Clever Trevor

Science Solves It!®

by Sarah Albee, Paige Billin-Frye (Illustrator)

Solve kid-sized dilemmas and mysteries with the Science Solves It! series. These fun books for kids ages 5–8 blend clever stories with real-life science. Why did the dog turn green? Can you control a hiccup? Is that a UFO? Find the answers to these questions and more as kid characters dive into physical, life, and earth sciences.

Buzz and his band of bullies have taken over the playground where Trevor and his friends hang out. But Trevor learns just enough about levers to challenge Buzz to a contest - and win! Books in this perfect STEM series will help kids think like scientists and get ahead in the classroom. Activities and experiments are included in every book! (Level Two; Science Levers)

Genres: Science

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lain Lucas]

Clever Trevor is about a group of friends on a playground. Trevor is among the group. They are playing basketball when a group of bullies come their way and take over the court. In addition to taking over the court, they also steal their ball. Saddened by always having to give their spot up to the bullies, Trevor’s friends are discouraged. Trevor brainstorms and after learning about levers from his sister, he hatches the perfect plan. The next time the group arrives to the playground and the bullies show up, Trevor and his gang are prepared.

I liked this book. The illustrations in this remind me of the old show, “Hey Arnold”. I enjoyed how each page had a picture that was a representation of what happened.


This book would be good for any age group. However, the younger children may like it more. I could teach the children about treating others with kindness and to not underestimate a person’s capabilities.

[JR - · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it because my Dad's name is Trevor. I also like it because he stands up for himself and his friends.

[Irina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trevor wants to figure out a way to make the bullies look like they aren't so strong. He learns about the concept of levers and is able to figure out a way where the bullies can't lift him up on a seesaw. This can be used when introducing levers, but I feel like the concept is not presented as clearly as it could have been.

[Sandra Y. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bullies land on the playground that Trevor and his friends hang out on, initially they get kicked off by the bigger kids, but eventually Trevor uses science to beat the bullies at their own game. I really liked this story because it hit on to a major issue, bullies and also incorporated science into the solution, and problem solving skills. I would suggest this book for K-3.

[Diana Pettis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for younger readers to incorporate a science skill and solve a problem on the playground.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Introduction to a beginning science concept (levers) and using creative thinking to resolve a bullying situation. Both ideas in one put was a little too much message for my taste.