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Black Hole Radio #2
Bilaluna
Incipere Award Winner (2021) - First Place, Children's Category!
What happens when you have an active wormhole in your garage? Hawk finds out when he invites the new girl Celeste to the space club. The Black Hole Radio summons them down the hyperspace highway…. all the way to Pooponic's moon, Bilaluna, which is inhabited by giant cyborg insects! Mutated Earth insects – but how did they get there? And how can they stop the climate disaster that forced them to leave Pooponic from destroying their beautiful new home on Bilaluna?
Join Hawk, Matt and Celeste on another intergalactic adventure as they are carried over the treetops by giant cyborg flies, race on the backs of cyborg roaches through an alien rainforest and sip nectar with the Queen Bee at a totally incredible intergalactic tea party! Stay tuned!
“…Young readers won’t have any trouble following the characters’ adventures and the author’s vivid descriptions will keep kids and adults entertained. Black Hole Radio fuels the imagination, while also imparting an important message….to always follow your passion and believe in yourself.”
— Entrada Book Review
What happens when you have an active wormhole in your garage? Hawk finds out when he invites the new girl Celeste to the space club. The Black Hole Radio summons them down the hyperspace highway…. all the way to Pooponic's moon, Bilaluna, which is inhabited by giant cyborg insects! Mutated Earth insects – but how did they get there? And how can they stop the climate disaster that forced them to leave Pooponic from destroying their beautiful new home on Bilaluna?
Join Hawk, Matt and Celeste on another intergalactic adventure as they are carried over the treetops by giant cyborg flies, race on the backs of cyborg roaches through an alien rainforest and sip nectar with the Queen Bee at a totally incredible intergalactic tea party! Stay tuned!
“…Young readers won’t have any trouble following the characters’ adventures and the author’s vivid descriptions will keep kids and adults entertained. Black Hole Radio fuels the imagination, while also imparting an important message….to always follow your passion and believe in yourself.”
— Entrada Book Review
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
3 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Ann Birdgenaw
10 books121 followersAurora Award nominee for Best Young Adult Novel - Ka'Azula, (2023) and retired librarian. Ann always wanted to write a book of her own. She was inspired to write this story by a strange beeping coming from a box in her garage. When COVID-19 hit Canada and everyone was in quarantine or lock down, she had lots of time to imagine being sucked through a wormhole to other planets and what wonderful things she might find there. She is also the author of the soon to be published, humorous picture book titled, "The Squirrel Show". Stay tuned!
Ann lives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with her family and two pups: Milo and Sheba.
https://awesomegang.com/?s=ann+birdgenaw
Ann lives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with her family and two pups: Milo and Sheba.
https://awesomegang.com/?s=ann+birdgenaw
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 12, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4/5.
What happens when you have an active wormhole in your garage? Hawk finds out when he invites the new girl Celeste to the space club. The Black Hole Radio summons them down the hyperspace highway…. all the way to Pooponic's moon, Bilaluna, which is inhabited by giant cyborg insects! Mutated Earth insects – but how did they get there? And how can they stop the climate disaster that forced them to leave Pooponic from destroying their beautiful new home on Bilaluna?
This was a fun and quirky read. Filled with interesting sci-fi facts and antics, ‘The Black Hole’ series brings space travel and its multitude of possibilities to a young audience.
I particularly enjoyed the second book in the series because of the educational aspects, which teach young readers bout the importance of pollination and investing in renewable energy sources. Can’t beat a book with a good message.
I also think that the inclusion of new girl ‘Celeste’ was a fantastic choice as she is an Asperger’s character; it’s not only great to see a minority figure in a middle grade story, but the fact that she’s cast as the hero and her autism traits are explored in such a positive way… was definitely encouraging to read.
Looking forward to see where Birdgenaw sends the crew next!
What happens when you have an active wormhole in your garage? Hawk finds out when he invites the new girl Celeste to the space club. The Black Hole Radio summons them down the hyperspace highway…. all the way to Pooponic's moon, Bilaluna, which is inhabited by giant cyborg insects! Mutated Earth insects – but how did they get there? And how can they stop the climate disaster that forced them to leave Pooponic from destroying their beautiful new home on Bilaluna?
This was a fun and quirky read. Filled with interesting sci-fi facts and antics, ‘The Black Hole’ series brings space travel and its multitude of possibilities to a young audience.
I particularly enjoyed the second book in the series because of the educational aspects, which teach young readers bout the importance of pollination and investing in renewable energy sources. Can’t beat a book with a good message.
I also think that the inclusion of new girl ‘Celeste’ was a fantastic choice as she is an Asperger’s character; it’s not only great to see a minority figure in a middle grade story, but the fact that she’s cast as the hero and her autism traits are explored in such a positive way… was definitely encouraging to read.
Looking forward to see where Birdgenaw sends the crew next!
March 31, 2022
This is a great short read for the younger audience, perhaps around 8-11 years of age. The story is a sequel to the first Black Hole Radio book, which features teen friends, Hawk and Matt, who travel through the wormhole created by a beeping radio in their garage to meet a race of aliens. In this sequel, the story is told by Celeste, a girl with Asperger's syndrome, who befriends Hawk and Matt and who joins them on their adventures.
There are a lot of great parts to this story: diversity in characters and voices, a strong environmental message, and plenty of fun facts about space and insects (yes, the combination will make sense). At the same time, the narrative is fun and light and engaging. A great read for the younger audience and highly recommended.
There are a lot of great parts to this story: diversity in characters and voices, a strong environmental message, and plenty of fun facts about space and insects (yes, the combination will make sense). At the same time, the narrative is fun and light and engaging. A great read for the younger audience and highly recommended.
December 30, 2021
Black Hole Radio (Bilaluna) by Ann Birdgenaw
Cute space fantasy children’s book with themes of inclusion and acceptance. Kids that like bugs and adventure will especially enjoy it. The book length is middle grade, but, in my opinion (I'm an old guy now), the read seems more for 7-9 years. Parents will appreciate the editing and subtle moral fabric Birdgenaw weaves into the plot, and the ending is great!
Edward Hendry, author
Cute space fantasy children’s book with themes of inclusion and acceptance. Kids that like bugs and adventure will especially enjoy it. The book length is middle grade, but, in my opinion (I'm an old guy now), the read seems more for 7-9 years. Parents will appreciate the editing and subtle moral fabric Birdgenaw weaves into the plot, and the ending is great!
Edward Hendry, author
January 18, 2023
I am a fan of astronomy, and I love nature. This book has both!
We follow the journey from Matt's point of view, and in the middle of the book, it switches to Celeste's. I think it works well, and I like them both, especially Celeste's, since she has some familiar traits like mine. I also had something similar to worry stone, although, thankfully, I didn't need it for long.
Even though this is the second book, readers miss nothing because we briefly learn about what happened in the first book soon enough. I love the space club name, by the way. It must be great to have a 'space' space, mine was a folder with all the space-related clippings, but I loved it all the same.
Along the way, readers are able to learn about many things without them being too obvious because they are worked into the story, which is excellent. Kids will love this book because every one of us, even when we have grown up, dreams about having extraordinary abilities and adventures.
Another thing: I love puns and let my online English-speaker friends groan when I make them. It's much better than puns in my own language, so they have to suffer, and I'm proud of them. Ha.
Overall, this is a great book for its target readers. It has excitement and adventure. The chapters are short and easy to read. It's educative, and the characters are believable and likable. I like the creative acronyms.
5 Noble Tripods out of 5 Butts of the Solar System
We follow the journey from Matt's point of view, and in the middle of the book, it switches to Celeste's. I think it works well, and I like them both, especially Celeste's, since she has some familiar traits like mine. I also had something similar to worry stone, although, thankfully, I didn't need it for long.
Even though this is the second book, readers miss nothing because we briefly learn about what happened in the first book soon enough. I love the space club name, by the way. It must be great to have a 'space' space, mine was a folder with all the space-related clippings, but I loved it all the same.
Along the way, readers are able to learn about many things without them being too obvious because they are worked into the story, which is excellent. Kids will love this book because every one of us, even when we have grown up, dreams about having extraordinary abilities and adventures.
Another thing: I love puns and let my online English-speaker friends groan when I make them. It's much better than puns in my own language, so they have to suffer, and I'm proud of them. Ha.
Overall, this is a great book for its target readers. It has excitement and adventure. The chapters are short and easy to read. It's educative, and the characters are believable and likable. I like the creative acronyms.
5 Noble Tripods out of 5 Butts of the Solar System
June 27, 2022
This book starts right after the end of Black Hole Radio. Fifth-graders Hawk and Matt are back home on Earth and there’s a new student at school: a girl named Celeste. Hawk invites Celeste to join him and Matt in their space club, and before long the Black Hole Radio has taken the three on a new adventure far across space.
I really enjoyed the addition of a girl who has an interest in science, and I liked how she said she would tell her own story. It really gave some valuable insights into a different viewpoint: that of someone living with Asperger syndrome.
The story contained great lessons about acceptance and friendship, as so well stated in Hawk’s view of the new girl early on: “…she may be shy and doesn’t like to make eye contact. What’s so different about that?” and in his thoughts toward the end of the story: “…we’re friends and good friends accept you for who you are”.
There were plenty of mini-lessons on science topics, too, like space and gravity, and insects and their interdependence with their environments. I even learned something I hadn’t known before about the relation of gravity to how fast time passes; a “wow” learning moment for me!
Overall, I think this story is even better than the first book. It’s a wonderfully entertaining read with gentle lessons for its intended readers, all wrapped up in a fantastic adventure.
I really enjoyed the addition of a girl who has an interest in science, and I liked how she said she would tell her own story. It really gave some valuable insights into a different viewpoint: that of someone living with Asperger syndrome.
The story contained great lessons about acceptance and friendship, as so well stated in Hawk’s view of the new girl early on: “…she may be shy and doesn’t like to make eye contact. What’s so different about that?” and in his thoughts toward the end of the story: “…we’re friends and good friends accept you for who you are”.
There were plenty of mini-lessons on science topics, too, like space and gravity, and insects and their interdependence with their environments. I even learned something I hadn’t known before about the relation of gravity to how fast time passes; a “wow” learning moment for me!
Overall, I think this story is even better than the first book. It’s a wonderfully entertaining read with gentle lessons for its intended readers, all wrapped up in a fantastic adventure.
December 3, 2022
Lull in the career or first baby, yet another famous person announced they were writing a children's book. I'm not quite sure what this is about, only that many of these “children's” books miss the mark if the objective is to capture the imagination and interest of kids.
When I saw this book on our list, I snatched it up because it was written by a teacher (librarian in an elementary school actually but same thing as far as I am concerned). Nobody knows kids like a teacher as evidenced by “Uranus, Butthole of the Solar System” Space Club. This is straight kids and they will love it.
Bilaluna, Black Hole Radio is about a radio that offers those who have access to it, the opportunity to visit a fantasy space world (though one could argue kids these days have no idea what a radio even is).
In this adventure, the 'planetoid' is populated by cyborg insects. (This drove me into a Google search on the word “cyborg” that originated from 1960's science fiction. From what I could tell, a cyborg is part mechanical, machine, part organic or biologically real and in this case, human-like). What was intriguing about these insect cyborgs is they were destroying their environment –just like humans are doing—and the human kids in this story, Matt, Hawk, and daughter of astronomers, Celeste (introduced as an autistic character), were trying to get them to stop. Ironic, I know. It was an interesting twist.
After writing this review, the author notified me it was part of a series. This is not indicated on the cover in any obvious way. I feel this needs to be added to the cover. Many threads are created in this story that go unattached. For example, the book introduces the two main male characters, Matt and Hawk. They are just back from their wormhole adventure. They have given their magic rings away (albeit not original) but then it all ends. There is nothing more about this thread in the entire story. What about the rings? (Or as it is part of a series, will this be answered later? If so, this point should be made for the sake of coherence). My feeling was the story did not need this introduction if it was going to be discarded later which it was. After the introduction, you are abruptly introduced to Celeste who is autistic. The book seems to be suddenly about autism and though the thread continues somewhat through the story, it basically disappears too. After this, it mimics Peter Pan in which it includes two young boys and a girl on an adventure. The story incorporates science concepts and terms which make for great jumping off points for discussion. At some point, it settles down and the plot takes off with lots of adventure with different insect cyborgs and lessons about taking care of your own planet. (Be nice if the human species could get this).
Like the illustrations. They help connect threads in the story. Also love the cover (but make it more obvious on the covers that the books are part of a series, and put the series number).
Though a little unfocused as far as the goal of the plot goes, overall it's a fun adventure story sure to appeal to every middle-schooler.
When I saw this book on our list, I snatched it up because it was written by a teacher (librarian in an elementary school actually but same thing as far as I am concerned). Nobody knows kids like a teacher as evidenced by “Uranus, Butthole of the Solar System” Space Club. This is straight kids and they will love it.
Bilaluna, Black Hole Radio is about a radio that offers those who have access to it, the opportunity to visit a fantasy space world (though one could argue kids these days have no idea what a radio even is).
In this adventure, the 'planetoid' is populated by cyborg insects. (This drove me into a Google search on the word “cyborg” that originated from 1960's science fiction. From what I could tell, a cyborg is part mechanical, machine, part organic or biologically real and in this case, human-like). What was intriguing about these insect cyborgs is they were destroying their environment –just like humans are doing—and the human kids in this story, Matt, Hawk, and daughter of astronomers, Celeste (introduced as an autistic character), were trying to get them to stop. Ironic, I know. It was an interesting twist.
After writing this review, the author notified me it was part of a series. This is not indicated on the cover in any obvious way. I feel this needs to be added to the cover. Many threads are created in this story that go unattached. For example, the book introduces the two main male characters, Matt and Hawk. They are just back from their wormhole adventure. They have given their magic rings away (albeit not original) but then it all ends. There is nothing more about this thread in the entire story. What about the rings? (Or as it is part of a series, will this be answered later? If so, this point should be made for the sake of coherence). My feeling was the story did not need this introduction if it was going to be discarded later which it was. After the introduction, you are abruptly introduced to Celeste who is autistic. The book seems to be suddenly about autism and though the thread continues somewhat through the story, it basically disappears too. After this, it mimics Peter Pan in which it includes two young boys and a girl on an adventure. The story incorporates science concepts and terms which make for great jumping off points for discussion. At some point, it settles down and the plot takes off with lots of adventure with different insect cyborgs and lessons about taking care of your own planet. (Be nice if the human species could get this).
Like the illustrations. They help connect threads in the story. Also love the cover (but make it more obvious on the covers that the books are part of a series, and put the series number).
Though a little unfocused as far as the goal of the plot goes, overall it's a fun adventure story sure to appeal to every middle-schooler.
April 3, 2023
Mild Spoilers.
This is a very gentle science fiction book written for very young readers. It has enough sass to make very young readers feel independent, and enough heart to make them feel emotionally enriched. Truly.
This book, in a very gentle way, accomplishes something special.
A little set-up: Matt and Hawk are two friends who wake up from a long, cosmic adventure (the first book in the series). They are worried about how they will explain their absence to their parents, but find out that they have nothing to stress over. Time dilation has made the adventure they had on one planet use up only a few hours of Earth-time. They are in the clear.
They have also been given a fantastic gift by the aliens they visited. In order to understand life-forms from other worlds, both boys have been given the power to read thoughts. The author has some fun with this idea: Matt avoids embarrassment when Hawk sends him some information while Matt is writing at the blackboard, and later, both boys defuse a situation where a big kid is bullying a smaller kid (they unnerve the bully by mentioning things about him that they couldn’t possibly know).
Then Hawk finds out that a girl in his class likes space as much as he and Matt do. The girl’s name is Celeste, and Hawk invites her to tour his space clubhouse and maybe join the club.
Here’s where the little, tiny book does something interesting.
It informs us that Celeste has autism, and then has Celeste take over the entire book. Except for the final chapter, the whole adventure is told from Celeste’s point of view. Readers learn about her concerns and where she differs from other people (sensory sensitivity, reluctance to make eye contact, periods of heightened anxiety). We also learn how she copes (she rubs a worry stone that she keeps in her pocket). But mostly, we learn first hand how utterly similar to everyone else she actually is. This can only be beneficial for every person who reads the book.
In the story, the kids have a science-fiction adventure of their own. The same strange radio from the first book opens up another wormhole, and the kids wind up on a planet (a forested moon) where human-sized cyborg insects need a refresher course in eco-systems and sensible resource management. The kids have a handful of very useful suggestions, and before long, things take a turn for the better on the forest moon.
The book is richly illustrated, and features fun things like bouncing moon buggies, creepy underground tunnels, human boys imitating bee dances, and it might even feature a dream visitation by an ancient insect ghost.
All in all, this is a very charming book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for very young science fiction fans and their families.
This is a very gentle science fiction book written for very young readers. It has enough sass to make very young readers feel independent, and enough heart to make them feel emotionally enriched. Truly.
This book, in a very gentle way, accomplishes something special.
A little set-up: Matt and Hawk are two friends who wake up from a long, cosmic adventure (the first book in the series). They are worried about how they will explain their absence to their parents, but find out that they have nothing to stress over. Time dilation has made the adventure they had on one planet use up only a few hours of Earth-time. They are in the clear.
They have also been given a fantastic gift by the aliens they visited. In order to understand life-forms from other worlds, both boys have been given the power to read thoughts. The author has some fun with this idea: Matt avoids embarrassment when Hawk sends him some information while Matt is writing at the blackboard, and later, both boys defuse a situation where a big kid is bullying a smaller kid (they unnerve the bully by mentioning things about him that they couldn’t possibly know).
Then Hawk finds out that a girl in his class likes space as much as he and Matt do. The girl’s name is Celeste, and Hawk invites her to tour his space clubhouse and maybe join the club.
Here’s where the little, tiny book does something interesting.
It informs us that Celeste has autism, and then has Celeste take over the entire book. Except for the final chapter, the whole adventure is told from Celeste’s point of view. Readers learn about her concerns and where she differs from other people (sensory sensitivity, reluctance to make eye contact, periods of heightened anxiety). We also learn how she copes (she rubs a worry stone that she keeps in her pocket). But mostly, we learn first hand how utterly similar to everyone else she actually is. This can only be beneficial for every person who reads the book.
In the story, the kids have a science-fiction adventure of their own. The same strange radio from the first book opens up another wormhole, and the kids wind up on a planet (a forested moon) where human-sized cyborg insects need a refresher course in eco-systems and sensible resource management. The kids have a handful of very useful suggestions, and before long, things take a turn for the better on the forest moon.
The book is richly illustrated, and features fun things like bouncing moon buggies, creepy underground tunnels, human boys imitating bee dances, and it might even feature a dream visitation by an ancient insect ghost.
All in all, this is a very charming book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for very young science fiction fans and their families.
January 23, 2023
The "Black Hole Radio" series is one that I will definitely be giving to my child to learn about science and space! Birdgenaw does a fantastic job of taking complex scientific theories and topics and turning them into engaging and fun themes for young readers. What I know about black holes I learned from movies and what I know about insects is...well...practically nothing. But the author has enlightened me on both subjects and done so in a way that keeps the story moving and engaging for readers of all ages.
Perhaps what I appreciate about Birdgenaw's writing the most is her ability to tackle sensitive subjects. In this book, she introduces an autistic character, Celeste, and I feel she has done so with attentiveness and grace. She even puts a note at the end of the book with signs to look for when interacting with someone who is autistic. Hopefully, young readers will learn how to recognize those signs and leave the world a better place through kindness and acceptance like Matt and Hawk did with Celeste. In looking at book 3's description, it looks like Birdgenaw will make race the main theme, and I know she will do so with care!
Loved this book and will certainly be picking up others in the series!
Perhaps what I appreciate about Birdgenaw's writing the most is her ability to tackle sensitive subjects. In this book, she introduces an autistic character, Celeste, and I feel she has done so with attentiveness and grace. She even puts a note at the end of the book with signs to look for when interacting with someone who is autistic. Hopefully, young readers will learn how to recognize those signs and leave the world a better place through kindness and acceptance like Matt and Hawk did with Celeste. In looking at book 3's description, it looks like Birdgenaw will make race the main theme, and I know she will do so with care!
Loved this book and will certainly be picking up others in the series!
January 21, 2022
Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna by Ann Birdgenaw is a captivating story with a profound message. It imparts immense knowledge about insects and their role in the ecosystem. Three friends Matt, Hawk and Celeste get sucked into a wormhole and are transported to another planet, surrounded by alien creatures but they are amazed that they could communicate with the bugs and the adventure begins!
The description of ants and their colonies is fascinating and the illustrations add more appeal to the story. The ride in “ the moon buggy like rocket, driven by Ant-05 is wildly imaginative, sure to stir the adventurous spirit of young readers. The welcoming attitude of the queen bee delights the explorers and they share their knowledge with the chief that highlights environmental issues - what a wonderful way to instill the right values amongst the children! Highly recommended.
The description of ants and their colonies is fascinating and the illustrations add more appeal to the story. The ride in “ the moon buggy like rocket, driven by Ant-05 is wildly imaginative, sure to stir the adventurous spirit of young readers. The welcoming attitude of the queen bee delights the explorers and they share their knowledge with the chief that highlights environmental issues - what a wonderful way to instill the right values amongst the children! Highly recommended.
March 19, 2022
Black Hole Radio- Bialuna, by Ann Birgenaw is a short middle-grade novel brimming with fantasy and space.
The story centres on the three friends Celeste, Matt and Hawk, who all get pulled into a wormhole that takes them to another planet. This strange planet is populated by insectoid creatures who seem to have a lot in common with our own insects, though are significantly larger.
I believe this is a sequel, but as someone who hasn’t read the previous instalment, I didn’t find things hard to follow. One of the best features of the book were that it came with frequent illustrations by the talented E.M Roberts.
Overall, this is a fun tale but with some great information about real ants and bees, as well as a great message of accepting people, no matter their differences.
The story centres on the three friends Celeste, Matt and Hawk, who all get pulled into a wormhole that takes them to another planet. This strange planet is populated by insectoid creatures who seem to have a lot in common with our own insects, though are significantly larger.
I believe this is a sequel, but as someone who hasn’t read the previous instalment, I didn’t find things hard to follow. One of the best features of the book were that it came with frequent illustrations by the talented E.M Roberts.
Overall, this is a fun tale but with some great information about real ants and bees, as well as a great message of accepting people, no matter their differences.
April 21, 2022
Just a typical day at school, you are bit of a loner, you meet two guys just as nerdy as you are, they invite you to join their club in their garage, and they forgot to mention they have a Black Hole Radio there that sweeps you up through a wormhole and deposits you on a world full of Cyborg-Insects. The social aspects of growing up can be hard.
Not only do you have to save their world, but if you don't get home in time for dinner, you'll be in trouble.
Although I wasn't the target age for this book, I really liked it. All three of the characters were just right as far as being teenage goofy, but taking time to stay down to Earth, or Bilaluna in this case. The book does make a serious point about insects being beneficial to the ecosystem but doesn't take itself too seriously. In my opinion just the right tone for its intended audience. Enough information to prime the pump, and get the reader interested, but if they aren't it's still a fun little adventure.
Great little book for the young or young at heart.
Not only do you have to save their world, but if you don't get home in time for dinner, you'll be in trouble.
Although I wasn't the target age for this book, I really liked it. All three of the characters were just right as far as being teenage goofy, but taking time to stay down to Earth, or Bilaluna in this case. The book does make a serious point about insects being beneficial to the ecosystem but doesn't take itself too seriously. In my opinion just the right tone for its intended audience. Enough information to prime the pump, and get the reader interested, but if they aren't it's still a fun little adventure.
Great little book for the young or young at heart.
February 7, 2023
"If you do not believe in black holes, wrinkles in time, wormholes and portals to outer space, you should close this book right now."
This is the second book in the Black hole Radio series, and I’d recommend it for 8+ years. Bilaluna starts straight after book 1, and because of gravity and orbit speed, not much time has passed since Hawk’s and Matt’s last adventure.
Bilaluna is told by Celeste, a new girl at their school with Asperger’s Syndrome. I like the inclusion of her character (the author provides a glossary along with a list of feelings and actions of people with the syndrome at the end of the book). Celeste befriends the two boys as they come to her rescue from a bully.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one as it has many lessons on the importance of pollination, climate change, and renewable energy sources. I finished Antuna’s story recently with the ants’ colony on planet Poo-ponic. I had imagined the ants to be tiny and earth-size. But in the book, they were giant cyborg insects! Perhaps I missed something. I love all the acronyms -BUG -a Bipedal Unibodied Golem- or ANT -Allied Noble Tripod.
A fun read for younger readers with mini-lessons on science and about friendship.
This is the second book in the Black hole Radio series, and I’d recommend it for 8+ years. Bilaluna starts straight after book 1, and because of gravity and orbit speed, not much time has passed since Hawk’s and Matt’s last adventure.
Bilaluna is told by Celeste, a new girl at their school with Asperger’s Syndrome. I like the inclusion of her character (the author provides a glossary along with a list of feelings and actions of people with the syndrome at the end of the book). Celeste befriends the two boys as they come to her rescue from a bully.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one as it has many lessons on the importance of pollination, climate change, and renewable energy sources. I finished Antuna’s story recently with the ants’ colony on planet Poo-ponic. I had imagined the ants to be tiny and earth-size. But in the book, they were giant cyborg insects! Perhaps I missed something. I love all the acronyms -BUG -a Bipedal Unibodied Golem- or ANT -Allied Noble Tripod.
A fun read for younger readers with mini-lessons on science and about friendship.
November 12, 2021
Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna by Ann Birdgenaw
Headline: A Big Little Book
At first, I thought, “Oh no. I’m stuck in a YA book, and this will be so boring.” But, just like the story itself, I was soon sucked into a wormhole through space and time, and my foreboding disappeared. Suddenly, I was nine years old again, feeling like I was reading a Hardy Boys mystery, and remembering those youthful, wonderfully awkward, and confusing, feelings of attraction to a girl, while Identifying with Hawk, who seems like such a cool and together kid, the very essence of what I was not at that age but wanted to be.
Then I looked around and realized I had been transported to another planet, surrounded by alien creatures, not knowing if I would be safe. This lent a satisfying tension to the story. All the while I was being taught things, learning without realizing it. This planet was facing similar environmental challenges to our own and in wonderfully accessible story form I was discovering the importance of pollination, the critical role of insects in replenishing the soil, the benefits of clean hydroelectric power, an application of Einstein’s theory of relativity and about what a light year is, just to name a few.
I was also learning about bullying, about how not to treat others, and about how to accept and embrace people who are different from me, rather than automatically rejecting them. I was also brought into the experience of persons with Asperger’s syndrome, seeing nthrough their eyes, feeling through their skin, now recognizing such experiences as different from mine, but not better or worse than me.
When I returned to Earth, days in space time but only minutes in Earth time, I wrote this review, and it came so easily. Isn’t it interesting, the reviews of good books generally do go easily because they inspire. This book, only 79 pages long, was of that elk, a Great Big Little Book filled with marvelous values and wonderful lessons that I would want my children have. I highly recommend Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna and give special kudos to Ann Birdgenaw for adding kindness and compassion to a world that often sorely lacks both. Both young and old can benefit from considering her message.
Headline: A Big Little Book
At first, I thought, “Oh no. I’m stuck in a YA book, and this will be so boring.” But, just like the story itself, I was soon sucked into a wormhole through space and time, and my foreboding disappeared. Suddenly, I was nine years old again, feeling like I was reading a Hardy Boys mystery, and remembering those youthful, wonderfully awkward, and confusing, feelings of attraction to a girl, while Identifying with Hawk, who seems like such a cool and together kid, the very essence of what I was not at that age but wanted to be.
Then I looked around and realized I had been transported to another planet, surrounded by alien creatures, not knowing if I would be safe. This lent a satisfying tension to the story. All the while I was being taught things, learning without realizing it. This planet was facing similar environmental challenges to our own and in wonderfully accessible story form I was discovering the importance of pollination, the critical role of insects in replenishing the soil, the benefits of clean hydroelectric power, an application of Einstein’s theory of relativity and about what a light year is, just to name a few.
I was also learning about bullying, about how not to treat others, and about how to accept and embrace people who are different from me, rather than automatically rejecting them. I was also brought into the experience of persons with Asperger’s syndrome, seeing nthrough their eyes, feeling through their skin, now recognizing such experiences as different from mine, but not better or worse than me.
When I returned to Earth, days in space time but only minutes in Earth time, I wrote this review, and it came so easily. Isn’t it interesting, the reviews of good books generally do go easily because they inspire. This book, only 79 pages long, was of that elk, a Great Big Little Book filled with marvelous values and wonderful lessons that I would want my children have. I highly recommend Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna and give special kudos to Ann Birdgenaw for adding kindness and compassion to a world that often sorely lacks both. Both young and old can benefit from considering her message.
November 20, 2021
An excellent educational adventure story for young readers. When it started out on Earth I was concerned it would be too simple for young readers, but as it progresses I then wondered if it wasn't a bit too complex for young readers! In the end, I think it's a great way to introduce a vast amount of information to young students by using approachable characters who also experience everyday challenges, like bullies, classroom pressures, and making new friends.
The series design of a young team of explorers who can worm-hole their way to any destination you can imagine (in this case an insect planet where all aspects of insect life are delved into) means the author can use the same series to explore and teach about an endless number of topics. From visiting Atlantis, to a land of robots and electronics, to a colony of artists, to visiting Chef Planet, and any other subject the author can imagine, the gang from Black Hole Radio can offer young readers an inexhaustible number of topics and destinations to explore. Kudos to the author for creating a fun and versatile instructional platform.
The series design of a young team of explorers who can worm-hole their way to any destination you can imagine (in this case an insect planet where all aspects of insect life are delved into) means the author can use the same series to explore and teach about an endless number of topics. From visiting Atlantis, to a land of robots and electronics, to a colony of artists, to visiting Chef Planet, and any other subject the author can imagine, the gang from Black Hole Radio can offer young readers an inexhaustible number of topics and destinations to explore. Kudos to the author for creating a fun and versatile instructional platform.
February 15, 2022
This was a very fun middle grade adventure that would be especially interesting to kids who enjoy science, space, black holes, and bugs!
The story starts right where the first book ended, apparently. I have not read the first book, so I can only make that assumption. Having not read the first book, I was slightly in the dark. The narrator did try to fill in any readers who hadn't read the first book, but it felt a little abrupt.
I loved the inclusion of a female character this time, and appreciated her differences. The three friends are wisked away to Bilaluna where the dominant species looks like giant bees. They speak English, and explain this interesting fact by telling the kids they'd had contact with a space probe and learned English that way. The bugs, of course, speak with a buzz.
There were parts where I felt a big paragraph could have been split into smaller paragraphs to make it more readable to younger audiences, especially where two people were speaking in the same paragraph. Otherwise, the story was very fun, and I like the inclusion of science and learning in a book for kids.
The story starts right where the first book ended, apparently. I have not read the first book, so I can only make that assumption. Having not read the first book, I was slightly in the dark. The narrator did try to fill in any readers who hadn't read the first book, but it felt a little abrupt.
I loved the inclusion of a female character this time, and appreciated her differences. The three friends are wisked away to Bilaluna where the dominant species looks like giant bees. They speak English, and explain this interesting fact by telling the kids they'd had contact with a space probe and learned English that way. The bugs, of course, speak with a buzz.
There were parts where I felt a big paragraph could have been split into smaller paragraphs to make it more readable to younger audiences, especially where two people were speaking in the same paragraph. Otherwise, the story was very fun, and I like the inclusion of science and learning in a book for kids.
June 5, 2022
Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna is the second book in a series. It is told mainly through the eyes of Celeste, a new girl at school. She is befriended by Hawk and Matt who let her into their space club. Together they find themselves travelling through space to another world where they encounter giant bugs. The story is very well written and kept my interest throughout. I loved how the story gently explains more about Asperger’s Syndrome through the voice of Celeste. The book also cleverly weaves knowledge of bugs and the importance of caring for the environment into the story. An entertaining read for any child to enjoy.
June 2, 2022
Second book in the series and better than the first, which was great. Excellent read for 7 to 11-year-old kids. Hawk and Matt are joined by Celeste on an adventure to Poo-ponic's moon Bilaluna, which is inhabited by human-sized cyborg insects. As well as many fun adventures, the kids help the cyborgs save their moon from an environmental disaster. Celeste learns that her disability gives her insights which help save the moon. A fun book with an important message about inclusiveness and self-esteem.
May 18, 2023
This second in the Blackhole Radio series beats the first. I really enjoyed the addition of Celeste, a girl with Aspergers, who joins Hawk and Max on and adventure to an insect planet. I love the themes in the book, acceptance, cooperation, and environmental Impact. Each are addressed and treated in a easy to understand way for young readers. There are not many sci-fi books for this age level which is a shame, I would recommend this book for kids from 3 grade up.
October 15, 2023
Other than the Harry Potter series, it's been a while since I have read a young adult's book. Now I think it's something I should do more often. This is the sort of book that an adult can read quickly but with plenty going on in the story. A great way to keep yourself amused for an hour or so. The book is well thought out, with a good dose of nature and science thrown in to do a little educating along the way. A well deserved five stars.
January 3, 2022
Ann's world building is excellent and I appreciate the puns and acronyms for the names of things.
I especially enjoyed the message that all creatures are worthy and important to Earth.
I'm really glad that the first book wasn't a dream, like I was afraid it was going to be (I dislike that trope and was very happy it was a fake-out).
I read it with my 5yo daughter. She listened avidly.
I especially enjoyed the message that all creatures are worthy and important to Earth.
I'm really glad that the first book wasn't a dream, like I was afraid it was going to be (I dislike that trope and was very happy it was a fake-out).
I read it with my 5yo daughter. She listened avidly.
June 20, 2024
We really enjoyed this second book in the Black Hole Radio series. We read aloud (myself and two children aged 9 and 12). My daughter was pleased that there was a girl, Celeste, joining Matt and Hawk in their space club. Celeste was an interesting character, too. She knows a little about space because her parents are astronomers, which of course Hawk and Matt think is really cool, but her real interest is in insects. How convenient that in this book, the three kids are sucked into the wormhole of the black hole radio and end up tumbling onto a planet populated by giant cyborg insects! The book is scattered with facts about bugs and real-world applications on planet earth in terms of the environment and insect survival, even though the adventure takes place in a fictitious world light-years away. Like the first book, there's a sprinkling of humor and a bit of adventure. However, the main conflict in the book didn't really come up until the book was about half finished. The first half was mostly about Celeste and the fact that she is a new girl in Hawk's class and doesn't make friends easily, though I thought that part was well done and my kids really felt for her. But then we are finally presented with the mystery of how the giant cyborg bugs must find a way to save the environment on their planet from destruction. Hawk, Matt and Celeste think of things they've learned in their own science classes or through hobbies to help the bugs out. I'd definitely recommend this series for both boys and girls aged 7 and up.
September 26, 2024
‘Black Hole Radio – Bilaluna’ has the right ingredients for a great read for children. Engaging protagonists, tick. Lots of adventure, tick. Educational value, tick. I thought that all three strands were skilfully combined, with entomology and environmental issues taking centre stage, but this didn’t detract from the fun side of the story. Through Celeste's character, this book raises awareness of autism. There is a lovely author’s note advising young people what to expect if they make friends with someone with the condition.
The illustrations enhance the narrative. I loved the description of the inhabitants of Bilaluna, the planet of the bugs, where intergalactic travellers, Hawk, Matt and Celeste end up, and encounter alien human-size insects, which are cyborgs (part robot), and shocking – ‘His head is heart-shaped and partially transparent and shows his pulsating brain’. Then there is the spectacular Queen BEE who is zzzso pleased to meet the trio of unexpected vizitorzz.
This would be a great book to read out loud as a bedtime story. No doubt, at the end, the listeners will be rapt, wanting more. Good news kids – there are four more instalments in this great series!
The illustrations enhance the narrative. I loved the description of the inhabitants of Bilaluna, the planet of the bugs, where intergalactic travellers, Hawk, Matt and Celeste end up, and encounter alien human-size insects, which are cyborgs (part robot), and shocking – ‘His head is heart-shaped and partially transparent and shows his pulsating brain’. Then there is the spectacular Queen BEE who is zzzso pleased to meet the trio of unexpected vizitorzz.
This would be a great book to read out loud as a bedtime story. No doubt, at the end, the listeners will be rapt, wanting more. Good news kids – there are four more instalments in this great series!
May 17, 2024
This was an enjoyable read, even for a near-forty man such as myself. The plot isn't limited just to children/teenagers. The story starts of with a sample of what's to follow in the book, giving you a taste of two friends who found themselves on another planet.
You get a feel for the school life with Matt and Hawk, friends who started a special club that they didn't know where or how far it would take them, literally. The nice touch in the story was adding a shy girl who is new at the school and doesn't really have any friends.
The two guys welcome her to their club, and she unintentionally takes them to a whole new world where adventure awaits them.
One of the things that I loved about the story is they way it told the importance of insects and bugs on Earth. I would never have thought of their contribution until reading the book. To be honest, I viewed them as a nuisance, but they play a pivotal role in nature.
Great read.
You get a feel for the school life with Matt and Hawk, friends who started a special club that they didn't know where or how far it would take them, literally. The nice touch in the story was adding a shy girl who is new at the school and doesn't really have any friends.
The two guys welcome her to their club, and she unintentionally takes them to a whole new world where adventure awaits them.
One of the things that I loved about the story is they way it told the importance of insects and bugs on Earth. I would never have thought of their contribution until reading the book. To be honest, I viewed them as a nuisance, but they play a pivotal role in nature.
Great read.
April 16, 2024
The story of Matt and Hawk waking up from the exact same dream and hearing beeping coming from the garage is a real jump start beginning of this exciting tale for kids of all ages. They realize that they can read each other’s minds and this comes in handy when they go to school on Monday and Matt falls asleep on his desk.
Celeste takes over the story. This part is great because Celeste has autism and kids can learn about making friends with a person on the spectrum. Celeste is a cool girl but is filled with self-doubt and uses a worry stone in her pocket to soothe herself. I especially liked the author note at the end where it explains some traits of autistic people.
From flying with bees to riding on roaches, this adventure is sure to please. The illustrations a push the story along and help young readers follow along.
Celeste takes over the story. This part is great because Celeste has autism and kids can learn about making friends with a person on the spectrum. Celeste is a cool girl but is filled with self-doubt and uses a worry stone in her pocket to soothe herself. I especially liked the author note at the end where it explains some traits of autistic people.
From flying with bees to riding on roaches, this adventure is sure to please. The illustrations a push the story along and help young readers follow along.
January 18, 2022
This charming sci-fi is perfect for young readers because it's adventurous without being scary. It's packed with a ton of little factoids about bugs that not only satisfy curious minds but get them asking questions. I had to Google ant strength and running speed after reading this book. The extra matter at the end makes this story even better.
The 3 main characters are delightful and friendly, just a good group of kids. I appreciated the inclusivity, which also makes for a fun discussion.
The drawings add an extra element; they visually bring the book to life and were much appreciated. Well done!
The 3 main characters are delightful and friendly, just a good group of kids. I appreciated the inclusivity, which also makes for a fun discussion.
The drawings add an extra element; they visually bring the book to life and were much appreciated. Well done!
March 3, 2022
This is an entertaining adventure in the genre of space fantasy for young readers, with great lessons about acceptance and friendship, but also on scientific topics and on the wonderful world of ants and bees and their amazing societies. When I was a child I was particularly fascinated by stories on humans visiting the worlds of ants and bees, since they have so many lessons to offer to human societies. At the time, such stories were not in the frame of space fantasy, but the world has changed since and I am sure young readers of today will enjoy such a story more if it is narrated within this background. The description of insect colonies is fascinating and the illustrations constitute an additional asset. I would highly recommend it to all young readers.
October 22, 2021
Juvenile Sci-Fi. It's been 60 years since I read Tom Swift Jr in the original editions. This is aimed at younger readers than Tom was. The writing is smooth, takes me back to 3rd grade. The story and its details are far beyond the fluff they gave 3rd graders in my day. Boys' books were all smart white boys, or maybe a silly sister to serve sandwiches. This book has several races and genders and a "different mind" (Asperger) girl a little like me. The illustrations are excellent, and compared to old pulp, numerous. Unlike the books of the 1950s, this is not hard Sci-Fi (rockets, ray-guns) but soft Sci-Fi (environmental effects and consensus). And there is rude humor: Mrs. Bupkiss, planet Poo-ponic.
May 25, 2022
I love how this book brought out the ways that we can help the environment. It brought it in a way that children would understand how important it is. It also goes into how a person with Asperger's views the world. This will help kids understand how someone who is different can still be friends with others.
June 30, 2022
What a great book to teach children important insects!
I love Celeste, who has Asperger's and helps her new friends when they end up on Pooponic's moon. Hawk and Matt show how they are willing to be her friend and accept her as she is.
It's an easy read and the perfect book for children of all children.
I love Celeste, who has Asperger's and helps her new friends when they end up on Pooponic's moon. Hawk and Matt show how they are willing to be her friend and accept her as she is.
It's an easy read and the perfect book for children of all children.
March 31, 2022
This is a great short read for the younger audience, perhaps for ages 8-11. The story is a sequel to the first Black Hole Radio book, which features teen friends, Hawk and Matt, who travel through the wormhole created by a beeping radio in their garage to meet a race of aliens. In this sequel, the story is told by Celeste, a girl with Asperger's syndrome, who befriends Hawk and Matt and who joins them on their adventures.
There are a lot of great parts to this story: diversity in characters and voices, a strong environmental message, and plenty of fun facts about space and insects (yes, the combination will make sense). At the same time, the narrative is fun and light and engaging. A great read for the younger audience and highly recommended.
There are a lot of great parts to this story: diversity in characters and voices, a strong environmental message, and plenty of fun facts about space and insects (yes, the combination will make sense). At the same time, the narrative is fun and light and engaging. A great read for the younger audience and highly recommended.
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