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LEO, Inventor Extraordinaire
An orphan named Leo discovers clues to his past when he finds a series of tunnels below his school. But to unlock the answers, he’ll need every skill and invention he has—even if his inventions don’t always work.
A “lifer” at the secluded Academy of Florence, Leo has never met his parents ... or anyone in his family for that matter. His current “family” is his mechanical monkey and robot lion, who along with his charming best friend and fellow lifer, Savvy, only get him into trouble. But after Leo’s latest experiment goes catastrophically wrong, he finds a mysterious clue that opens an underground maze—one that seems to have been created for him to solve.
Leo hopes the tunnels will help him discover the identities of his parents and the reason he’s an orphan in the first place. Instead, he finds that his past and possibly even his future is somehow linked to the innovative Wynn Toys company, whose genius president mysteriously disappeared years before.
Leo must use his creativity and scientific know-how to revive the toy company, oust its dastardly leader, and discover the fate of his real family.
A “lifer” at the secluded Academy of Florence, Leo has never met his parents ... or anyone in his family for that matter. His current “family” is his mechanical monkey and robot lion, who along with his charming best friend and fellow lifer, Savvy, only get him into trouble. But after Leo’s latest experiment goes catastrophically wrong, he finds a mysterious clue that opens an underground maze—one that seems to have been created for him to solve.
Leo hopes the tunnels will help him discover the identities of his parents and the reason he’s an orphan in the first place. Instead, he finds that his past and possibly even his future is somehow linked to the innovative Wynn Toys company, whose genius president mysteriously disappeared years before.
Leo must use his creativity and scientific know-how to revive the toy company, oust its dastardly leader, and discover the fate of his real family.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 16, 2023
I loved this book so much that I wrote it.
February 8, 2021
LEO is a fun-filled, fast-paced, middle-grade adventure with a prodigy protagonist with a love of science and discovery.
Leo is an orphan living at a secluded boarding school, he is known as something of a troublemaker, with inventions known to have wreaked havoc on the school. Leo and his friend Savvy discover a network of underground tunnels with secret passwords and codes needed to unlock them. Leo hopes to discover the truth about his family and how he ended up at the Academy of Florence.
Leo finds himself swept into a dangerous world of espionage and innovation, joined by his created pets as well as new friends Beatrice and Rocky, as they fight to uncover the answers to Leo's identity.
This is a fun read, plenty of action, with quirky characters and plenty of humor. Rocky was one of my favorite characters, as he is something of a pokey older gentleman who tells it like it is. Leo is a genius inventor, but he is still a thirteen year old boy, which I thought that the author did a great job making clear. This book has twists and turns that kept me guessing, with short chapters that kept the plot rolling steadily throughout.
Overall, this was a wholesome read, with some gross out humor, and action-movie type violence for the most part against robots. It was an entertaining read, incorporating real science formulas, and pop culture. While published by Zonderkidz it isn't an explicitly Christian book, with a couple of references to Scripture mentioned on a similar level as that of a Beatles song, a passing phrase name dropping Job, and a few vague mentions of prayer, which overall was disappointing as I was hoping for more overarching themes of faith. An exciting middle-grade adventure, it also leaves the door open for a sequel, so it will be fun to see where it goes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Leo is an orphan living at a secluded boarding school, he is known as something of a troublemaker, with inventions known to have wreaked havoc on the school. Leo and his friend Savvy discover a network of underground tunnels with secret passwords and codes needed to unlock them. Leo hopes to discover the truth about his family and how he ended up at the Academy of Florence.
Leo finds himself swept into a dangerous world of espionage and innovation, joined by his created pets as well as new friends Beatrice and Rocky, as they fight to uncover the answers to Leo's identity.
This is a fun read, plenty of action, with quirky characters and plenty of humor. Rocky was one of my favorite characters, as he is something of a pokey older gentleman who tells it like it is. Leo is a genius inventor, but he is still a thirteen year old boy, which I thought that the author did a great job making clear. This book has twists and turns that kept me guessing, with short chapters that kept the plot rolling steadily throughout.
Overall, this was a wholesome read, with some gross out humor, and action-movie type violence for the most part against robots. It was an entertaining read, incorporating real science formulas, and pop culture. While published by Zonderkidz it isn't an explicitly Christian book, with a couple of references to Scripture mentioned on a similar level as that of a Beatles song, a passing phrase name dropping Job, and a few vague mentions of prayer, which overall was disappointing as I was hoping for more overarching themes of faith. An exciting middle-grade adventure, it also leaves the door open for a sequel, so it will be fun to see where it goes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 21, 2024
LEO re-imagines Leonardo DaVinci as a modern-day kid, incorporating many of DaVinci's inventions and other exciting Renaissance-era details. Many elements of the story are pulled from Renaissance art or the great minds of the period and given a modern twist! I labeled the book sci-fi, but that's just the closest I could come to a genre for it---it takes place in a world that seems like a slightly more scientifically advanced version of our own? At any rate, the tech takes center stage!
LEO tells the story of a thirteen-year-old genius with a knack for inventions that tend to go a little haywire. He's lived his whole life at a special academy and has no idea who his family is. As I mentioned, Leo is undeniably inventive, but his creations tend to go terribly wrong, and he's become known for his ability to destroy stuff more than for his incredible mind. Then, one day, Leo finds a mysterious tunnel beneath the academy filled with strange puzzles that unlock even more tunnels---and a few surprises. I don't want to give away too much about what Leo discovers or the series of events that unfolds because of it, but I will say that Leo discovers some of the secrets of his past!
This book is absolutely chock-full of action and adventure, usually in the form of crazy inventions and scientific discoveries. The madcap adventures never let up. My favorite characters were actually Leo's two robotic pets---they were a wild mix of adorableness and cutting-edge technology! The story wraps up nicely, but there's definitely an open door left for future books as well. I highly recommend this book for kids who are interested in science or tech---they'll find themselves learning while they enjoy a sci-fi-ish adventure!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Kaye's Publicity for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
LEO tells the story of a thirteen-year-old genius with a knack for inventions that tend to go a little haywire. He's lived his whole life at a special academy and has no idea who his family is. As I mentioned, Leo is undeniably inventive, but his creations tend to go terribly wrong, and he's become known for his ability to destroy stuff more than for his incredible mind. Then, one day, Leo finds a mysterious tunnel beneath the academy filled with strange puzzles that unlock even more tunnels---and a few surprises. I don't want to give away too much about what Leo discovers or the series of events that unfolds because of it, but I will say that Leo discovers some of the secrets of his past!
This book is absolutely chock-full of action and adventure, usually in the form of crazy inventions and scientific discoveries. The madcap adventures never let up. My favorite characters were actually Leo's two robotic pets---they were a wild mix of adorableness and cutting-edge technology! The story wraps up nicely, but there's definitely an open door left for future books as well. I highly recommend this book for kids who are interested in science or tech---they'll find themselves learning while they enjoy a sci-fi-ish adventure!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Kaye's Publicity for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
May 10, 2021
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
An orphan named Leo discovers clues to his past when he finds a series of tunnels below his school. But to unlock the answers, he’ll need every skill and invention he has—even if his inventions don’t always work.
A “lifer” at the secluded Academy of Florence, Leo has never met his parents ... or anyone in his family for that matter. His current “family” is his mechanical monkey and robot lion, who along with his charming best friend and fellow lifer, Savvy, only get him into trouble. But after Leo’s latest experiment goes catastrophically wrong, he finds a mysterious clue that opens an underground maze—one that seems to have been created for him to solve.
Leo hopes the tunnels will help him discover the identities of his parents and the reason he’s an orphan in the first place. Instead, he finds that his past and possibly even his future is somehow linked to the innovative Wynn Toys company, whose genius president mysteriously disappeared years before.
Leo must use his creativity and scientific know-how to revive the toy company, oust its dastardly leader, and discover the fate of his real family.
My Review:
What young boy wouldn't like the life of Leo, child inventor? To be able to go on the fun adventures that do NOT fit the mold of such a young bold. He is courageous, creative, and captivating and thats just the tip of the iceberg. He is a techno savvy orphan that is on the hunt to find his birth parents, but what he doesnt know is that there is so much more in store for him.
This is definitely a chapter book for ages 8-12 but you could use it as a read aloud for younger age groups. The language was clean and straight forward and seems to be very engaging. My son who is almost 11, really enjoyed the book and begged for more. Getting to know Leo was fun and interesting!
A great summer read!
About the Book:
An orphan named Leo discovers clues to his past when he finds a series of tunnels below his school. But to unlock the answers, he’ll need every skill and invention he has—even if his inventions don’t always work.
A “lifer” at the secluded Academy of Florence, Leo has never met his parents ... or anyone in his family for that matter. His current “family” is his mechanical monkey and robot lion, who along with his charming best friend and fellow lifer, Savvy, only get him into trouble. But after Leo’s latest experiment goes catastrophically wrong, he finds a mysterious clue that opens an underground maze—one that seems to have been created for him to solve.
Leo hopes the tunnels will help him discover the identities of his parents and the reason he’s an orphan in the first place. Instead, he finds that his past and possibly even his future is somehow linked to the innovative Wynn Toys company, whose genius president mysteriously disappeared years before.
Leo must use his creativity and scientific know-how to revive the toy company, oust its dastardly leader, and discover the fate of his real family.
My Review:
What young boy wouldn't like the life of Leo, child inventor? To be able to go on the fun adventures that do NOT fit the mold of such a young bold. He is courageous, creative, and captivating and thats just the tip of the iceberg. He is a techno savvy orphan that is on the hunt to find his birth parents, but what he doesnt know is that there is so much more in store for him.
This is definitely a chapter book for ages 8-12 but you could use it as a read aloud for younger age groups. The language was clean and straight forward and seems to be very engaging. My son who is almost 11, really enjoyed the book and begged for more. Getting to know Leo was fun and interesting!
A great summer read!
April 12, 2021
Leo Inventor Extraordinaire is a well-written, entertaining, novel that can be read on many levels especially if you follow the author’s Instagram page where he explains the connections to Leonardo DaVinci. The characters are engaging and the events exciting. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger that makes you want to read on. Good news too, the book ends in way that leads to a sequel…fingers crossed.
May 11, 2021
I love that this book was both so creative AND real! It's a perfect fit for my STEM-minded 11-year-old, and we both enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sending such a smart title our way for review, Zonderkidz!
June 22, 2021
I truly enjoyed this book and, although geared toward children and young adults, anyone interested in history, science, and/or art will delight in the many sly references to the Italian Renaissance. It's quite a fast read and kids will engage easily in the mystery plot and memorable action characters. Leo, Inventor Extraordinaire is so entertaining and visual that one cannot help to expect a resulting film or cartoon series.
April 10, 2021
Got a copy to read with my seven-year-old girl-boy twins. Both were rapt from the beginning and kept begging me to read outside of just bedtime. It's super creative and inspiring and we hope they turn this story into a movie or show!
November 13, 2021
Fast paced adventure with awesome technology and non-stop action. Great addition to the middle school library.
November 10, 2021
We listened to the audiobook and we were hanging on every word.
October 16, 2021
Best book ever not a boring page in the book!
March 30, 2021
I’ve never wanted a pet robot monkey more. Fun book that can be read as an adventure novel or in my case with my nephew an education on the Renaissance (we spent hours googling Renaissance references from the puzzles because he was so interested).
October 5, 2021
I met the author at a Book Festival. His presentation of the art in the book and how it tied into the story was clever enough that my 12 year-old son asked that we buy a copy. My son couldn't put it down. He finished the 400 page book in two days. He wants to go to an art museum and see if the stuff the author says about hands in paintings is true.
As a parent, all I ask is that my child finishes the book and this one exceeded expectations.
As a parent, all I ask is that my child finishes the book and this one exceeded expectations.
Want to read
April 28, 2025J FIC CUNNINGHAM, L.
August 24, 2021
Leo, the inventor has spent his 13 years in an isolated Italian school. The character is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci but he is living in the near future. My favorite part of the book is Leo’s evolution as he gains experience in the larger world solving challenging problems. The book is a page turner with amazing technology and fasted-paced action. It was easier to visualize because of the Leonardo da Vinci like drawings.
September 22, 2024
Hello i am a student in grade 8 and this book really opened my eyes to inventions and recently found out that this was based on Leonardo Da Vinci, this information made me research into his incredible inventions and noticed there were so many references to his inventions, i hope other people can enjoy this book as much as i did, and that betrayal was just heartbreaking
June 8, 2021
A great read for the kids in all of us, and the grown ups inside of some kids.
Luke Cunningham explores the intersection of humor, story. And science.
Luke Cunningham explores the intersection of humor, story. And science.
March 21, 2024
I cannot even begin to express in words how amazing this author is! Luke not only wrote a FANTASTIC book that my son LOVES (so much that when he finished the book, he wanted to read it again…that’s never happened before!), but he is an incredibly friendly person. He engaged with me and my son in some really cool conversations and instantly became my son’s favorite author, and something of a “hero” in my son’s eyes. I highly recommend you get his book both in print and audio! He narrates the audio book, which is so cool since he can really bring life to his own characters, but the print copy has drawings and pictures that are essential to the story—so get a printed copy as well!! My son was so excited about this book that he told all of his friends about it, and his waiting in high anticipation for a sequel. It’s a great read for kids AND adults! All this to say, buy the book!! It’s worth it!!
February 8, 2022
I picked out Leo for my 11 year old son for Christmas because of the STEM aspects and the small illustrations throughout the book. He enjoyed it, and while he said it started a little slow, he read the second very quickly. I read a lot of middle grade and there was a lot to enjoy with this book - inventions and puzzles, creativity and teamwork. The illustrations were really fantastic and added to the math elements of the book. Throughout I kept feeling like something was missing. I had questions that were never answered and I found myself turning a page, then flipping back because it seemed like I had missed something, then realizing that was just what came next. Kids who love lots of action will probably really enjoy this book. It reminded me a lot of Alec Rider.
June 25, 2021
The story in this book was worth 5 stars. I would love to recommend it to so many readers!! This is a great action packed book and very STEm oriented. Any reader who enjoyed Artemis Fowl or City Spies would like this one as well. BUT….there is a very basic math error in the book. And that error directly affects the storyline!! No!! I couldn’t believe it. Any reader who enjoys stem-based books will pick up on it. And it’s basic math, not a complicated math fact. So disappointing. I won’t be recommending this book because of it.
March 21, 2022
Listened to this audiobook with my son. A few more interesting characters and creative inventions, effusive and descriptive writing, stronger relationships, and this could have been another Harry Potter series. Great concept.
November 7, 2023
This is a great book for a pre teen or a student with a growing interest in sci fi adventure novels. The story is exciting and constantly engaging with characters that are really brought to life the deeper you go. Would definitely recommend to kids looking for something fun and unique.
December 13, 2023
So much fun. I read it with my nephew.
January 30, 2025
LEO, Inventor Extraordinaire is an engaging middle-grade to high school novel that follows the adventures of Leo, a math and science whiz kid at a unique boarding school. The story unfolds in a private boarding school where Leo and his friends navigate the challenges of school life while uncovering its mysteries and discovering more about his family.
Leo, embarks on a journey filled with humor, inventions, puzzles, and discovering his friends and family. The characters, though not perfect, possess exceptional qualities that make them relatable and admirable. It also delves into the interests of science, art, math, and robotics. Leo stands out as an “iron kid” who uses his intelligence to create inventions. Despite his brilliance, he remains humble and kind.
“Leo Extraordinaire” won the Northern Lights Book Awards in the Middle Grade Fiction category for 2021.
Leo, embarks on a journey filled with humor, inventions, puzzles, and discovering his friends and family. The characters, though not perfect, possess exceptional qualities that make them relatable and admirable. It also delves into the interests of science, art, math, and robotics. Leo stands out as an “iron kid” who uses his intelligence to create inventions. Despite his brilliance, he remains humble and kind.
“Leo Extraordinaire” won the Northern Lights Book Awards in the Middle Grade Fiction category for 2021.
December 8, 2021
Great book! I really liked the tools that Leo used along the way. Very creative! That cliffhanger ending suprised me and had me hoping for a sequal. Definitley recomend this for 8-12 year olds. Great Job!
July 23, 2021
Leo is considered a “lifer” at the Academy of Florence, a boarding school for young children. At 13 years old, he doesn’t know who his parents are, nor if he has any other family at all. Luckily for him, however, he is highly intelligent and ambitious when it comes to his inventions. Unfortunately, they rarely work properly and often cause significant damage to their surroundings. While being punished for one of these incidents, Leo discovers a series of hidden tunnels beneath the school. LEO, Inventor Extraordinaire details the boy’s journey that may lead to answers about who he is, where his parents are, and his strange connection with a highly successful toy company.
Read my full review of LEO, Inventor Extraordinaire on The Nerd Cantina website.
Listen to my interview with author Luke Cunningham on Episode 141 of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast.
Read my full review of LEO, Inventor Extraordinaire on The Nerd Cantina website.
Listen to my interview with author Luke Cunningham on Episode 141 of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast.
August 9, 2022
Excellent mix of imagination, action, and humor. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews