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Sci-Fi Junior High #1
Un collège très spatial, Tome 01
Le collège, même en apesanteur, ça reste le collège... Vous aussi, vivez au rythme délirant des aventures de Kelvin, un collégien très spatial !
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2017
37 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
John Martin
4 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
John Martin is an illustrator, graphic artist, and website designer. He is the illustrator for the Vordak the Incomprehensible series. He lives in Farmington Hills, MI, with his wife, Mary, and their three children.
John Martin is an illustrator, graphic artist, and website designer. He is the illustrator for the Vordak the Incomprehensible series. He lives in Farmington Hills, MI, with his wife, Mary, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 24, 2017
Fun, fun, fun! Kelvin is the new kid at his school, 56,000 light years from Earth. His parents are supergeniuses. His father works in robotics and his mother’s a neuroscientist. With two supergeniuses as parents, then Kelvin must be a Mighty Mega Supergenius, right?
Kelvin’s new friends at Sci-Fi Junior High are:
* Spotch, the first friend Kelvin makes
* Rand-El, the only person on his planet who needs to wear glasses - on his six eyes
* Gil Lagoonie, who attends school in a portable fish bowl
* Zot Totzie, who’s happy and positive all the time
* Grimnee, who doesn’t like bullies
* Brian Stem, the most intelligent kid at school, except for when he’s stressed and his brain shrinks
* Mippett, another new kid who doesn’t talk.
With robots, an evil bunny, spaceships, a super secret project, a father who says, “Har” at the end of his jokes (that may be the only clue he told one) and tea parties, there’s no time to look away from this book. Part novel and part graphic novel, the story is pure entertainment and the illustrations are amazing!
I loved the use of illustrations of the head of the person who’s talking next to the words they’re saying. I can’t remember having seen this technique used before and it worked so well with this story. With so much dialogue, the reader isn’t bogged down with, “He/She said” all the time. A quick glance over the page and you know immediately who’s involved in the conversation.
The diversity of friendships was fantastic. Each friend was from a different planet and they all worked together as a team when they needed to and had fun together. Bullying was explored as was having the courage to be who you are, not who people expect you to be. I loved the message of acceptance in this book.
Overall it was a quick but super fun read and before I’d even finished the book I was on Goodreads looking for when the sequel is due to be released. While this is marketed as a kid’s book, adults will enjoy it just as much. This is one of those books I’d try reluctant readers with as there aren’t any boring bits, there are plenty of quirky illustrations to break up the text and there’s space travel, aliens and a baddie who tries really hard to take over the universe.
Kelvin’s new friends at Sci-Fi Junior High are:
* Spotch, the first friend Kelvin makes
* Rand-El, the only person on his planet who needs to wear glasses - on his six eyes
* Gil Lagoonie, who attends school in a portable fish bowl
* Zot Totzie, who’s happy and positive all the time
* Grimnee, who doesn’t like bullies
* Brian Stem, the most intelligent kid at school, except for when he’s stressed and his brain shrinks
* Mippett, another new kid who doesn’t talk.
With robots, an evil bunny, spaceships, a super secret project, a father who says, “Har” at the end of his jokes (that may be the only clue he told one) and tea parties, there’s no time to look away from this book. Part novel and part graphic novel, the story is pure entertainment and the illustrations are amazing!
I loved the use of illustrations of the head of the person who’s talking next to the words they’re saying. I can’t remember having seen this technique used before and it worked so well with this story. With so much dialogue, the reader isn’t bogged down with, “He/She said” all the time. A quick glance over the page and you know immediately who’s involved in the conversation.
The diversity of friendships was fantastic. Each friend was from a different planet and they all worked together as a team when they needed to and had fun together. Bullying was explored as was having the courage to be who you are, not who people expect you to be. I loved the message of acceptance in this book.
Overall it was a quick but super fun read and before I’d even finished the book I was on Goodreads looking for when the sequel is due to be released. While this is marketed as a kid’s book, adults will enjoy it just as much. This is one of those books I’d try reluctant readers with as there aren’t any boring bits, there are plenty of quirky illustrations to break up the text and there’s space travel, aliens and a baddie who tries really hard to take over the universe.
July 3, 2018
I liked this book more than I thought I would. Its perfect for kids who love the combo if drawings, humor and adventure!
February 8, 2017
My. Son. Loved. This. Book.
I was given an ARC thru the Goodreads Giveaway and gave it to my son who thoroughly enjoys Sci-Fi books. He read it within a week. He would carry it around with him wherever we went. To this day he still picks it up and re-reads many parts. I am so glad he enjoyed it and thank you again for the book!
I was given an ARC thru the Goodreads Giveaway and gave it to my son who thoroughly enjoys Sci-Fi books. He read it within a week. He would carry it around with him wherever we went. To this day he still picks it up and re-reads many parts. I am so glad he enjoyed it and thank you again for the book!
August 3, 2017
What I expected: Lots of Junior High, Kelvin trying to fit in, being honest. Oh and maybe a bit of evil scientist.
What you get is 50%-ish school/life and 50% annoying, stupid, frustrating, please throw him into space or burn him evil scientist who was just butt hurt because he didn't get a spot at the station. I am -1 starring for those parts. They were not only boring, but also annoying and I just wanted to kick that dude into space. He was an allround terrible character and he shouldn't have gotten so many chapters.
The school life? I loved those, it was great fun to see what stuff they learned at school, to see Kelvin make friends, and to see the food they ate (hint, it is alive).
I also loved that the book had fun dialogues, illustrations, comics. It really made the book come to life.
So yeah, remove the scientist, or give him just a few small parts (near the end) and voila I would have rated this book a 4.5 stars. But now I will rate it 3.5 stars.
What you get is 50%-ish school/life and 50% annoying, stupid, frustrating, please throw him into space or burn him evil scientist who was just butt hurt because he didn't get a spot at the station. I am -1 starring for those parts. They were not only boring, but also annoying and I just wanted to kick that dude into space. He was an allround terrible character and he shouldn't have gotten so many chapters.
The school life? I loved those, it was great fun to see what stuff they learned at school, to see Kelvin make friends, and to see the food they ate (hint, it is alive).
I also loved that the book had fun dialogues, illustrations, comics. It really made the book come to life.
So yeah, remove the scientist, or give him just a few small parts (near the end) and voila I would have rated this book a 4.5 stars. But now I will rate it 3.5 stars.
June 6, 2017
Kelvin Klosmo and his family have moved to a research station because his parents are genius scientists that have been assigned to work on some secret-secret research project. He and his little sister have settled in quite nicely other than Kelvin having to deal with the fact that everyone also think he is a genius. That hasn't stopped him from making a number of friends (all alien and with punny names!), and he has also attracted the attention of the school bully.
Erik Failenheimer, another scientist, joined the family while they traveled to the station with the Klosmos. Upon his arrival, he has been assigned as a janitor rather than as a scientist. He pretty much quickly decides to become an evil genius. His initial experiment goes wrong, but that doesn't stop him from starting a new plan to take over the universe. As you can guess, Kelvin and his friends are going to end up taking him on.
The story is fun and interesting. That dad's bad jokes are perfect for this type of storytelling. In a way, this sort of felt like a combination of The Jetsons and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It was good enough to read the next book. The end of the book indicates it is the first of a series.
Erik Failenheimer, another scientist, joined the family while they traveled to the station with the Klosmos. Upon his arrival, he has been assigned as a janitor rather than as a scientist. He pretty much quickly decides to become an evil genius. His initial experiment goes wrong, but that doesn't stop him from starting a new plan to take over the universe. As you can guess, Kelvin and his friends are going to end up taking him on.
The story is fun and interesting. That dad's bad jokes are perfect for this type of storytelling. In a way, this sort of felt like a combination of The Jetsons and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It was good enough to read the next book. The end of the book indicates it is the first of a series.
April 26, 2019
Je to veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeľmi vtipná kniha.
Kelvin Klosmo je synom dvoch géniov, takže na novej škole sa predpokladá, že je on sám OBROVSKÝM géniom. Na(ne)šťastie mu genialita... no, moc nejde. Ak chce však zapadnúť, bude sa musieť trocha tváriť, že aspoň akú takú inteligenciu má. To ešte netuší, že sa mu chce opomstiť jeden plyšák. Prečo, sa dozviete v tejto superextramegabombovo vtipnej knihe!
Kelvin Klosmo je synom dvoch géniov, takže na novej škole sa predpokladá, že je on sám OBROVSKÝM géniom. Na(ne)šťastie mu genialita... no, moc nejde. Ak chce však zapadnúť, bude sa musieť trocha tváriť, že aspoň akú takú inteligenciu má. To ešte netuší, že sa mu chce opomstiť jeden plyšák. Prečo, sa dozviete v tejto superextramegabombovo vtipnej knihe!
June 13, 2018
I got a copy of the Norwegian translation of this book for free from the publishing house, but have chosen to review on my own.
I read this book in one day. I don't have any kids or anything, but I still find it fun to read children books every now and again.
This book was a surprising lot of fun.
I liked the whole school idea it had going on, and the mix of drawings and writing it used as story telling. I also liked the plot and the subplot, so rating it wasn't that hard.
I actually want a sequel for this.
I read this book in one day. I don't have any kids or anything, but I still find it fun to read children books every now and again.
This book was a surprising lot of fun.
I liked the whole school idea it had going on, and the mix of drawings and writing it used as story telling. I also liked the plot and the subplot, so rating it wasn't that hard.
I actually want a sequel for this.
January 11, 2017
I read this out loud to my three boys, ages 7, 7, and 10. They all enjoyed the book and often begged me to read another chapter. The illustrations are cute and humorous. The story did an excellent job of keeping their attention and was creative. If the author wrote a sequel we would definitely read it! I received an advance reader copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 29, 2019
Adult rating: 2 stars
Kid rating: 3 stars
I'm surprised at the number of people who like this book. It doesn't come close to being as good as the middle school series by James Patterson. Why he lent his name to this book I have no idea. I gave this series a go because I desperately need more books for my sci-fi bookcase. I will probably add this one, because the first half is decent. The second half is just plain dull. I could barely stay awake.
Here's the plot. It may be a little off because I had such a hard time focusing. Kelvin's parents are the top two scientists from good ole planet Earth, so they are selected to be a part of an inner galactic space station. Everyone assumes Kelvin is a genius since he has two super smart parents. He keeps the lie going for as long as he can because he doesn't want to disappoint anyone. The third smartest scientist has hitched a ride with his family to the space station. Being third smartest doesn't mean squat, so he is given the job of custodian. Well, that's a big fat insult so he sneaks into the hanger where his parents' gigantic robotic invention is stored and uses a fancy machine to transfer his brain into the robot so he can take over the galaxy. Kelvin and his friends sneak into the hanger completely unaware of what is going on, and inadvertently get sucked into space along with the robot.
It has its moments of glory, but for the most part the humor doesn't cut it. Silly plots often work. Think Hamstersaurus Rex or My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish. Not happening here. I honestly don't expect kids to get too excited over this one.
Kid rating: 3 stars
I'm surprised at the number of people who like this book. It doesn't come close to being as good as the middle school series by James Patterson. Why he lent his name to this book I have no idea. I gave this series a go because I desperately need more books for my sci-fi bookcase. I will probably add this one, because the first half is decent. The second half is just plain dull. I could barely stay awake.
Here's the plot. It may be a little off because I had such a hard time focusing. Kelvin's parents are the top two scientists from good ole planet Earth, so they are selected to be a part of an inner galactic space station. Everyone assumes Kelvin is a genius since he has two super smart parents. He keeps the lie going for as long as he can because he doesn't want to disappoint anyone. The third smartest scientist has hitched a ride with his family to the space station. Being third smartest doesn't mean squat, so he is given the job of custodian. Well, that's a big fat insult so he sneaks into the hanger where his parents' gigantic robotic invention is stored and uses a fancy machine to transfer his brain into the robot so he can take over the galaxy. Kelvin and his friends sneak into the hanger completely unaware of what is going on, and inadvertently get sucked into space along with the robot.
It has its moments of glory, but for the most part the humor doesn't cut it. Silly plots often work. Think Hamstersaurus Rex or My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish. Not happening here. I honestly don't expect kids to get too excited over this one.
July 17, 2019
I listened to this audiobook. Based on that, it seems this is a graphic novelization hybrid with more illustrations that a standard MG story. The reading level is 3.9, or the 9th month of 3rd grade, so it's at a level much lower than what I'm trying to write.
The story is simple: parents are making a robot to get this thing that melts people who go near it. Underappreciated scientist who was invited to be a janitor (but nobody told him he was going to be a janitor) is rightfully offended. NOTE: he's the 3rd most brilliant scientist from Earth, so it's not like he's like #97 of the top 100 scientists and it's silly that he would be offended. Anyway, he decides to become an evil scientist because then maybe he'll get some respect. (SPOILER - he doesn't)
The kids are kids. I'm sure the illustrations help a lot in the way of character development. That's something that it has in common with Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
The kids "save the day" except it doesn't really solve the ultimate problem that caused the family to move to the science station in the first place, so I'm not sure it's a "happy ending?" Plus, Kelvin reveals his big secret and there are literally no consequences, so I'm not sure why it was even made into an issue.
And, there's a lot of stress on whether the principal is a he or a she which is completely unnecessary, not handled well, and is mildly insulting.
I didn't expect a lot from James Patterson, and while he didn't write this one, it's his imprint. It's pretty much what I expected. Overall a disappointment.
The story is simple: parents are making a robot to get this thing that melts people who go near it. Underappreciated scientist who was invited to be a janitor (but nobody told him he was going to be a janitor) is rightfully offended. NOTE: he's the 3rd most brilliant scientist from Earth, so it's not like he's like #97 of the top 100 scientists and it's silly that he would be offended. Anyway, he decides to become an evil scientist because then maybe he'll get some respect. (SPOILER - he doesn't)
The kids are kids. I'm sure the illustrations help a lot in the way of character development. That's something that it has in common with Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
The kids "save the day" except it doesn't really solve the ultimate problem that caused the family to move to the science station in the first place, so I'm not sure it's a "happy ending?" Plus, Kelvin reveals his big secret and there are literally no consequences, so I'm not sure why it was even made into an issue.
And, there's a lot of stress on whether the principal is a he or a she which is completely unnecessary, not handled well, and is mildly insulting.
I didn't expect a lot from James Patterson, and while he didn't write this one, it's his imprint. It's pretty much what I expected. Overall a disappointment.
February 25, 2018
Kelvin Klosmo's family has moved to a new intergalactic community so that his genius parents can continue their important scientific work. Starting a new school is always hard, but for Kelvin it's going to be especially difficult since his classmates and teachers will all be different species--plus he's expected to be an uber-genius since he's the product of two of the smartest people in the galaxy. Throw in a disrespected and jealous scientist who has decided that being evil is his path to fame, and you have SCI-FI JUNIOR HIGH.
SCI-FI JUNIOR HIGH has plenty of middle school humor, and the illustrations are in a comic format that helps the sometimes-confusing narrative. Both are sure to appeal to the book's intended audience. Kelvin is a relatable and well-formed character, and his struggles with imposter syndrome particularly ring true. His friends and family aren't quite as well done, and there are a lot of middle school literary tropes sprinkled throughout: a not-so-smart bully, friendly crushes, an embarrassing parent, and an annoying younger sibling.
This is the first a series, and I think it suffers a bit from trying to do too much to set up future books. That said, there's enough to keep readers entertained and flipping pages, and there are positives to recommend giving SCI-FI JUNIOR HIGH 2 a try, too.
My thanks to the publisher and YA Books Central a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
SCI-FI JUNIOR HIGH has plenty of middle school humor, and the illustrations are in a comic format that helps the sometimes-confusing narrative. Both are sure to appeal to the book's intended audience. Kelvin is a relatable and well-formed character, and his struggles with imposter syndrome particularly ring true. His friends and family aren't quite as well done, and there are a lot of middle school literary tropes sprinkled throughout: a not-so-smart bully, friendly crushes, an embarrassing parent, and an annoying younger sibling.
This is the first a series, and I think it suffers a bit from trying to do too much to set up future books. That said, there's enough to keep readers entertained and flipping pages, and there are positives to recommend giving SCI-FI JUNIOR HIGH 2 a try, too.
My thanks to the publisher and YA Books Central a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2017
I decided to pick up a copy of this book for two purposes, first, I like James Patterson and he was presenting this book and second, I wanted to read a pseudo-sci-fi book.
The book was not exactly what one would consider sci-fi but it was based around a kid who was to live out in space, so, I guess it did qualify. This kid is a brainiac or so, his reputation proceeds him. He has brilliant parents, so, why wouldn't he be? The problem is, he isn't quite yet and that can get him in all sorts of trouble with his new found, and unusual, looking friends. I chuckled along with the way the main character tries to fit in but does so in such a haphazard way.
In the end, he turns out to be a hero anyway and isn't that what sci-fi is about? I really liked this book and its funky characters. I could see boys, in particular, liking the adventures of this crew in space. Oh, and one more thing, I could not help but totally laugh at the mad scientist. What a hoot!
Read it, you will like it.
4 stars!
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book at my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. Hudson aka Naila Moon
The book was not exactly what one would consider sci-fi but it was based around a kid who was to live out in space, so, I guess it did qualify. This kid is a brainiac or so, his reputation proceeds him. He has brilliant parents, so, why wouldn't he be? The problem is, he isn't quite yet and that can get him in all sorts of trouble with his new found, and unusual, looking friends. I chuckled along with the way the main character tries to fit in but does so in such a haphazard way.
In the end, he turns out to be a hero anyway and isn't that what sci-fi is about? I really liked this book and its funky characters. I could see boys, in particular, liking the adventures of this crew in space. Oh, and one more thing, I could not help but totally laugh at the mad scientist. What a hoot!
Read it, you will like it.
4 stars!
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book at my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. Hudson aka Naila Moon
March 24, 2018
Listened to an e-audio book. The reader used lots of voices which made the story sound like a cartoon. This might engage kids, but drove me batty.
The top 2 scientists from each planet are going to outer space. Since those top two from earth are his parents, Kelvin and his sister get to come, too. Kelvin is expected to be a genius as well, but thinks he is hiding his more average intelligence well. He is worried about going to his new school, but finds out he can make friends easily. And his new friends actually think his dad's corny jokes are funny!
The third best scientist also is coming on the trip, but since there is no room, he is being sent as the custodian, but becomes the mad scientist that Kelvin must save the group from.
Since I listened instead of reading this title, I missed the full impact of seeing the illustrations and comic panels.
I can see suggesting this zany title to reluctant readers, but will not be reading the sequel to this Jimmy Patterson book myself.
The top 2 scientists from each planet are going to outer space. Since those top two from earth are his parents, Kelvin and his sister get to come, too. Kelvin is expected to be a genius as well, but thinks he is hiding his more average intelligence well. He is worried about going to his new school, but finds out he can make friends easily. And his new friends actually think his dad's corny jokes are funny!
The third best scientist also is coming on the trip, but since there is no room, he is being sent as the custodian, but becomes the mad scientist that Kelvin must save the group from.
Since I listened instead of reading this title, I missed the full impact of seeing the illustrations and comic panels.
I can see suggesting this zany title to reluctant readers, but will not be reading the sequel to this Jimmy Patterson book myself.
April 10, 2019
Citanie pred spanim. S detmi sme sa pobavili. Zábavné obrázky mimozemskych spolužiakov. Brain, ktoremu sa zvacsoval a zmensoval mozog, obycajne v najmenej vhodnej chvili. Dvaja genialni rodicia mozu byt riadna ostara, aj ked su uzasni. A vsetci od vas ocakavaju, ze ste tiez genialny. No koniec sveta...., teda iba skoro, lebo particka spoluziakov tomu na cele s Kevinom zabrani 😊 chalani vyhlásili, ze chcu druhy diel, tak ich to zjavne bavilo!!!
Za mna tiez ok. Nenarocne, zabavne, mile, ziaden intelektualny zahul, poucenie je tiez take polopatisticke. Vadi to? Podla mna nie 😊
Za mna tiez ok. Nenarocne, zabavne, mile, ziaden intelektualny zahul, poucenie je tiez take polopatisticke. Vadi to? Podla mna nie 😊
July 31, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
My 9-year-old son loved this book and is somewhat upset the next one won't be out for six more months. (We've already pre-ordered it.) He enjoys reading, but he read this one straight through in two days. Given that he has three other books going right now, that's saying something. "Sci-Fi Junior High" was amusing; he liked it so much because "It was funny."
Thanks for sharing a great book.
My 9-year-old son loved this book and is somewhat upset the next one won't be out for six more months. (We've already pre-ordered it.) He enjoys reading, but he read this one straight through in two days. Given that he has three other books going right now, that's saying something. "Sci-Fi Junior High" was amusing; he liked it so much because "It was funny."
Thanks for sharing a great book.
November 9, 2024
I was initially drawn in by the unique premise and the promise of a gripping tale. The first few chapters delivered on that promise, but as the story progressed, it started to lose steam. The pacing was all over the place, with some sections dragging on while others felt rushed. The characters were intriguing but didn’t have the development needed to make them truly compelling. It’s a book that I wanted to love, but in the end, it felt more like a chore than a joy to read.
November 9, 2024
There’s a lot to appreciate in this book, but it ultimately fell a bit short for me. The opening chapters were compelling, setting up a story that promised excitement and intrigue. However, the middle section dragged, and I found myself losing interest. The characters were well-drawn, but their motivations weren’t always clear, making it difficult to fully invest in their arcs. The ending was satisfying, but it felt like a long journey to get there. A good read, but not a great one.
October 26, 2017
Excellent illustrations and multiple formats combined with a mix of wacky space adventure and funny observations on the middle grade experience. Definitely a lot of fun.
(My rating is probably a bit low due to high expectations from my love of the author-illustrator pair's previous Vordak series; this doesn't quite measure up to that in my mind.)
(My rating is probably a bit low due to high expectations from my love of the author-illustrator pair's previous Vordak series; this doesn't quite measure up to that in my mind.)
May 28, 2018
I received this book free at fair. I thought it would be an interesting book for my reluctant readers in 4th grade to read. On 1st glance the book looks like it will be a long read. But, the graphics and the story plot should be enough to keep them interested. I took away one star because I thought the ending was a little flat. But, I guess that's what sequels are for.
August 17, 2023
I really liked this book Sci-Fi junior High the only reason I felt like this could be better is if they added more details to it but other than that I think it is great book full of laughter for all ages anyways thank you.
November 6, 2024
This was a total page-turner! The suspense was perfectly paced, and just when I thought I had things figured out, it threw in a twist that blew my mind. Definitely one of the most gripping reads I’ve had in a while.
March 25, 2017
A great text for recultant readers in 6th grade, but definitely a great text for 4th, 5th, I think! love the illustrations and the made up language is great. A fantastic book to teach dialogue with!
July 4, 2017
A boy and his scientist parents move to a new planet and he must adjust to a new school and also inadvertently defeat an evil scientist.
Meh. S'okay but not fabulous.
Meh. S'okay but not fabulous.
August 31, 2017
Middle School kids loved this book as a read aloud. We did project the pages because the art added so much to the story. Thank goodness it's a series. I need to know more about the evil plushie!
September 9, 2017
Entertaining enough and it proved a hit with my son. Good for the emerging reader who wants to try different text formats.
September 22, 2017
This is a cute coming of age story for 3-5th graders.
June 21, 2018
Really, cute book with a unique writing style, and really nice illustrations.
September 16, 2020
I found that this book is quite funny.
I like Bula and Prof Failenheimer's character.
I like Bula and Prof Failenheimer's character.
September 13, 2021
Interesting, going to school in space and having friends from different planets. Sounds like something I'd read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews