Journal of a Teenage Genius

by Helen V. Griffith

In a series of journal entries, a young scientist describes his less-than-successful experiments and trips into the past using his neighbor's time machine.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Middle Grade

121 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

In Her Own Words...

"What I like about writing books is that I can sit and think about things that most adults never think about, and it's okay because I'm a children's book writer.

I can imagine what my dog is dreaming about or what she and my cat discuss when I'm not around. I can design a time machine or make up a tall tale, and nobody says, "Grow up, Helen"--because I'm a children's book writer.

I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, and I work in the family business. We're distributors of roofing and siding materials, and I've never yet gotten a story inspiration from that. Most of my ideas seem to come from dogs I have known.

My grandfather was part of our family and used to read to me a lot-the Sunday funny papers, turn-of-the-century primers, and The Arabian Nights. When I could read for myself, I read fairy tales, dog and horse stories, and comic books by the dozen.

I started writing poems and the beginnings of novels by the age of seven or eight, but I was forty before I thought about writing for publication.

For fun, I like reading (especially Anthony Trollope) and birdwatching, and I've just started learning to play old-time fiddle!"

Reviews

[Jacy-ann Stewart]

its a great book so far.. im at the climax the adventure part.. lets c what happens from here...

[Betty Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute :-)

[Kortney Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is one hell of a smart kid .

[Erika Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I know what you’re thinking, what the heck!? I read this with a small group of my students in class and I wasn’t originally going to count it. However it took me away from reading what I wanted to read so I’m counting it! It was definitely a cute little story and it lowkey ended on a cliffhanger but it was a short and sweet little novel and I think my students liked it too!

[Jodie Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! I was in need of something lighthearted and this did the trick!! ☺️

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no doubt that Zack is a genius, but he still has a great deal to learn. The story takes place from August 20- October 10.