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Jacob Wonderbar #1
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow
Jacob Wonderbar has been the bane of every substitute teacher at Magellan Middle School ever since his dad moved away from home. He never would have survived without his best friend Dexter, even if he is a little timid, and his cute-but-tough friend Sarah Daisy, who is chronically overscheduled.
But when the trio meets a mysterious man in silver one night they trade a corn dog for his sassy spaceship and blast off into the great unknown. That is, until they break the universe in a giant space kapow and a nefarious space buccaneer named Mick Cracken maroons Jacob and Dexter on a tiny planet that smells like burp-breath. The friends have to work together to make it back to their little street where the houses look the same, even as Earth seems farther and farther away.
But when the trio meets a mysterious man in silver one night they trade a corn dog for his sassy spaceship and blast off into the great unknown. That is, until they break the universe in a giant space kapow and a nefarious space buccaneer named Mick Cracken maroons Jacob and Dexter on a tiny planet that smells like burp-breath. The friends have to work together to make it back to their little street where the houses look the same, even as Earth seems farther and farther away.
Published January 1, 2011
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About the author
Nathan Bransford
7 books174 followersNathan Bransford is the author of How to Write a Novel (October, 2013), Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow (Dial, May 2011), Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe (Dial, April 2012) and Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp (Dial, February 2013). He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd. and is now the director of community and social media at Freelancers Union. He lives in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 16, 2011
While it’s true that you usually can’t judge a book by its cover, I think this one gives you a really good idea of what the book is about. Three friends, traveling through space, mostly having the time of their lives (though one looks a little nervous!). Even the author himself said that he rewrote the description of his main character after he saw the illustration. So, if the cover appeals to you, read on:
“Space travel is all fun and games until someone breaks the universe.” With twelve-year-old Jacob Wonderbar’s penchant for bold moves and disregarding all concern for consequences, it’s doesn’t take long after he and his friends Dexter and Sarah trade a corndog for a spaceship and boldly set of into the galaxy before they end up creating a cosmic space kapow that messes up the universe to such an extent that they may not be able to get back home. As they try to get their bearings in space, they encounter a dreaded space pirate Mick Cracken (who turns out to be about their age and not really that ruthless!) who wants their help in stealing an enormous diamond reported to grant wishes—wishes that could just be their ticket back to Earth! But, Jacob, Sarah and Dexter have different feelings about joining Mick and end up going their separate ways. Will their friendship be strong enough to keep them connected even across the vast reaches of space as they encounter a planet that smells like burp breath, Planet Archimedes (populated by of scientists), and Planet Paisley, the paradise of… substitute teachers!?
I fully expected to enjoy my adventure with Jacob Wonderbar. I’ve been reading agent-turned-author Nathan Bransford’s blog for a few years now and always appreciated his humor, wisdom and style. And the premise of the book sounded like fun. So, I was only too happy to pre-order Bransford’s first novel and read it straight away.
It’s not a perfect novel, but it’s still perfectly delightful. At times, I felt the pacing was a bit off—I enjoyed that the adventure moves along at a nice clip and I always felt compelled to turn the next page, but sometimes things felt a bit disjointed or needed more explanation. Still, most of the time Bransford does a masterful job of conveying the necessary information in a brief yet engaging and entertaining manner. And don’t let all the corn dogs and burp breath planets fool you, this book has a great big heart, a lot of thoughtfulness, and some really witty and wise references. I felt an instant connection with Dexter, Jacob’s well-meaning but cautious friend who comes from a very loving and well-ordered life but needs to find the courage to be his own hero and not let Jacob tackle all his battles when the going gets tough. Sarah Daisy is perhaps a bit more of a standard character (we see so many MG books these days with a boy protagonist and a smart-girl side-kick—I’m sure you can think of one right away, one involving wizard’s hats and wands) but she came into her own and blossomed beyond clichés. I love how she hates her girly-sounding name (Sarah Daisy), has a cat named Susan B. Anthony and feels her life is too crammed full of extracurricular activities (piano and Mandarin lessons, etc.) until she is forced to relax and get pampered and realized that it gets pretty boring real fast! ;-) I actually felt more of a connection with Dexter and Sarah than I did with Jacob but he is also a very strong character and there is a lot for contemporary audiences to appreciate here since he is from a bi-racial divorced family and trying to reconcile his feelings about his absent father which sometimes results in his bad behavior at school. Also, I absolutely loved the character Praiseworthy (the space ship) who reminded me a bit of C-3PO.
While it did have a few minor flaws, I still give this five stars for all the other aspects that far exceeded my expectations and for the sheer enjoyment in reading it. It’s a worthy contribution to the Middle Grade market and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a humorous and lovingly crafted space adventure.
“Space travel is all fun and games until someone breaks the universe.” With twelve-year-old Jacob Wonderbar’s penchant for bold moves and disregarding all concern for consequences, it’s doesn’t take long after he and his friends Dexter and Sarah trade a corndog for a spaceship and boldly set of into the galaxy before they end up creating a cosmic space kapow that messes up the universe to such an extent that they may not be able to get back home. As they try to get their bearings in space, they encounter a dreaded space pirate Mick Cracken (who turns out to be about their age and not really that ruthless!) who wants their help in stealing an enormous diamond reported to grant wishes—wishes that could just be their ticket back to Earth! But, Jacob, Sarah and Dexter have different feelings about joining Mick and end up going their separate ways. Will their friendship be strong enough to keep them connected even across the vast reaches of space as they encounter a planet that smells like burp breath, Planet Archimedes (populated by of scientists), and Planet Paisley, the paradise of… substitute teachers!?
I fully expected to enjoy my adventure with Jacob Wonderbar. I’ve been reading agent-turned-author Nathan Bransford’s blog for a few years now and always appreciated his humor, wisdom and style. And the premise of the book sounded like fun. So, I was only too happy to pre-order Bransford’s first novel and read it straight away.
It’s not a perfect novel, but it’s still perfectly delightful. At times, I felt the pacing was a bit off—I enjoyed that the adventure moves along at a nice clip and I always felt compelled to turn the next page, but sometimes things felt a bit disjointed or needed more explanation. Still, most of the time Bransford does a masterful job of conveying the necessary information in a brief yet engaging and entertaining manner. And don’t let all the corn dogs and burp breath planets fool you, this book has a great big heart, a lot of thoughtfulness, and some really witty and wise references. I felt an instant connection with Dexter, Jacob’s well-meaning but cautious friend who comes from a very loving and well-ordered life but needs to find the courage to be his own hero and not let Jacob tackle all his battles when the going gets tough. Sarah Daisy is perhaps a bit more of a standard character (we see so many MG books these days with a boy protagonist and a smart-girl side-kick—I’m sure you can think of one right away, one involving wizard’s hats and wands) but she came into her own and blossomed beyond clichés. I love how she hates her girly-sounding name (Sarah Daisy), has a cat named Susan B. Anthony and feels her life is too crammed full of extracurricular activities (piano and Mandarin lessons, etc.) until she is forced to relax and get pampered and realized that it gets pretty boring real fast! ;-) I actually felt more of a connection with Dexter and Sarah than I did with Jacob but he is also a very strong character and there is a lot for contemporary audiences to appreciate here since he is from a bi-racial divorced family and trying to reconcile his feelings about his absent father which sometimes results in his bad behavior at school. Also, I absolutely loved the character Praiseworthy (the space ship) who reminded me a bit of C-3PO.
While it did have a few minor flaws, I still give this five stars for all the other aspects that far exceeded my expectations and for the sheer enjoyment in reading it. It’s a worthy contribution to the Middle Grade market and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a humorous and lovingly crafted space adventure.
June 18, 2011
I've been a fan of Nathan Bransford's Blog for years now (funny, helpful, kind, informative). So, I was thrilled to learn that he'd written a book and I couldn't wait to get a copy!
I was not disappointed!
"Jacob Wonderbar" is fun, funny, and clever, as well as touching, sweet, and thoughtful. For the first few chapters I was concerned that the characters were going to be too similar to characters that tend to populate most MG books. But, it became clear very soon that such was not the case! Jacob, and his two best friends, Sarah (Daisy) and Dexter are well rounded, and not at all flat, character "types".
The plot is loads of fun! I don't want to give anything away, but I was expecting the book to be mostly about, well, Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow. And it was, but it's just as much about Sarah and Dexter and testing the friendship of the trio. It just all happens to occur in space!
The book moves along at an incredibly speedy pace! Focusing on one major event to the next. But with so few words, Bransford was still able to convey great images and emotions and connections with the characters. The supporting characters and places were just as memorable and interesting as the main characters.
Really, my only "complaint" is also a compliment: Sometimes I wanted more. It's not that I was ever really confused by anything, only that I was enjoying the book so much, and liked the characters so much, that I felt there were a few scenes which I wanted to last longer in order to really soak up the emotions and everything.
I wasn't sure (in a good way) how the book would end. And plot twists surprised me (in a good way) throughout the book. I'd definitely recommend this book! And I'm already eager for the next installment!!
******
Review pending :)
Ah... didn't win one in the giveaway... bummer...
Well, I certainly have no qualms about purchasing one and supporting Nathan though! :D
Yay! I've been reading Nathan's blog for about a year and a half now, 'met' him a few times at a couple conferences, and he seems like a great guy (and a hilarious writer!) I'm so pleased for him and his debut novel. I am so anxious to read it!
I was not disappointed!
"Jacob Wonderbar" is fun, funny, and clever, as well as touching, sweet, and thoughtful. For the first few chapters I was concerned that the characters were going to be too similar to characters that tend to populate most MG books. But, it became clear very soon that such was not the case! Jacob, and his two best friends, Sarah (Daisy) and Dexter are well rounded, and not at all flat, character "types".
The plot is loads of fun! I don't want to give anything away, but I was expecting the book to be mostly about, well, Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow. And it was, but it's just as much about Sarah and Dexter and testing the friendship of the trio. It just all happens to occur in space!
The book moves along at an incredibly speedy pace! Focusing on one major event to the next. But with so few words, Bransford was still able to convey great images and emotions and connections with the characters. The supporting characters and places were just as memorable and interesting as the main characters.
Really, my only "complaint" is also a compliment: Sometimes I wanted more. It's not that I was ever really confused by anything, only that I was enjoying the book so much, and liked the characters so much, that I felt there were a few scenes which I wanted to last longer in order to really soak up the emotions and everything.
I wasn't sure (in a good way) how the book would end. And plot twists surprised me (in a good way) throughout the book. I'd definitely recommend this book! And I'm already eager for the next installment!!
******
Review pending :)
Ah... didn't win one in the giveaway... bummer...
Well, I certainly have no qualms about purchasing one and supporting Nathan though! :D
Yay! I've been reading Nathan's blog for about a year and a half now, 'met' him a few times at a couple conferences, and he seems like a great guy (and a hilarious writer!) I'm so pleased for him and his debut novel. I am so anxious to read it!
avoid-like-the-plague
February 24, 2016
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May 16, 2011
I have been a follower of Nathan Bransford’s blog, for a little over a year. When I learned he had written a book and it was in the early reviewers giveaway at LibraryThing I had to try. I was thrilled that I won a copy for review. Normally I review things pretty quickly. However, we had a read-a-thon at school and I had brought several books. Many of my students didn’t have a book or had finished theirs and I ended up loaning them my books. I sat down Saturday night and started the book and finished it Sunday morning. It was wonderful. I loved the book for many reasons that I will try to explain.
Jacob Wonderbar is your typical sixth grade student. He feels his job is to distract substitute teachers from the lessons. As a teacher and a former substitute teacher I’ve met many kids like Jacob. Jacob meets a sub he is unable to tame or make run in terror. Mrs. Pinkerton knows who he is. He unfortunately gets sent to the principals office along with his best friends Sarah and Dexter. Things don’t go well for him. His mother has been called and he is grounded. Sarah and Dexter go to Jacobs house to find out his punishment when they witness a silent explosion. They go to investigate. In the forest they discover a spacecraft and a man dressed from head to toe in silver. He offers to trade his spaceship for a corndog. Jacob jumps at the chance to buzz around space and makes the trade. Once in the ship with his friends the ship takes off. When he overrides the ships automatic system he creates havoc in space and breaks the universe. This event leads to a run in with space cops, a pirate, a planet of scientists, the planet Numonia, where a day is one minute long and a planet full of substitute teachers who all know of Jacob Wonderbar.
I laughed at Jacob’s antics. I was actually picturing one of my students as Jacob. All teachers have a Jacob in their classroom. They are usually one of the more intelligent, lively students. I loved the character Sarah. She reminded me of some of my international students. Their parents have them in tutoring before and after school. If a special program is offered, no matter what the subject matter their child goes into it. They have expressed a desire to just have a little free time for themselves. They have turned out to be some of my biggest readers. It is their form of escape. Dexter is that kid that seems to always be picked on and needing rescued. But, let someone go after his best friend or something he really loves or wants and look out. I recently had a student who has said very little all year that wasn’t associate with the lesson, stand up to another student about something he was extremely passionate about. The other teacher in the room and I stood and looked in awe. It gave me hope that kids like Dexter will survive in the world because they have their passion hidden inside of them. This is a book I didn’t want to end. I want to find out more about Dexter’s dad and what adventures he has before him. I know that there are one or two more books coming in this series and I can’t wait to read and review them. This is one of those books of which I will need to purchase several copies because they will not be on my shelves for long and will be read until they fall apart. Well done Nathan and I wish you much success with your future books.!
Jacob Wonderbar is your typical sixth grade student. He feels his job is to distract substitute teachers from the lessons. As a teacher and a former substitute teacher I’ve met many kids like Jacob. Jacob meets a sub he is unable to tame or make run in terror. Mrs. Pinkerton knows who he is. He unfortunately gets sent to the principals office along with his best friends Sarah and Dexter. Things don’t go well for him. His mother has been called and he is grounded. Sarah and Dexter go to Jacobs house to find out his punishment when they witness a silent explosion. They go to investigate. In the forest they discover a spacecraft and a man dressed from head to toe in silver. He offers to trade his spaceship for a corndog. Jacob jumps at the chance to buzz around space and makes the trade. Once in the ship with his friends the ship takes off. When he overrides the ships automatic system he creates havoc in space and breaks the universe. This event leads to a run in with space cops, a pirate, a planet of scientists, the planet Numonia, where a day is one minute long and a planet full of substitute teachers who all know of Jacob Wonderbar.
I laughed at Jacob’s antics. I was actually picturing one of my students as Jacob. All teachers have a Jacob in their classroom. They are usually one of the more intelligent, lively students. I loved the character Sarah. She reminded me of some of my international students. Their parents have them in tutoring before and after school. If a special program is offered, no matter what the subject matter their child goes into it. They have expressed a desire to just have a little free time for themselves. They have turned out to be some of my biggest readers. It is their form of escape. Dexter is that kid that seems to always be picked on and needing rescued. But, let someone go after his best friend or something he really loves or wants and look out. I recently had a student who has said very little all year that wasn’t associate with the lesson, stand up to another student about something he was extremely passionate about. The other teacher in the room and I stood and looked in awe. It gave me hope that kids like Dexter will survive in the world because they have their passion hidden inside of them. This is a book I didn’t want to end. I want to find out more about Dexter’s dad and what adventures he has before him. I know that there are one or two more books coming in this series and I can’t wait to read and review them. This is one of those books of which I will need to purchase several copies because they will not be on my shelves for long and will be read until they fall apart. Well done Nathan and I wish you much success with your future books.!
September 18, 2016
Fun, funny, and fast-paced! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Jacob Wonderbar and friends. I really liked all the humor and seeing what the rest of the universe looks like ;-) And, I loved how things moved right along very quickly; each chapter was just the right length (and stopped in the right place) to leave me wanting to read more. The end left me wondering about a couple of things, but I see that there are more Wonderbar books which might explain some of that; I will certainly be looking for them!
September 30, 2011
Started this and by the time Jacob and friends were off the spaceship, I was ready to put it down.
I think this one goes in the category of "it's not as easy to write for kids as you think it is".
Unless you've got something new and cool to say or are such a terrific writer that you've said what's been said before in your own special way.Neither is the case here.
I think this one goes in the category of "it's not as easy to write for kids as you think it is".
Unless you've got something new and cool to say or are such a terrific writer that you've said what's been said before in your own special way.Neither is the case here.
February 18, 2013
Jacob and his two best friends, Sarah and Dexter, are outside in their neighborhood one day when a spaceship lands nearby. The spaceship soon becomes theirs, and almost immediately after they set foot inside, it blasts off for a trip around the universe. They accidentally set off a chain of events that makes them wonder whether they'll ever be able to return to Earth and have a crazy adventure moving from one planet to the next, all the while trying to figure out how to get home.
The first chapter seemed a little silly, albeit fun, but once the space adventure began, it was quite entertaining. The story kept a nice brisk pace and there were lots of fun details provided about the different planets: one was populated with nothing but crazy scientists, another had "days" that lasted only one minute before a minute of night fell, and - my personal favorite - the planet populated only by substitute teachers, all of whom remembered Jacob from his antics in class under their watch. There was a lot of humor in this book, and although none of it made me howl with laughter, I had a lot of fun reading this. I felt like the book only got better as it went on.
Aside from the humor, the main characters were all quite likable and had strong friendships. There didn't seem to be excess words describing their emotions or deep feelings, but it was perfectly balanced between internal and external character development and action.
Although this book is aimed at younger readers, it was such an entertaining story that I feel like most people would find it amusing while the target audience would love it. The story had a definite "end" to it, which I loved, but there were enough loose threads that I'll look forward to picking up the next book in the series to find out what adventures the characters will have next time around!
The first chapter seemed a little silly, albeit fun, but once the space adventure began, it was quite entertaining. The story kept a nice brisk pace and there were lots of fun details provided about the different planets: one was populated with nothing but crazy scientists, another had "days" that lasted only one minute before a minute of night fell, and - my personal favorite - the planet populated only by substitute teachers, all of whom remembered Jacob from his antics in class under their watch. There was a lot of humor in this book, and although none of it made me howl with laughter, I had a lot of fun reading this. I felt like the book only got better as it went on.
Aside from the humor, the main characters were all quite likable and had strong friendships. There didn't seem to be excess words describing their emotions or deep feelings, but it was perfectly balanced between internal and external character development and action.
Although this book is aimed at younger readers, it was such an entertaining story that I feel like most people would find it amusing while the target audience would love it. The story had a definite "end" to it, which I loved, but there were enough loose threads that I'll look forward to picking up the next book in the series to find out what adventures the characters will have next time around!
July 12, 2011
JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW (henceforth called JACOB WONDERBAR) is ridiculous in the best possible way. I was fully entertained from page 1 right to the end, and often laughed out loud at the sillyness.
Jacob, Dexter and Sarah are three typical fifth graders – though Jacob has a knack for getting rid of substitute teachers – until they trade a spaceship for a corndog. Then, they’re fifth graders in space. What follows their initial blast off into the big, wide Milky Way Galaxy is an adventure of epic proportions that includes breaking the universe, being stolen, finding a planet full of substitute teachers and running a maze as a science experiment.
The ideas presented in JACOB WONDERBAR are absolutely crazy, but work. The story is presented in such a good voice – all three kids stand out. Jacob is the crazy trouble-maker who is a good friend and decent kid. Dexter is the loyal friend and tag-along who has a backbone deep down and manages to come into his own, while Sarah is the smarty-pants whose parents enroll her in way too many activities and she can definitely take care of herself, thank you very much! The characters mesh so well together, and are so endearing. I want to be their teacher!
What I liked most about JACOB WONDERBAR is that underneath all the humour, adventures, space pirate and crazy scientists (not to mention all the substitute teachers) – underneath all the sillyness – the story touches on absent parents, over-worked kids and really is a tale about friendship, and what it can hold up against and weather. I would have no problems recommending this book to elementary school kids (and teens!), and I think they would love it.
Jacob, Dexter and Sarah are three typical fifth graders – though Jacob has a knack for getting rid of substitute teachers – until they trade a spaceship for a corndog. Then, they’re fifth graders in space. What follows their initial blast off into the big, wide Milky Way Galaxy is an adventure of epic proportions that includes breaking the universe, being stolen, finding a planet full of substitute teachers and running a maze as a science experiment.
The ideas presented in JACOB WONDERBAR are absolutely crazy, but work. The story is presented in such a good voice – all three kids stand out. Jacob is the crazy trouble-maker who is a good friend and decent kid. Dexter is the loyal friend and tag-along who has a backbone deep down and manages to come into his own, while Sarah is the smarty-pants whose parents enroll her in way too many activities and she can definitely take care of herself, thank you very much! The characters mesh so well together, and are so endearing. I want to be their teacher!
What I liked most about JACOB WONDERBAR is that underneath all the humour, adventures, space pirate and crazy scientists (not to mention all the substitute teachers) – underneath all the sillyness – the story touches on absent parents, over-worked kids and really is a tale about friendship, and what it can hold up against and weather. I would have no problems recommending this book to elementary school kids (and teens!), and I think they would love it.
June 10, 2011
I must confess, books that turn teachers into villains irritate me to some degree. Probably since I know so many teachers who work so hard to help their kids. Plus, the substitutes I've met have been really nice. But Bransford made up for the wacky substitutes by providing a great teacher by the name of Miss Banks. I also loved the idea of a separate planet where teachers can go on vacation. Sounds great!
I wasn't really expecting the book to be all that believable. I mean, breaking the universe?! But the story moves along at a brisk pace and soon the reader doesn't really care about whether the story is believable. Jacob and his friends, Sarah and Dexter, don't just face strange planets, and space pirates, but also some severe tests of their friendship, which for kids this age is very real. So the characters can be related to, despite the wacky happenings. Recommended for those who love adventure and a fun story.
I wasn't really expecting the book to be all that believable. I mean, breaking the universe?! But the story moves along at a brisk pace and soon the reader doesn't really care about whether the story is believable. Jacob and his friends, Sarah and Dexter, don't just face strange planets, and space pirates, but also some severe tests of their friendship, which for kids this age is very real. So the characters can be related to, despite the wacky happenings. Recommended for those who love adventure and a fun story.
July 26, 2011
This is a deviation from my normal readings habits. I gave it 3 stars just to be 'fair' and show neutralism. Otherwise, I would have given it 2 stars, but for the fact that it's not a book I'd normally read, which means that I would hate it, or not enjoy it, for that reason alone, so I decided to be neutral with the rating. I only read the book because I enjoy the author's blog.
The author does a good job with characterization. Each character has his/her hangups. The universe is well thought-out. The book was funny here and there.
I hated it though. I thought the storyline dragged on too much and there were too many twists for my tastes. At some point, some of the storylines became ridiculous, but then again, I'm not the reading demographic for this book, so young children might think it's fine. I won't be reading the sequels.
The author does a good job with characterization. Each character has his/her hangups. The universe is well thought-out. The book was funny here and there.
I hated it though. I thought the storyline dragged on too much and there were too many twists for my tastes. At some point, some of the storylines became ridiculous, but then again, I'm not the reading demographic for this book, so young children might think it's fine. I won't be reading the sequels.
July 21, 2011
This was a fun read. I'm a big fan of Douglas Adams, and it reminded me of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in some if its worlds and shenanigans. At the same time, though, it was original (there were no corndogs in The Guide, but a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster would be ideal to wash one down, come to think of it!)
Nathan Bransford is a great writer, his story-telling style is clear and his sense of pacing is good...no dull moments. The story and characters will appeal to young boys and girls, and immature adults like me.
I'm definitely going to read the next installment when it comes out in April 2012!
Nathan Bransford is a great writer, his story-telling style is clear and his sense of pacing is good...no dull moments. The story and characters will appeal to young boys and girls, and immature adults like me.
I'm definitely going to read the next installment when it comes out in April 2012!
September 1, 2013
Reading this one out loud to the kids. It's easier for me to read out loud with them, how the sentences flow and are structured. But, I don't think this will be on of our favorites. Ryan doesn't like that the main character is a goof off, but we are starting to get into the story and we'll see how everyone feels at the end!
After finishing it, we just weren't that impressed, the writing's not the greatest, story is ok. Don't know that we'll read any more of them...
After finishing it, we just weren't that impressed, the writing's not the greatest, story is ok. Don't know that we'll read any more of them...
July 18, 2012
Um, this was fine. Because of the title I expected a lot more quirkiness, but I found some of the interactions and descriptions to fall flat. However, it was innovative, and the characters were fun. Kids would definitely like it, and I think it has equal boy and girl appeal. I don't know if I'm intrigued enough to pick up book 2, but a lot of kids would.
August 4, 2011
Admittedly, my standards for this agent turned author were probably a little high. It was a good book, but often it felt like you could hear the author thinking, "This would be cool here, and this would work well here..."
March 25, 2012
very cute wacky fun elementary space odyssey thats kind of like Douglas adams crossed with The Phantom Tollbooth with a hint of Star Wars/spaceballs... one gratuitious reference to calculators spelling "boobies"...
February 19, 2015
Boring ,not much to read. It isnt really that interesting for me because I like really funny books.
February 28, 2021
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow by Nathan Bransford is a rollercoaster-in-outer-space. Each chapter ends on the precipice of downhill fun. Bransford understands the mind of twelve-year-old boys and he even throws in one sassy, sardonic girl to big bang things amuck. Sarah, a fan of Betty Friedan, might have been my favorite character. I figure Friedan is close enough to Margaret Atwood and I'm a girl who is a big fan of Atwood's. So, even though this seems like a book for boys, Bransford found a way to be all inclusive. Girls and boys would love this book. This book is not just about having fun, getting lost in space, and having to find your way back to Earth. This book is about the kind of friendships formed between friends before they become more than friends. It's innocent and sweet and it reminds me of cotton candy, and apples drenched in caramel. It also reminds me of how important it is to be honest and loyal to your friends. Sometimes as adults we forget the important stuff. So I would say on this level this is also a book for adults who sometimes forget what it is like being a kid. Maybe we all need a little Wonder to remind us. I highly recommend this book.
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August 30, 2021School Library Journal recommends this book for grades 4 - 6.
(Jacob Wonderbar #1)
Jacob Wonderbar is used to detentions, but when a spaceship crashes near his house, he finds himself in a whole new level of trouble. After swapping a corn dog for the ship, he and his two best friends, Sarah Daisy and Dexter, take off on a madcap adventure. They accidentally cause an epic explosion, get kidnapped by a space pirate, and are marooned on planets like Numonia and Paisley, where the air smells like burp breath and revenge-hungry substitute teachers rule. And that's only the beginning . . . It turns out that there's an entire colony of space humans, and Jacob's long-lost father just might be one of them.
The first book in debut author Nathan Bransford's hilarious space adventure series has dynamite friendships, peculiar planets, and nonstop action. You'll never look at the stars the same way!
(Jacob Wonderbar #1)
Jacob Wonderbar is used to detentions, but when a spaceship crashes near his house, he finds himself in a whole new level of trouble. After swapping a corn dog for the ship, he and his two best friends, Sarah Daisy and Dexter, take off on a madcap adventure. They accidentally cause an epic explosion, get kidnapped by a space pirate, and are marooned on planets like Numonia and Paisley, where the air smells like burp breath and revenge-hungry substitute teachers rule. And that's only the beginning . . . It turns out that there's an entire colony of space humans, and Jacob's long-lost father just might be one of them.
The first book in debut author Nathan Bransford's hilarious space adventure series has dynamite friendships, peculiar planets, and nonstop action. You'll never look at the stars the same way!
May 17, 2018
Cute story for young teens
Cute story for young teens. It got a little slow in the middle and leaves some questions unanswered at the end. However, it still has enough teenage adventure and fantasy to delight a young reader.
Cute story for young teens. It got a little slow in the middle and leaves some questions unanswered at the end. However, it still has enough teenage adventure and fantasy to delight a young reader.
May 22, 2017
(review from my 3rd grader: "It was awesome!"
August 6, 2018
Awesome!!!
It’s crazy,weird,but I can’t stop reading
One of the best books I’ve ever read
Super cool, and this is a extremely good book so buy it
It’s crazy,weird,but I can’t stop reading
One of the best books I’ve ever read
Super cool, and this is a extremely good book so buy it
April 28, 2019
Pretty fun, silly, madcap adventure
November 28, 2018
El libro te atrapa en una aventura espacial, sobre tres amigos, y juntos vivirán experiencias inolvidables.
July 30, 2017
My favorite parts of this wacky adventure across the galaxy start with the first chapter standoff between Jacob and Mrs Pinkerton, the kind of substitute teacher you hope you never have... and then later in the story when Jacob gets sentenced to an entire planet of substitute teachers for his misdeeds. "All those UFO sightings now made a great deal more sense."
What is life like on a planet of substitute teachers? Jacob can handle any sub on earth, but "he was no match for these younger subs in their natural habitat." One of my favorites is when Jacob is caught in a crowd of them:
Certainly Planet Galleria and or Planet Girlfriend (where all the stylists live) would be a nice alternative - but perhaps Jacob gets to visit those planets in the sequel.
I'll leave you to guess what Jacob and his cohorts find on Planet Numonia, but Planet Archimedes deserves a little hint: it's where people like this specimen flourish and will hunt down anyone who tries to steal their scientific discoveries, but can be stopped if you know the right trick:
Be prepared for a lot more funny moments like these.
Oh yeah and I LOVED the Spilled Milky Way!
What is life like on a planet of substitute teachers? Jacob can handle any sub on earth, but "he was no match for these younger subs in their natural habitat." One of my favorites is when Jacob is caught in a crowd of them:
"Suspend him!" someone shouted.
"Give him ten demerits!"
"Take away his extracurricular activities!"
"Call his parents and suggest he's not reaching his full potential!"
Certainly Planet Galleria and or Planet Girlfriend (where all the stylists live) would be a nice alternative - but perhaps Jacob gets to visit those planets in the sequel.
I'll leave you to guess what Jacob and his cohorts find on Planet Numonia, but Planet Archimedes deserves a little hint: it's where people like this specimen flourish and will hunt down anyone who tries to steal their scientific discoveries, but can be stopped if you know the right trick:
The scientist stepped closer, his huge gnarled hands reaching out toward them. Sarah flinched and prepared to scream.
"One side twenty-eight meters, one side sixty-eight meters, what's the hypotenuse of a right triangle?" Mick shouted.
The scientist stopped, his face turning red... his hands started shaking. "But that's... Why, that would require the Pythagorean Theorem. That's.... that's my favorite mathematical equation!"
The scientist looked at the children.
He looked over a nearby chalkboard.
He looked at the children. A few quiet seconds passed.
And he ran over the chalkboard. He furiously stated scratching out numbers.
"Go! Go!" Mick shouted.
Sarah stared in disbelief as the scientist worked on the problem. Mick grabbed her by the arm, and she followed after him.
Be prepared for a lot more funny moments like these.
Oh yeah and I LOVED the Spilled Milky Way!
July 18, 2011
full review on my blog, holes In My brain
Jacob Wonderbar. I feel that should be in all caps: JACOB WONDERBAR! I can subconsciously associate a lot of things with this, and I think just the title says a lot. It’s extravagant, fun, quirky and entertaining.
I don’t read much Middle Grade fiction, in fact, I rarely wander out of my YA bubble but every once in a while I notice something and read it for kicks—like in this case. Jacob Wonderbar didn’t blow me away, but it was a welcome distraction from homework. Guys. It takes place in OUTER SPACE. Win.
I thought the writing read easily, but it could be slightly awkward at times. A combination of third person narrative, flipping characters, and strange word choices, there might have been some missing poetic quality but honestly? At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter. It’s something I think fits really well with younger audiences.
The stand-out of Bransford’s novel is the plot; I’m grinning madly just thinking about it. There’s no confinement to this imaginative adventure as everything from corn dogs to a planet named after paisley is involved. The pacing remains consistently fun, with the short chapters and quirky plot keeping readers hooked and eager to finish. The characters are well rounded and lovable, even the villains. Can I count the spaceships as characters too? Because they are very not-boring.
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is an amusing tale that offers a combination of humour, action, entertainment and heart.
3.5/5 – because I really enjoyed this one. It’s not bam-bam-bam action, but it is a great blend of plot and characters and giggle-worthy moments. It pushes the boundaries of believability in a manner that YA just can’t pull off, and I commend Bransford for this inventive and original novel.
Jacob Wonderbar. I feel that should be in all caps: JACOB WONDERBAR! I can subconsciously associate a lot of things with this, and I think just the title says a lot. It’s extravagant, fun, quirky and entertaining.
I don’t read much Middle Grade fiction, in fact, I rarely wander out of my YA bubble but every once in a while I notice something and read it for kicks—like in this case. Jacob Wonderbar didn’t blow me away, but it was a welcome distraction from homework. Guys. It takes place in OUTER SPACE. Win.
I thought the writing read easily, but it could be slightly awkward at times. A combination of third person narrative, flipping characters, and strange word choices, there might have been some missing poetic quality but honestly? At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter. It’s something I think fits really well with younger audiences.
The stand-out of Bransford’s novel is the plot; I’m grinning madly just thinking about it. There’s no confinement to this imaginative adventure as everything from corn dogs to a planet named after paisley is involved. The pacing remains consistently fun, with the short chapters and quirky plot keeping readers hooked and eager to finish. The characters are well rounded and lovable, even the villains. Can I count the spaceships as characters too? Because they are very not-boring.
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is an amusing tale that offers a combination of humour, action, entertainment and heart.
3.5/5 – because I really enjoyed this one. It’s not bam-bam-bam action, but it is a great blend of plot and characters and giggle-worthy moments. It pushes the boundaries of believability in a manner that YA just can’t pull off, and I commend Bransford for this inventive and original novel.
May 16, 2011
Jacob Wonderbar has one of the coolest log-lines I've ever seen: "Space travel is all fun and games until someone breaks the universe."
That sentence sets the tone of this zany novel for young people, ages 9 and up. Jacob - general troublemaker and the terror of substitute teachers - and his friends, Dexter and Sarah, buy a spaceship from a disgruntled alien for a corn dog and set off for adventures in outer space.
In trying to prevent their spaceship from crashing, they fire a missile that causes a chain reaction of explosions across the universe (which Jacob dubs "the spilled milky way"), which blocks the path to Earth. Miraculously, no one is injured, no inhabited worlds destroyed, but in the words of two cosmic police officers the kids just caused a "big mess." Unfortunately, that mess will prevent them from returning home for one or two thousand years (according to a construction worker when they try to head home), and there is no detour around the chaos.
The novel contains a pirate, a planet that smells like burp breath and has a day one minute long, a planet populated by scientists, a planet populated by substitute teachers, and a king of the universe.
Nathan Bransford is a former literary agent whose blog, http://blog.nathanbransford.com/, is an excellent resource for readers, writers, and anyone remotely interested in the publishing industry. I've been looking forward to reading Jacob Wonderbar ever since Nathan blogged that he'd sold it. I like the book, kids in the tween and early teen years will like it, and adults who are fans of Monty Python's Flying Circus (which I am) will like it.
That sentence sets the tone of this zany novel for young people, ages 9 and up. Jacob - general troublemaker and the terror of substitute teachers - and his friends, Dexter and Sarah, buy a spaceship from a disgruntled alien for a corn dog and set off for adventures in outer space.
In trying to prevent their spaceship from crashing, they fire a missile that causes a chain reaction of explosions across the universe (which Jacob dubs "the spilled milky way"), which blocks the path to Earth. Miraculously, no one is injured, no inhabited worlds destroyed, but in the words of two cosmic police officers the kids just caused a "big mess." Unfortunately, that mess will prevent them from returning home for one or two thousand years (according to a construction worker when they try to head home), and there is no detour around the chaos.
The novel contains a pirate, a planet that smells like burp breath and has a day one minute long, a planet populated by scientists, a planet populated by substitute teachers, and a king of the universe.
Nathan Bransford is a former literary agent whose blog, http://blog.nathanbransford.com/, is an excellent resource for readers, writers, and anyone remotely interested in the publishing industry. I've been looking forward to reading Jacob Wonderbar ever since Nathan blogged that he'd sold it. I like the book, kids in the tween and early teen years will like it, and adults who are fans of Monty Python's Flying Circus (which I am) will like it.
August 26, 2016
A little too juvenile for my usual reading. I really felt this could have been shorter. It cobbled together so many different events that what started out as imaginative just became more convoluted. I appreciate trying to include some science in the narrative (I liked the night and days being 30 seconds long), but it included some bad science too. (A vacuum would never "pull" anything, because it's nothing! What happens is that things get pushed from the area with higher pressure/more molecules. And, the proper term is now "microgravity", not "zero gravity") The scientists at Archimedes getting goofy about spelling out "boobies" with their calculators was just plain silly. There were grammar errors (p. 19-anyone but he), and name errors (p. 86 should have said that Sarah and Jacob returned)that should have been caught in editing. I generally don't look for such things, but noticed them as I read.
That said, there were some funny parts. I have to admit that I laughed when I discovered who the inhabitants of the Paisley Planet were (although that wasn't very nice of me), and for Jacob's possible ailment had he really eaten all of the Numonia dust, but both of those were pretty low-level humor.
Page 86's description of what possibly causes parents to divorce was surprisingly touching. I realize that what matters is if students will like a book, so I need to try to see it through their eyes. I mainly wish this had been shorter.
That said, there were some funny parts. I have to admit that I laughed when I discovered who the inhabitants of the Paisley Planet were (although that wasn't very nice of me), and for Jacob's possible ailment had he really eaten all of the Numonia dust, but both of those were pretty low-level humor.
Page 86's description of what possibly causes parents to divorce was surprisingly touching. I realize that what matters is if students will like a book, so I need to try to see it through their eyes. I mainly wish this had been shorter.
November 7, 2012
It’s hard to imagine young boys—and girls—not loving Bransford’s Jacob Wonderbar, terror of substitute teachers and adventurer extraordinaire. Jacob has a lot of heart underneath the bluff, and his best friends are just as much fun: forceful Sarah Daisy, who believes she can do everything, and gentle Dexter, who doesn’t understand how to make decisions when other people’s feelings are involved. I loved Dexter.
The plot details have middle school boy written all over them: the burp breath planet, goofy space people, talking spaceships, over-enthusiastic scientists who can be distracted by a math problem to solve. Not to mention the corn dog (though I must admit that I love corn dogs) and the challenges of school. It’s not a particularly challenging storyline, but it’s the sort that even kids who otherwise care little for reading might enjoy—playful, funny, suspenseful, and punctuated with lively illustrations.
Fortunately for its older and female readers, it's not all young boy humor. Sarah Daisy's independence is played for light comic effect without undermining her strengths; Dexter is treated with honest sensitivity, and Jacob is allowed to be very imperfect without losing the reader's sympathy. And if Jacob's teacher doesn't warm the hearts of teachers everywhere, I don't know what will.
It wraps up cheerfully, but leaves some threads open for the sequels. And in the end, it’s hard not to like a book that takes a little time to gaze at the stars.
The plot details have middle school boy written all over them: the burp breath planet, goofy space people, talking spaceships, over-enthusiastic scientists who can be distracted by a math problem to solve. Not to mention the corn dog (though I must admit that I love corn dogs) and the challenges of school. It’s not a particularly challenging storyline, but it’s the sort that even kids who otherwise care little for reading might enjoy—playful, funny, suspenseful, and punctuated with lively illustrations.
Fortunately for its older and female readers, it's not all young boy humor. Sarah Daisy's independence is played for light comic effect without undermining her strengths; Dexter is treated with honest sensitivity, and Jacob is allowed to be very imperfect without losing the reader's sympathy. And if Jacob's teacher doesn't warm the hearts of teachers everywhere, I don't know what will.
It wraps up cheerfully, but leaves some threads open for the sequels. And in the end, it’s hard not to like a book that takes a little time to gaze at the stars.
January 16, 2013
The universe has a plan for Jacob Wonderbar...who knew it would all begin with corndogs, men in silver suits, and substitute teachers! Jacob has a reputation, far and wide, for his ability to torment substitute teachers and this day, Jacob has a particularly weird experience. After school, Jacob and his best friends, Sarah and Dexter meet a man in a silver suit who trades his spaceship for a corndog...a corndog? YES!
The trio commandeers the airship through space causing, what is affectionately known as, the great cosmic space kapow. Parts of the galaxy have exploded and they aren't quite sure what has happened to Earth. As they travel to other planets, and meet strange, unusual but mostly friendly Astrals, the world they once knew has now expanded.
They encounter pirates, princesses, people who eat only dust, and a whole planet of substitute teachers. Finally, the meet the King of the Universe who has other plans for Jacob...just what those plans may be is a mystery to Jacob. (Do we smell a sequel?) Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is full of humorous high-adventure, the wonders of space, and corndogs! But, mostly it is the story of how important friends are, both old and new, especially if you dare to take a trip into the galaxy and beyond!
Thank you to LibraryThing, Dial Books for Young Readers, and Nathan Bransford for this copy.
The trio commandeers the airship through space causing, what is affectionately known as, the great cosmic space kapow. Parts of the galaxy have exploded and they aren't quite sure what has happened to Earth. As they travel to other planets, and meet strange, unusual but mostly friendly Astrals, the world they once knew has now expanded.
They encounter pirates, princesses, people who eat only dust, and a whole planet of substitute teachers. Finally, the meet the King of the Universe who has other plans for Jacob...just what those plans may be is a mystery to Jacob. (Do we smell a sequel?) Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is full of humorous high-adventure, the wonders of space, and corndogs! But, mostly it is the story of how important friends are, both old and new, especially if you dare to take a trip into the galaxy and beyond!
Thank you to LibraryThing, Dial Books for Young Readers, and Nathan Bransford for this copy.
April 12, 2011
A lively story about three friends who cause mischief in this solar system and a few others, Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is a light-hearted read that made me smile. With spaceship chase scenes involving vengeful substitute teachers, a planet whose atmosphere smells of burp-breath, rebellious royalty, and mathematician mice, it certainly has all the ingredients to hook young readers. That said, the pace in the beginning lagged a bit, and the humor lacked a laugh-out-loud kind of sparkle, at least for me. I’m not the target audience, so I read the first chapter aloud to my sixth grade students, and while they were super-excited by the cover, the awesome title, and the copy on the back cover, the opening scene didn’t capture their attention instantly. They did, however, ask me to read on. We all liked Jacob Wonderbar, and the author worked at making him a more complex character by weaving in the conflict with his father, but the supporting characters of Sarah and Dexter were rather flat, and the adults in the book were basically caricatures. The plot is woven together well, with a nice bit where all three main characters are separated and have their own adventures, and the ending has a satisfying feel, even though it clearly feels designed for a series.
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