What do you think?
Rate this book
Warp Speed
Want to look at Marley Sandelski's school picture?
Don't see him? That's because he's invisible. Or that's how he feels, anyway. Teachers don't call on him. Popular kids don't talk to him. He has friends in the AV Club, but the only other people who can find him seem to be jerks and bullies, like Digger Ronster and the Gorn. And when they get hold of him, Marley's bruises show up just fine.
It seems like Marley's only choice is to run. But can he run fast enough to stay invisible to the bullies without disappearing entirely? Is warp speed too fast?
Don't see him? That's because he's invisible. Or that's how he feels, anyway. Teachers don't call on him. Popular kids don't talk to him. He has friends in the AV Club, but the only other people who can find him seem to be jerks and bullies, like Digger Ronster and the Gorn. And when they get hold of him, Marley's bruises show up just fine.
It seems like Marley's only choice is to run. But can he run fast enough to stay invisible to the bullies without disappearing entirely? Is warp speed too fast?
311 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Yee
40 books555 followersLisa Yee has written over 20 novels. Her most recent book, Maizy Chen's Last Chance, is about a fifth-generation Chinese American girl, and is a National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor, and the Asian Pacific American Children's Literature Award winner.
Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.
Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.
Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.
You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.
Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.
Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.
Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.
You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 13, 2014
I had to skim to finish this, and honestly would have stopped after about 20 pages if I weren't reading it for class. Part of the problem is that a lot of this rang false to my experience of both middle and high school, but I know I was lucky to be somewhere that bullying wasn't terrible. But also, liking nerdy/geeky things does not make you this big a loser, especially in the wake of so many blockbuster films. Batman isn't on the fringe. Star Trek isn't as fringe as it used to be. I may not be 12, but when I was, liking fantasy stuff was pretty normal at my school. Everyone was into Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, or at least everyone I ever talked to. So, because of that I always find books that rely too heavily on liking nerdy things as a means of othering and isolating the main character unrealistic.
I also found it very odd how much these 12-year-olds were interested in dating. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, it just seemed weird.
Other issues:
-Ms. McKenna was unbelievably clueless about what kids find cool, and she sounds pretty young. She would be perceptive enough to notice that her students weren't connecting with her "rapping" and stuff.
-I'm really uncomfortable about Marley being forced/tricked to compete in the Turkey Trot. I get that some kids need to be pushed to try new things, but just because someone is good at something it doesn't mean they need to use it that skill competitively.
-The two reasons for why Marley's bullies bullied him were cliche (I understand that cliches exist for a reason) and forced. I also have a very hard time reading abusive dialogue that has been sanitized for a juvenile audience. An abusive father would almost certainly use much stronger language, and while this is for children, I don't think they need to have words hidden from them when they are already dealing with such difficult issues.
-Seriously, all of the Star Trek/Star Wars/Batman posturing/arguing was so annoying. Just no.
tl;dr: not for me
I also found it very odd how much these 12-year-olds were interested in dating. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, it just seemed weird.
Other issues:
-Ms. McKenna was unbelievably clueless about what kids find cool, and she sounds pretty young. She would be perceptive enough to notice that her students weren't connecting with her "rapping" and stuff.
-I'm really uncomfortable about Marley being forced/tricked to compete in the Turkey Trot. I get that some kids need to be pushed to try new things, but just because someone is good at something it doesn't mean they need to use it that skill competitively.
-The two reasons for why Marley's bullies bullied him were cliche (I understand that cliches exist for a reason) and forced. I also have a very hard time reading abusive dialogue that has been sanitized for a juvenile audience. An abusive father would almost certainly use much stronger language, and while this is for children, I don't think they need to have words hidden from them when they are already dealing with such difficult issues.
-Seriously, all of the Star Trek/Star Wars/Batman posturing/arguing was so annoying. Just no.
tl;dr: not for me
April 11, 2019
It was very good.
September 26, 2017
I liked this book a lot it made me want to read instead of hate reading
I liked the characters the plot and the problems.
I liked the characters the plot and the problems.
July 21, 2011
Why I love books by Lisa Yee, especially Warp Speed:
1. She introduces distinct characters that pull you in and don't let you stop caring, even with all their flaws.
2. She doesn't forget her subsidiary characters and provides surprises, beautiful nuances, and unpredictable twists and turns through the story.
3. Her plot makes me wish I could be a writer to tie in all the story lines with such brilliance: put together Star Trek, Star Wars, bullying, old theater celebrations, AV teams... and come up with a notable
4. She keeps me up late for a worthy cause- I cannot close her books once I begin reading them. This can be dangerous, but I treasure the time I steal to enjoy her words...
In conclusion, I adore Lisa Yee's books and loved reading Warp Speed.
1. She introduces distinct characters that pull you in and don't let you stop caring, even with all their flaws.
2. She doesn't forget her subsidiary characters and provides surprises, beautiful nuances, and unpredictable twists and turns through the story.
3. Her plot makes me wish I could be a writer to tie in all the story lines with such brilliance: put together Star Trek, Star Wars, bullying, old theater celebrations, AV teams... and come up with a notable
4. She keeps me up late for a worthy cause- I cannot close her books once I begin reading them. This can be dangerous, but I treasure the time I steal to enjoy her words...
In conclusion, I adore Lisa Yee's books and loved reading Warp Speed.
November 17, 2016
This is a wonderfully written story of overcoming bullying, learning self-esteem, and so much more. Often humorous and occasionally poignant, this story transcends the typical trials of middle school. Subplots include living with a blind mother (who golfs!) inside a once resplendent but now decrepit move theater, and feeling invisible in a school filled with popular kids. Excellent choice for a reading group; children and adults alike will love this book.
November 11, 2011
Enjoyed this book, but it made me uncomfortable... Maybe a little too close to home..l hated Principal and teacher characters, saw some real nuance in the bullies, found the ending heartwarming but unfortunately fairytailish, and found the message mixed... But the book was really good, and the Yee-niverse characters are always interesting... I wanted more Millicent:)
April 10, 2011
I don't think the publisher's blurb, which calls this book, "Diary of a Wimpy Trekkie" is accurate and might push away readers who would otherwise enjoy Warp Speed.
September 13, 2019
Have you ever felt invisible? Well. if you have, this is the book for you. Marley Sandelski, aka our protagonist, feels the same exact way, starting 7th grade at Rancho Rosetta Middle School. He doesn’t have many friends, is bullied often, and is one of the most unpopular kids in school. But that is all about to change, as Marley’s fortune turns. Suddenly, the tables have turned, and now he becomes the most popular kid in school, makes more and new friends, and even turns invincible from invisible! Read Warp Speed by Lisa Yee, to find out more!
You should read this book because this hooks you into the interesting world of Marley Sandelski, and explains it by his point of view. It also has a very happy ending, and climax. Lastly, this book is going to make you want to read a sequel, because of how exciting and wonderful the plot, conflict, and climax was in the original book!
You should read this book because this hooks you into the interesting world of Marley Sandelski, and explains it by his point of view. It also has a very happy ending, and climax. Lastly, this book is going to make you want to read a sequel, because of how exciting and wonderful the plot, conflict, and climax was in the original book!
November 8, 2019
My book is called Warp Speed i think it is a very good bock Lisa Yee wrote the book I think she or he did a great job of writing the bock. My book is basically about this guy I think they call him Warp Speed and he is invisible No, body can see him accept the people in this AV club, but the only other people that can find him are a butch of bullies. These people also wonder if this person named Marley Bruises can keep up with warp speed to stay invisible entirely. My favorite part is chapter 33. because its really funny to me kind Its about breakfast in the morning and school I don`t know about you but it is really funny. i think it would be a great book for any budy over the age of five there is some words that you might not be able to read or under stand. as long as they can read good and understand the words then it will be great.
June 1, 2024
Marley sees himself as a loser. His friends in AV club are losers too. Marley gets bullied every day at school, then outside of school too. Running away from the Gorns becomes a pastime. Marley expects them to be waiting for him and he sprints away. When the track coach sees him running he wants Marley to join the team. Marley realizes he likes running, it makes him feel great. He never feels great, its a new experience. Another bully makes Marley do his homework threatening to have his father take over Marley's parents old movie theater that they love. That can't happen so Marley gives in to the threat. Marley is just surviving. He doesn't see an end to his suffering in his future. Will the bullies get away with all their tormenting?
April 10, 2023
Bullying, violence, and clueless adults lead to Marley’s invisibility. A couple of good, loyal friends make his life at school bearable, while having a loving and stable homelife. When the bullies are after Marley, he runs and runs and runs. Who knew that the running would lead to a trophy? Winning the Turkey Trot at school gives him credibility, noticeability, and popular friends.
But, is that what he wants? Sure, its nice to have the bullies off his back, but at what cost?
Warp Speed addresses the bullying in middle school, but it leads to an unrealistic ending. Good for discussion though.
But, is that what he wants? Sure, its nice to have the bullies off his back, but at what cost?
Warp Speed addresses the bullying in middle school, but it leads to an unrealistic ending. Good for discussion though.
January 10, 2018
SPOILER ALERT
This book was a great book, its about a kid named Marley that only has one other friend that not in his technology class (which is 4 people) but then a new kid moves in and their name is max, max hangs out with Marley and Ramen (his best friend). Max is also in technology class and one day during lunch they sat near a tree, Max had his shirt tucked in which Marley hated so he decided to say that max looks like a girl when the shirt is tucked in and max overheard and then that ruined Max and Marley's friendship because it turns out Max was a girl...
This book was a great book, its about a kid named Marley that only has one other friend that not in his technology class (which is 4 people) but then a new kid moves in and their name is max, max hangs out with Marley and Ramen (his best friend). Max is also in technology class and one day during lunch they sat near a tree, Max had his shirt tucked in which Marley hated so he decided to say that max looks like a girl when the shirt is tucked in and max overheard and then that ruined Max and Marley's friendship because it turns out Max was a girl...
August 10, 2018
Whether Marley believes it or not, he gets more right than he thinks. He’s warm-hearted, funny (though perhaps this is not his intent), a bit romantic (though once again things don’t work exactly as he plans), and sweet. I know that’s not really how a middle school boy wants to be seen, but reading about him is a pure pleasure.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
March 13, 2020
This book is very relatable to real life. Warp speed is a book about a boy who is bullied and discovers something new about himself. He is the least popular boy in school. She is chased by bullies every day and all that running away makes her discover that she is really fast! The track coach notices his speed and endurance and asks him to try out for the track team.
August 4, 2020
A typical middle school tale in many ways- a nerdy Star Trek fan tries to survive middle school despite his family issues. However, this one is interesting in that the main character's mom is blind and his dad does not leave their home, which happens to be an old time theater that they also run. At least two other of Lisa Yee's characters make appearances in this book.
February 9, 2021
A middle school story about a tween who needs to be fast to avoid the bullies. Lots of references to classic films and TV series. As the youth develops other survival strategies, gains friends and grows as a human being, you grow with him.
July 14, 2017
So far, I've loved all of Lisa Yee's books. She so beautifully ties together all the subplots in a clear and refreshing way.
December 29, 2017
This book was great because the main character shows courage throughout the story.
May 11, 2018
I read this book for two reasons: I've enjoyed the author's other books and the district gave it to me.
I identify with this group of kids a lot. I'm wondering who in my classes will, too.
I identify with this group of kids a lot. I'm wondering who in my classes will, too.
June 6, 2018
I think this ended up being my favorite of this series.
March 25, 2024
I liked the book until the ending it seemed a little rushed
May 12, 2011
While I'd lock heads with main character Marley Sandelski in a battle over Star Wars vs. Star Trek, that only added to my enjoyment of this middle grade read. Marley, as a Star Trek fanatic, has a number of items he relies upon. When he needs to think or decompress, he has Spock ears to put on. When he's nervous, he speaks in Klingon. He records brief thoughts about his day in a Captain's Log. They're coded in Trek speak. For example, when he had to attend a Home Sciences class for a few weeks the log entry became: "Temporarily docked on strange new planet."
Beginning with Marley's take on his name, spurring both the Marley of Charles Dickens and the one of dog fame, I found the narration quirky and engaging. Marley has a society ranking of his school based on the solar system. The popular athletes and scary top girls are on Mercury while Marley is on Pluto, what is no longer deemed a planet. Marley is at once observant and unaware. His story has an immediate feel, one enhanced by its use of the present tense. Humor is strong in this book, but there is also a brutality to it that powers the story.
The brutality takes the form of bullying, which defines much of Marley's life. His one friend at the start of seventh grade, Ramen, is his best friend because he doesn't have any other friends. Three guys Marley calls the Gorn hit him every day at school. Marley doesn't tell on them when they attack because he doesn't want them to get worse. He endures being shoved into lockers and into showers; he is spit upon while others watch. A different bully, Diggers, forces Marley into doing his history homework. One thing I found very interesting in the book is that it also demonstrated how bullies can be trapped into a cycle of bullying and what could be motivating them. Marley's horror as the school launches an anti-bullying campaign made me pause and the action that happens afterward says much about platitudes without power behind them.
Marley's one enjoyment of school comes from Technical Services class, formerly known as the AV club. Here there might be taunts, but they are in jest and over different science fiction and superhero series. The new member of the class, Max, even joins Marley and Ramen for lunch outside at the Tragic Tree (they wouldn't dare try to eat in the cafeteria). Even AV club has its down moments though when Marley discovers he made a major assumption about Max.
When the Gorn take to hunting down Marley outside of school, Marley comes to discover how much he enjoys running for the freedom it makes him feel. He's also good at it, so good that the school coach tries to get him into track. Can this offer Marley a way out?
Another element to Warp Speed is how it deals with poverty. Marley's family lives in the old theater that they run. While the theater is amazing, especially the room Marley fixes up, business is slow. His clothes come from the thrift store, his family relies on an elderly transportation service to get around and they shop at businesses that cut them a break. Ramen received his nickname for what he brings to lunch every day.
The introduction of Marley's mother is well done. That she is blind surprises multiple characters who meet her for the first time. To Marley, she is his mom and he cannot picture her another way. He is frustrated by the pity people try to give her when she can function independently.
I look forward to sharing this book with children and adults. I received my copy of Warp Speed as part of the GoodReads firstreads program.
Beginning with Marley's take on his name, spurring both the Marley of Charles Dickens and the one of dog fame, I found the narration quirky and engaging. Marley has a society ranking of his school based on the solar system. The popular athletes and scary top girls are on Mercury while Marley is on Pluto, what is no longer deemed a planet. Marley is at once observant and unaware. His story has an immediate feel, one enhanced by its use of the present tense. Humor is strong in this book, but there is also a brutality to it that powers the story.
The brutality takes the form of bullying, which defines much of Marley's life. His one friend at the start of seventh grade, Ramen, is his best friend because he doesn't have any other friends. Three guys Marley calls the Gorn hit him every day at school. Marley doesn't tell on them when they attack because he doesn't want them to get worse. He endures being shoved into lockers and into showers; he is spit upon while others watch. A different bully, Diggers, forces Marley into doing his history homework. One thing I found very interesting in the book is that it also demonstrated how bullies can be trapped into a cycle of bullying and what could be motivating them. Marley's horror as the school launches an anti-bullying campaign made me pause and the action that happens afterward says much about platitudes without power behind them.
Marley's one enjoyment of school comes from Technical Services class, formerly known as the AV club. Here there might be taunts, but they are in jest and over different science fiction and superhero series. The new member of the class, Max, even joins Marley and Ramen for lunch outside at the Tragic Tree (they wouldn't dare try to eat in the cafeteria). Even AV club has its down moments though when Marley discovers he made a major assumption about Max.
When the Gorn take to hunting down Marley outside of school, Marley comes to discover how much he enjoys running for the freedom it makes him feel. He's also good at it, so good that the school coach tries to get him into track. Can this offer Marley a way out?
Another element to Warp Speed is how it deals with poverty. Marley's family lives in the old theater that they run. While the theater is amazing, especially the room Marley fixes up, business is slow. His clothes come from the thrift store, his family relies on an elderly transportation service to get around and they shop at businesses that cut them a break. Ramen received his nickname for what he brings to lunch every day.
The introduction of Marley's mother is well done. That she is blind surprises multiple characters who meet her for the first time. To Marley, she is his mom and he cannot picture her another way. He is frustrated by the pity people try to give her when she can function independently.
I look forward to sharing this book with children and adults. I received my copy of Warp Speed as part of the GoodReads firstreads program.
August 5, 2011
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Marley is an expert on Star Trek - TSO (the Original Series), AV equipment, and bullying. He's a seventh grader who recognizes his place in the school social network - Geek with a capital G. He's not alone. Ramen, Troy, and Patrick are also fellow geeks and members of the AV Club. There's also a new member named Max who turns out to be quite a surprise.
Now that the AV Club has been awarded the status of an actual class at Rancho Rosetta Middle School, the group at least has a place to feel safe once a day. They have fun learning about AV equipment and being the minds behind the real workings of the school. Without their expertise, teachers would have malfunctioning computers, tangled film projectors, and DVD players with no sound. Marley feels comfortable with the equipment and happy arguing with his friends about which is best - Star Trek or Star Wars.
Before and after school is a different story for Marley. He is the target for every bully in the school. He is so used to being punched, shoved in his locker, and chased home by the biggest jerks in the school that he has come to expect nothing less. Reporting the harassment is not an option, since the school principal doesn't even know his name and his parents have problems of their own.
Marley lives in an ancient movie theater called the Rialto. His father doesn't like going out in public and chooses to spend his time running the theater, which is pretty much a losing proposition. Marley's mother is blind. Despite her challenging disability, she teaches piano lessons, cooks wonderful meals, and spends her free time playing golf. Marley knows his folks love him, but he doesn't feel he can share his troubles with them since they have so many of their own.
Seventh grade is proving to be more of the same as far as the bullying goes, but several new developments have Marley hoping this year might be different. First, there's Max, the new member of the AV Club. Marley and his buddies are shocked to learn after several days in class with this Max character that Max is actually a girl. She's not a Star Trek or Star Wars fan; instead, she's all about Batman, but they still welcome her into their group.
Then, after the collapse of AV teacher Mr. Jiang, the group finds themselves stuck in Home Sciences class working on some crazy partner project involving garbage bags and fashion. Marley can't believe his bad luck when he is partnered up with Emily Ebers. She seems pretty bossy at first, but the more they work together, the nicer she is to him. Maybe this is the year he will have some luck with girls.
Author Lisa Yee's WARP SPEED continues the stories she has created in MILLICENT MIN GIRL GENIUS, STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, and SO TOTALLY EMILY EBERS. Marley's character returns here to share his own story. It is full of humor, crazy middle school antics, and family problems. The use of a bullying theme also gives it a current connection to what is happening in schools today. Middle grade readers won't let this one gather dust on the shelves.
Marley is an expert on Star Trek - TSO (the Original Series), AV equipment, and bullying. He's a seventh grader who recognizes his place in the school social network - Geek with a capital G. He's not alone. Ramen, Troy, and Patrick are also fellow geeks and members of the AV Club. There's also a new member named Max who turns out to be quite a surprise.
Now that the AV Club has been awarded the status of an actual class at Rancho Rosetta Middle School, the group at least has a place to feel safe once a day. They have fun learning about AV equipment and being the minds behind the real workings of the school. Without their expertise, teachers would have malfunctioning computers, tangled film projectors, and DVD players with no sound. Marley feels comfortable with the equipment and happy arguing with his friends about which is best - Star Trek or Star Wars.
Before and after school is a different story for Marley. He is the target for every bully in the school. He is so used to being punched, shoved in his locker, and chased home by the biggest jerks in the school that he has come to expect nothing less. Reporting the harassment is not an option, since the school principal doesn't even know his name and his parents have problems of their own.
Marley lives in an ancient movie theater called the Rialto. His father doesn't like going out in public and chooses to spend his time running the theater, which is pretty much a losing proposition. Marley's mother is blind. Despite her challenging disability, she teaches piano lessons, cooks wonderful meals, and spends her free time playing golf. Marley knows his folks love him, but he doesn't feel he can share his troubles with them since they have so many of their own.
Seventh grade is proving to be more of the same as far as the bullying goes, but several new developments have Marley hoping this year might be different. First, there's Max, the new member of the AV Club. Marley and his buddies are shocked to learn after several days in class with this Max character that Max is actually a girl. She's not a Star Trek or Star Wars fan; instead, she's all about Batman, but they still welcome her into their group.
Then, after the collapse of AV teacher Mr. Jiang, the group finds themselves stuck in Home Sciences class working on some crazy partner project involving garbage bags and fashion. Marley can't believe his bad luck when he is partnered up with Emily Ebers. She seems pretty bossy at first, but the more they work together, the nicer she is to him. Maybe this is the year he will have some luck with girls.
Author Lisa Yee's WARP SPEED continues the stories she has created in MILLICENT MIN GIRL GENIUS, STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, and SO TOTALLY EMILY EBERS. Marley's character returns here to share his own story. It is full of humor, crazy middle school antics, and family problems. The use of a bullying theme also gives it a current connection to what is happening in schools today. Middle grade readers won't let this one gather dust on the shelves.
February 25, 2017
This book is so fun, I have never read a book about a character in middle school, but I think it captures the emotions and middle school behavior very well. I think that anyone middle school age would be able to connect to this book and the characters, it is all about trying to find yourself and who your friends are. I would recommend this book to anyone 6th grade to 9th grade, anyone over the age of fourteen might find this book too juvenile.
I would use this book for an English class to teach editing since there are typos within this book. This would be another book that I would keep out on my desk for any of my students to pick up and read, if I wasn't going to use this book in class then I would use it to give out to anyone that I thought would enjoy it and connect to it.
Warnings:
Drugs: No
Sex: No
R/R: Bullying, Klingon language
Language: No
Violence: Bullying, parental abuse
I would use this book for an English class to teach editing since there are typos within this book. This would be another book that I would keep out on my desk for any of my students to pick up and read, if I wasn't going to use this book in class then I would use it to give out to anyone that I thought would enjoy it and connect to it.
Warnings:
Drugs: No
Sex: No
R/R: Bullying, Klingon language
Language: No
Violence: Bullying, parental abuse
August 31, 2011
Warp Speed would seem to be a slam dunk for me as a personal favorite. It's about Star Trek, one of my faves, and has a lot of Sci Fi references. It has a sub plot about an old theater that shows old movies, and I love old movies. It also has track and basketball in it, and I love sports. But Warp Speed is a lot more, and my reactions to it are also more nuanced.
Warp Speed by Lisa Yee is the fourth book about a group of students from Rancho Rossetta. The other three are Millicent Min Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, and So Totally Emily Ebers. Marty Sandelski is a middle-school geek: a member of the AV Club, and Star Trek fanatic. Marty lives in an old movie theater, the Rialto, and has a mother who's blind.
Though Marty feels that his life is boring, he is actually a target of bullies, like the Gorn, who shove him into lockers and chase him after school. Then he inadvertently draws the attention of Digger Ronster, the biggest bully in school, who forces Marley to do his homework for him and threatens to put his dad's old movie theater out of business.
Woven into these elements are a crush over Emily, maintaining his friendhip with Ramen and Max, and the mystery of his missing log. Marty also discovers his running ability and info about Digger. Marty must also make a decision regarding popularity and true friends.
The dialogue is a strength of this novel and of Lisa Yee. The bullying theme is one that should lead to lots of discussion and hopefully some action towards preventimg bullying in middle schools. The section where Marty gets beat up is disturbing, as are the many bullying incidents, and the example of abuse is upsetting.
In some ways Marty annoys me. He is talented at running, and he knows more details about Star Trek than I do after following it for 45 years. On the other hand, I've been to a lot more cons than he has! I love the Captain's Log summaries of the action. All the sci fi and nerdiness reminds me of the TV show The Big Bang Theory.
This is an entertaining, well told, and important story about bullying, and it deserves a wide readership by being in school and public library collections. I do find the conclusion a little too perfect. I wish all bullying situations could be taken care of so neatly, but question whether this will begin happening widely.
For ages 10 to 12, principals and teachers, abuse, bullying, humor, fitting-in, friendship, realistic-fiction, and fans of Lisa Yee.
Warp Speed by Lisa Yee is the fourth book about a group of students from Rancho Rossetta. The other three are Millicent Min Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, and So Totally Emily Ebers. Marty Sandelski is a middle-school geek: a member of the AV Club, and Star Trek fanatic. Marty lives in an old movie theater, the Rialto, and has a mother who's blind.
Though Marty feels that his life is boring, he is actually a target of bullies, like the Gorn, who shove him into lockers and chase him after school. Then he inadvertently draws the attention of Digger Ronster, the biggest bully in school, who forces Marley to do his homework for him and threatens to put his dad's old movie theater out of business.
Woven into these elements are a crush over Emily, maintaining his friendhip with Ramen and Max, and the mystery of his missing log. Marty also discovers his running ability and info about Digger. Marty must also make a decision regarding popularity and true friends.
The dialogue is a strength of this novel and of Lisa Yee. The bullying theme is one that should lead to lots of discussion and hopefully some action towards preventimg bullying in middle schools. The section where Marty gets beat up is disturbing, as are the many bullying incidents, and the example of abuse is upsetting.
In some ways Marty annoys me. He is talented at running, and he knows more details about Star Trek than I do after following it for 45 years. On the other hand, I've been to a lot more cons than he has! I love the Captain's Log summaries of the action. All the sci fi and nerdiness reminds me of the TV show The Big Bang Theory.
This is an entertaining, well told, and important story about bullying, and it deserves a wide readership by being in school and public library collections. I do find the conclusion a little too perfect. I wish all bullying situations could be taken care of so neatly, but question whether this will begin happening widely.
For ages 10 to 12, principals and teachers, abuse, bullying, humor, fitting-in, friendship, realistic-fiction, and fans of Lisa Yee.
August 27, 2011
In my opinion, there are few (slightly older) middle-grade authors that capture a kids's voice as pitch-perfectly as South Pasadena-based Lisa Yee. They sound like a 6th or 7th grader realistically talking but are still well-written. They deal with real middle school issues (popularity, bullies, having crushes) and real world issues (job security, handicaps). And most importantly, to me at least, her books are hilarious. They have a huge amount of kid appeal but aren't SO kid-friendly that no adult would want to read it (see: Babymouse, Captain Underpants and other popular kids' series).
In Yee's super popular "Millie trillie" (the trifecta of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big-time, and So Totally Emily Ebers, in which the same events are told from three different perspectives), popular basketball player Stanford Wong (how I love that the main character of a children's book is a super-popular Asian-American star of the basketball team... who's failing math!) recalls how he used to be a loser, just like his old friend Marley. After receiving a question at a school author visit about Marley, Yee decided to tell his story, too. Marley is a geek. He's always picked last in PE, he's in AV club, and he gets good grades, especially in history, his favorite subject. He spends most of his time with his best friend Ramen (so called because he eats Top Ramen every day for lunch), a fellow geek who loves Star Wars as much as Marley loves Star Trek. It turns out that Marley is fast, very fast, from all that running away from bullies that he does every day. When an opportunity arises to move up the social ladder by becoming a jock--and ditching his AV friends--will Marley take it?
If you're a Millie fan, you'll delight in this book. It was fun to read about Stanford, Emily, and Millicent (Stanford and Emily are in the book more though), who all interact with Marley in the book. I also loved Marley's "Captain's Log" a diary of sorts recording his interactions throughout the day in the style of Spock or some other galactic commander. For example, after finding out that his new friend Max is actually a girl, and not a boy like he originally though, he writes, "Captain's Log: Major miscalculation of new crew member's origins." But you don't have to be a geek to love Marley's self-deprecating humor. It's a great, funny book that fits in nicely with the Millie Trillie (though it's doesn't take place during the summer between 6th and 7th grade, but rather the year following).
Grades 5-7
In Yee's super popular "Millie trillie" (the trifecta of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big-time, and So Totally Emily Ebers, in which the same events are told from three different perspectives), popular basketball player Stanford Wong (how I love that the main character of a children's book is a super-popular Asian-American star of the basketball team... who's failing math!) recalls how he used to be a loser, just like his old friend Marley. After receiving a question at a school author visit about Marley, Yee decided to tell his story, too. Marley is a geek. He's always picked last in PE, he's in AV club, and he gets good grades, especially in history, his favorite subject. He spends most of his time with his best friend Ramen (so called because he eats Top Ramen every day for lunch), a fellow geek who loves Star Wars as much as Marley loves Star Trek. It turns out that Marley is fast, very fast, from all that running away from bullies that he does every day. When an opportunity arises to move up the social ladder by becoming a jock--and ditching his AV friends--will Marley take it?
If you're a Millie fan, you'll delight in this book. It was fun to read about Stanford, Emily, and Millicent (Stanford and Emily are in the book more though), who all interact with Marley in the book. I also loved Marley's "Captain's Log" a diary of sorts recording his interactions throughout the day in the style of Spock or some other galactic commander. For example, after finding out that his new friend Max is actually a girl, and not a boy like he originally though, he writes, "Captain's Log: Major miscalculation of new crew member's origins." But you don't have to be a geek to love Marley's self-deprecating humor. It's a great, funny book that fits in nicely with the Millie Trillie (though it's doesn't take place during the summer between 6th and 7th grade, but rather the year following).
Grades 5-7
March 8, 2011
WARP SPEED by Lisa Yee
I fell in love with Lisa Yee’s writing when I read MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS years ago. Since then, I’ve shared her novels with my students and they love them, too. Fortunately for us, she has graced her readers with a steady supply of great material over the years. Her latest, WARP SPEED, continues the laughter by focusing on one of the characters introduced in MILLICENT, Marley Sandelski.
Marley is the quintessential middle-school geek: a member of the AV Club, a Star Trek fanatic, and the target of bullies. He goes beyond the stereotypical character, however, with the close relationships he has in his life. The bond between Marley and his parents is a special one. Even when Marley is annoyed with them, their love for one another shines through. Best of all, the parents are layered characters, strong people with believable flaws.
Another focus is his friendship with AV Club members: Ramen, his good friend; and Max, the new kid. While they split hairs over the superiority of Star Trek vs. Star Wars (and a little Batman thrown in for good measure), the three friends have each other’s backs…most of the time. WARP SPEED has layered subplots, too, in both the home and school settings. Woven into the mix is the mystery of Marley’s missing diary (aka Captain’s Log) and whether the culprit will use the information against our ill-treated main character. Yee skillfully blends all of the pieces into a fast-paced read.
Author Lisa Yee writes with humor-filled honesty – from the angst of Marley’s crush on Emily, to his dealings with bullies in the group he calls Gorn, and his run-ins with his chief nemesis, Digger Ronster. In middle schools everywhere, students deal with bullying on different levels, and Marley represents “everyman”. WARP SPEED would be a fantastic classroom read aloud, as the humor and real-life situations will keep students interested, while Yee’s straightforward treatment of bullying would lead to some valuable classroom discussions. Sprinkled among the laughs are some powerful moments when painful secrets are revealed.
I already have a list of kids in my class who want to read WARP SPEED, as I book-talked it last week! Be sure to include it in your classroom, library, or give it as a gift to the readers in your life!
=======================================================
NOTE: Teachers, parents, and administrators should read WARP SPEED to see if they recognize themselves and the solutions some adults come up with to stop the bullying problems plaguing students.
~Marjorie Light
I fell in love with Lisa Yee’s writing when I read MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS years ago. Since then, I’ve shared her novels with my students and they love them, too. Fortunately for us, she has graced her readers with a steady supply of great material over the years. Her latest, WARP SPEED, continues the laughter by focusing on one of the characters introduced in MILLICENT, Marley Sandelski.
Marley is the quintessential middle-school geek: a member of the AV Club, a Star Trek fanatic, and the target of bullies. He goes beyond the stereotypical character, however, with the close relationships he has in his life. The bond between Marley and his parents is a special one. Even when Marley is annoyed with them, their love for one another shines through. Best of all, the parents are layered characters, strong people with believable flaws.
Another focus is his friendship with AV Club members: Ramen, his good friend; and Max, the new kid. While they split hairs over the superiority of Star Trek vs. Star Wars (and a little Batman thrown in for good measure), the three friends have each other’s backs…most of the time. WARP SPEED has layered subplots, too, in both the home and school settings. Woven into the mix is the mystery of Marley’s missing diary (aka Captain’s Log) and whether the culprit will use the information against our ill-treated main character. Yee skillfully blends all of the pieces into a fast-paced read.
Author Lisa Yee writes with humor-filled honesty – from the angst of Marley’s crush on Emily, to his dealings with bullies in the group he calls Gorn, and his run-ins with his chief nemesis, Digger Ronster. In middle schools everywhere, students deal with bullying on different levels, and Marley represents “everyman”. WARP SPEED would be a fantastic classroom read aloud, as the humor and real-life situations will keep students interested, while Yee’s straightforward treatment of bullying would lead to some valuable classroom discussions. Sprinkled among the laughs are some powerful moments when painful secrets are revealed.
I already have a list of kids in my class who want to read WARP SPEED, as I book-talked it last week! Be sure to include it in your classroom, library, or give it as a gift to the readers in your life!
=======================================================
NOTE: Teachers, parents, and administrators should read WARP SPEED to see if they recognize themselves and the solutions some adults come up with to stop the bullying problems plaguing students.
~Marjorie Light
December 30, 2016
Who doesn't love a story where the nerds win? Super fun, wacky romp. Marley is absolutely lovable, not sure what all the bullies saw in him anyway. Loved his friend, the girl with the boy name (dang, it's been awhile, but I forget...Alex??? Don't think that's it.) Haven't read the Emily Ebers version of Millicent Min's book yet, but she seems so Mary Sue I think I'm going to queue that next so I can get a better look at her flaws ;-) Liked that Stanford and Stretch made cameos too. Recommended!
April 6, 2013
Warp Speed was my first Lisa Lee novel. It was recommended to me at a Best Books conference this year, and I'm glad I picked it up. Lee has created a rather extensive world revolving around the Rancho Rosetta Middle School, and her characters (both the children and the adults) weave in and out of a series of YA novels. Neat concept and both school and the town surrounding it seem fully realized. Lots of features and quirky details are included that one can tell might easily be major settings or plot points in one of the other books in the series. It's always a pleasure to "dwell" in a literary world that's well planned out, as it provides the author with great opportunities to be clever.
Lee's characters share this advantage with her setting. Because they clearly "show up" in each other's novels, the writer really has a chance to develop them into rich human being, which is very cool. I like the way she handled both the middle school students and the adults. The kids were as true to life as one can get in a middle grade novel without allowing them to slip into completely boring normalcy. While some adult readers might think she was exaggerating a few of her pre-teen characters, I've seen mirror-images of some of these students sitting in my classroom. I'm almost frightened to admit the same thing about her adult characters. At times, I thought she was going a little over the top with some of her adult characters, just for the wacky effect. Then I thought about some of the things we teachers do in order to capture our students' attention, and I decided that Lee was basically on target. Embarrassing, but true!
I was predisposed to really love the main character Marley, and his buddies in the AV club, since those were essentially my friends when I went to school (today too, for that matter). For a fully committed geek such as myself, to read the arguments between Marley and his friends about which franchise reigns supreme Star Trek, Star Wars, or even Batman was nothing short of awesome. What's not to love about a boy who refers to the bullies who regularly torture him as the Gorn and records his thoughts and observations in his Captain's Log, just like a star ship commander. Yeah, I'll own that, every last geeky bit of it.
Warp Speed will be finding a home in my classroom library, and I'll probably begin acquiring Lisa Yee other Rancho Rosetta novels as well.
Lee's characters share this advantage with her setting. Because they clearly "show up" in each other's novels, the writer really has a chance to develop them into rich human being, which is very cool. I like the way she handled both the middle school students and the adults. The kids were as true to life as one can get in a middle grade novel without allowing them to slip into completely boring normalcy. While some adult readers might think she was exaggerating a few of her pre-teen characters, I've seen mirror-images of some of these students sitting in my classroom. I'm almost frightened to admit the same thing about her adult characters. At times, I thought she was going a little over the top with some of her adult characters, just for the wacky effect. Then I thought about some of the things we teachers do in order to capture our students' attention, and I decided that Lee was basically on target. Embarrassing, but true!
I was predisposed to really love the main character Marley, and his buddies in the AV club, since those were essentially my friends when I went to school (today too, for that matter). For a fully committed geek such as myself, to read the arguments between Marley and his friends about which franchise reigns supreme Star Trek, Star Wars, or even Batman was nothing short of awesome. What's not to love about a boy who refers to the bullies who regularly torture him as the Gorn and records his thoughts and observations in his Captain's Log, just like a star ship commander. Yeah, I'll own that, every last geeky bit of it.
Warp Speed will be finding a home in my classroom library, and I'll probably begin acquiring Lisa Yee other Rancho Rosetta novels as well.
December 30, 2013
Warp Speed is an interesting book. The main character is Marley Sandelski, a 7th grader who feels invisible--except when he's targeted by bullies. Marley belongs to the AV Club and is a rabid Star Trek fan. Outwardly he fits the stereotypical profile of a "nerd."
Marley lives with his parents above the Rialto Theater, which they own and operate. The Rialto shows old movies on the old reel-to-reel projectors, including occasional silent movies for which Marley's mother plays the live music. Marley's mother is blind due to a degenerative retinal disease and her character is an important aspect of Marley's story, in that he sees modeled in his mother an example of strength and courage and determination. Marley's love for his parents also adds to his own distress in that--like SO many of us--he doesn't want to tell them about what he is suffering at the hands of other students. Part of that reluctance comes from wanting to protect his parents from the knowledge, and part of it comes from the unwarranted embarrassment and shame that comes with being treated cruelly by others.
When a new student arrives and joins the AV Club and eventually observes Marley being constantly harassed, hit, called names, etc., becomes angry and demands to know why no one is reporting the abuse we discover the reason Marley is the bullies' target: he stood up for another student (friend) who was receiving the same treatment. When Marley tried to stop the abuse of his friend, the bullies turned their venom on Marley--which is often the case for the individual with enough courage to stand up for another.
I liked Warp Speed because Marley's character is so genuine, his narration so heartfelt and achingly honest. Warp Speedallows the reader to see beyond Marley's outward appearance. The stereotypical "nerd" characteristics that his peers see (Star Trek uber-fan who sometimes lapses into Klingon, AV Club member, non-designer/trendy clothes, etc.) are true aspects of Marley's personality. The difference is that Marley continues to conduct himself--throughout the book--in accordance with his beliefs and values and without giving up the things he DOES truly enjoy (like Star Trek and AV Club) while continuing to search for ways to feel the sense of belonging and acceptance that every one of us needs. He never gives up who he is as a person and THAT is something worth reading!
Marley lives with his parents above the Rialto Theater, which they own and operate. The Rialto shows old movies on the old reel-to-reel projectors, including occasional silent movies for which Marley's mother plays the live music. Marley's mother is blind due to a degenerative retinal disease and her character is an important aspect of Marley's story, in that he sees modeled in his mother an example of strength and courage and determination. Marley's love for his parents also adds to his own distress in that--like SO many of us--he doesn't want to tell them about what he is suffering at the hands of other students. Part of that reluctance comes from wanting to protect his parents from the knowledge, and part of it comes from the unwarranted embarrassment and shame that comes with being treated cruelly by others.
When a new student arrives and joins the AV Club and eventually observes Marley being constantly harassed, hit, called names, etc., becomes angry and demands to know why no one is reporting the abuse we discover the reason Marley is the bullies' target: he stood up for another student (friend) who was receiving the same treatment. When Marley tried to stop the abuse of his friend, the bullies turned their venom on Marley--which is often the case for the individual with enough courage to stand up for another.
I liked Warp Speed because Marley's character is so genuine, his narration so heartfelt and achingly honest. Warp Speedallows the reader to see beyond Marley's outward appearance. The stereotypical "nerd" characteristics that his peers see (Star Trek uber-fan who sometimes lapses into Klingon, AV Club member, non-designer/trendy clothes, etc.) are true aspects of Marley's personality. The difference is that Marley continues to conduct himself--throughout the book--in accordance with his beliefs and values and without giving up the things he DOES truly enjoy (like Star Trek and AV Club) while continuing to search for ways to feel the sense of belonging and acceptance that every one of us needs. He never gives up who he is as a person and THAT is something worth reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews