book to people who like fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
My 9yo has been trying to get me to read this for over a year. It's a fun adventure of what might you do if you could control the laws of physics. Not great character depth, but super fun action. It made *me* want to learn more about physics, even the physics I already know.
December 11, 2018
This is a great concept for a story but I felt a little undeveloped for me. I felt like as I was really getting into certain parts it seemed to cut off and move on. I'm glad I read it but probably won't read it again.
January 3, 2018
This felt very much like an episode of The Magic School Bus, only with a little more danger. Creativity points for turning the third person narrator into an actual character as well.
November 27, 2017
Excellent book on tape! Everyone (age 10 - adult) riveted and engaged. Plenty of twists and turns!
May 14, 2018
I listened to the audio version of this with some of my kids. we loved it!
September 30, 2018
It is great. It is for people with a sense of humor
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
My son and I listened to this in the car. It was overall fine, but a bit too drawn out in the final chapters. The narrator did a good job with all the different voices/characters.
December 4, 2019
3.5 Slow start, but once it picks up- it really takes off.
July 17, 2020
Loved it!! Great, interesting characters, very mysterious at times. Very good presentation, gets to the story line pretty quickly. Be warned!! There are a few corny jokes in this book.😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews