What do you think?
Rate this book
The Young Inventors Guild #1
The Atomic Weight of Secrets or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black
"In 1903, five truly brilliant young inventors, the children of the world’s most important scientists, are taken from their lives and their parents by the mysterious men in black. They take twelve-year-old Jasper and six-year-old Lucy Modest from London, England; nine-year-old Wallace Banneker from New York, United States; twelve-year-old Noah Canto-Sagas from Toronto, Canada; and thirteen-year-old Faye Vigyanveta from New Delhi, India, depositing them all at a strange, isolated farmhouse in Dayton, Ohio, with kindly schoolteacher Miss Brett. But what mysterious invention have all the children, unbeknownst to one another, been working on? Who are the men in black? And are the men in black trying to kidnap them―or protect them? And if they're trying to protect them―from what? An amazing story about the wonders of science and the still greater wonders of friendship, The Atomic Weight of Secrets, the first book of the Young Inventors Guild trilogy is a novel readers will forever treasure.In 1903, five truly brilliant young inventors, the children of the world’s most important scientists, went about their lives and their work as they always had.But all that changed the day the men in black arrived.They arrived to take twelve-year-old Jasper Modest and his six-year-old sister, Lucy―he with his remarkable creations and she with her perfect memory―from their London, England home to a place across the ocean they'd never seen before.They arrived to take nine-year-old Wallace Banneker, last in a long line of Africa-descended scientists, from his chemistry, his father, and his New York home to a life he'd never imagined.Twelve-year-old Noah Canto-Sagas, already missing his world-famous and beloved mother, was taken from Toronto, Canada, carrying only his clothes, his violin, and his remarkable mind.And thirteen-year-old Faye Vigyanveta, the genius daughter of India’s wealthiest and most accomplished scientists, was removed by force from her life of luxury.From all across the world, they've been taken to mysterious Sole Manner Farm, and a beautiful but isolated schoolhouse in Dayton, Ohio, without a word from their parents as to why. Not even the wonderful schoolteacher they find there, Miss Brett, can explain it. She can give them love and care, but she can't give them answers.Things only get stranger from there. What is the book with no pages Jasper and Lucy find in their mother’s underwear drawer, and why do the men in black want it so badly?How is it all the children have been taught the same bizarre poem―and yet no other rhymes or stories their entire lives?And why haven't their parents tried to contact them?Whatever the reasons, to brash, impetuous Faye, the situation is They and their parents have been kidnapped by these terrible men in black, and the only way they're going to escape and rescue their parents is by completing the invention they didn't even know they were all working on―an invention that will change the world forever.But what if the men in black aren't trying to harm the children? What if they're trying to protect them?And if they're trying to protect them―from what?An amazing story about the wonders of science and the still greater wonders of friendship, The Atomic Weight of Secrets or the Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black, the first book of the Young Inventors Guild trilogy, is a truly original novel. Young readers will forever treasure Eden Unger Bowditch’s funny, inventive, poignant, and wonderfully fun fiction debut."
339 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2011
9 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Eden Unger Bowditch
19 books10 followersEden Unger Bowditch is the author of the Young Inventors Guild series. Inspired by her son's disappointment in the impossibility of the magic found in young adult novels, Eden wanted to tell a story about science—the kind of magic that’s all around, and the kind people can actually do. She hopes that the Young Inventors Guild series will inspire a love for the real magic of science in young adults and encourage them to to create, invent, and trust their imagination.
Growing up in Chicago, Eden later lived both in Los Angeles, Paris, Baltimore, and in Egypt with her husband and three children. She is the author of several nonfiction books about her adopted hometown, Baltimore, and has been a journalist, a professor, a welder, an editor, and musician. She is presently dividing her time between New York City and Aberdeen, Scotland. For more information, visit: http://www.younginventorsguild.com
Growing up in Chicago, Eden later lived both in Los Angeles, Paris, Baltimore, and in Egypt with her husband and three children. She is the author of several nonfiction books about her adopted hometown, Baltimore, and has been a journalist, a professor, a welder, an editor, and musician. She is presently dividing her time between New York City and Aberdeen, Scotland. For more information, visit: http://www.younginventorsguild.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 22, 2011
The Atomic Weight of Secrets by Eden Unger Bowditch
Bancroft Press, 2011
339 pages
Middle Grade; Historical; Mystery
3.5/5 stars
First in the Young Inventors Guild
Source: Received a free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: Five children (Jasper, his sister Lucy, Wallace, Noah, and Faye) are taken to a schoolhouse farm in Ohio while their brilliant scientist parents are at work with no opportunity to contact them. The wonders of a farm and friendship are not enough to distract the children from the mysterious men in black whose presence overhangs all. And as time passes, more questions are raised than are answered and the children must forge their own path.
This book took me a very long time to read, considering how long a book usually takes me to read and the fact that it is MG/YA. I lean more toward MG because the five main characters range from 6 to 13 years old. But the book is a bit on the long side to be MG so I waver. I would certainly recommend it to fans of The Series of Unfortunate Events and probably to readers of Percy Jackson although I'm less familiar with that series.
What redeemed the book for me was the end which included a fun wink at history and more action as the mysterious Komar Romak menaced the children. Before that though there are many pages detailing the children's lives when they lived with their parents and then their lives on the farm together. While each of the children has an individual story, the outlines are all very similar: one or both parents are brilliant scientists whose focus on work leads them to not spend much time with their children; the children are also bright scientists or more specifically inventors as the series title details.
I loved the children and I felt for them in their confusion and uncertainty. Because of their smarts, they were ostracized at school or merely tutored at home by themselves, leaving a desire for friendship that is filled by the time among equals. Although they are familiar with a lab, the simple nursery rhymes and fairy tales I know so well are beyond their ken. Their time at the school-farm is thus a great growing experience for them. It would be hard to pick a favorite child but I do have a soft spot for the youngest child, Lucy. As baffling as the experience is for the older children, it's even harder on her.
In the end, I was left with loads of questions and a tiny snippet of the second book that should pique many.
Overall: For a long time, nothing seems to be happen but when the action kicks in, it is quite satisfying.
Bancroft Press, 2011
339 pages
Middle Grade; Historical; Mystery
3.5/5 stars
First in the Young Inventors Guild
Source: Received a free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: Five children (Jasper, his sister Lucy, Wallace, Noah, and Faye) are taken to a schoolhouse farm in Ohio while their brilliant scientist parents are at work with no opportunity to contact them. The wonders of a farm and friendship are not enough to distract the children from the mysterious men in black whose presence overhangs all. And as time passes, more questions are raised than are answered and the children must forge their own path.
This book took me a very long time to read, considering how long a book usually takes me to read and the fact that it is MG/YA. I lean more toward MG because the five main characters range from 6 to 13 years old. But the book is a bit on the long side to be MG so I waver. I would certainly recommend it to fans of The Series of Unfortunate Events and probably to readers of Percy Jackson although I'm less familiar with that series.
What redeemed the book for me was the end which included a fun wink at history and more action as the mysterious Komar Romak menaced the children. Before that though there are many pages detailing the children's lives when they lived with their parents and then their lives on the farm together. While each of the children has an individual story, the outlines are all very similar: one or both parents are brilliant scientists whose focus on work leads them to not spend much time with their children; the children are also bright scientists or more specifically inventors as the series title details.
I loved the children and I felt for them in their confusion and uncertainty. Because of their smarts, they were ostracized at school or merely tutored at home by themselves, leaving a desire for friendship that is filled by the time among equals. Although they are familiar with a lab, the simple nursery rhymes and fairy tales I know so well are beyond their ken. Their time at the school-farm is thus a great growing experience for them. It would be hard to pick a favorite child but I do have a soft spot for the youngest child, Lucy. As baffling as the experience is for the older children, it's even harder on her.
In the end, I was left with loads of questions and a tiny snippet of the second book that should pique many.
Overall: For a long time, nothing seems to be happen but when the action kicks in, it is quite satisfying.
June 9, 2011
It’s books like these that allow me to offer a solid example when defending, and recommending young adult fiction to adults.
Considering recent discussions about the increasing darkness of the genre, this story is a welcome diversion and proof of how well it can be done when the author has a solid plot and endearing characters.
It may not satisfy the older portion of the age range who tend to like the popular dark fantasy or steampunk, but for those wanting a good mystery – this is just the book.
What makes this a unique and interesting mystery is the children who strive to solve it. I liked every one of them. Not all of them are likeable at times, but who is? We all have our quirks, our faults and these characters are no different.
Even better is watching the development of their relationships and selves throughout the story. I was pleased to see how well this was done considering there are five children. Bowditch does an amazing job making each authentic and unique.
To balance the “coldness” of the children, who have never been able to “be” children, the author provides a balancing character, Miss Brett, their teacher. She quickly understands that as brilliant as her students are in understanding science, math, and engineering, they lack that aspect of their personality that makes kids….kids.
She helps them discover this side of themselves by reading them stories such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and insisting they take a recess and play.
Through alternating chapters, we learn about each child. This helps the reader see how much they have changed by the end of the book. The author manages these shifting perspectives in a way that does not lose the reader, even a younger one.
The initial problem the children face is being taken away from their parents and never told why. They have no idea where they are but feel they are in danger.
But while planning their escape to rescue them, they face a greater challenge: how to interact and work together. Through a common enemy and goal, they learn how and this is the most powerful aspect of the book: the attempt to solve the mystery of their parents disappearance, and the solving of the mystery of how to make and maintain friendships.
I really liked this book and look forward to future installments to the Young Inventors Guild. This is a perfect summer read for those grades 5 and up. (Not to mention a great summer read for adults too.)
Considering recent discussions about the increasing darkness of the genre, this story is a welcome diversion and proof of how well it can be done when the author has a solid plot and endearing characters.
It may not satisfy the older portion of the age range who tend to like the popular dark fantasy or steampunk, but for those wanting a good mystery – this is just the book.
What makes this a unique and interesting mystery is the children who strive to solve it. I liked every one of them. Not all of them are likeable at times, but who is? We all have our quirks, our faults and these characters are no different.
Even better is watching the development of their relationships and selves throughout the story. I was pleased to see how well this was done considering there are five children. Bowditch does an amazing job making each authentic and unique.
To balance the “coldness” of the children, who have never been able to “be” children, the author provides a balancing character, Miss Brett, their teacher. She quickly understands that as brilliant as her students are in understanding science, math, and engineering, they lack that aspect of their personality that makes kids….kids.
She helps them discover this side of themselves by reading them stories such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and insisting they take a recess and play.
Through alternating chapters, we learn about each child. This helps the reader see how much they have changed by the end of the book. The author manages these shifting perspectives in a way that does not lose the reader, even a younger one.
The initial problem the children face is being taken away from their parents and never told why. They have no idea where they are but feel they are in danger.
But while planning their escape to rescue them, they face a greater challenge: how to interact and work together. Through a common enemy and goal, they learn how and this is the most powerful aspect of the book: the attempt to solve the mystery of their parents disappearance, and the solving of the mystery of how to make and maintain friendships.
I really liked this book and look forward to future installments to the Young Inventors Guild. This is a perfect summer read for those grades 5 and up. (Not to mention a great summer read for adults too.)
August 8, 2011
The Atomic Weight of Secrets or the Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black by Eden Unger Bowditch
Young Inventors Guild Book 1
Bancroft Press-2011
www.younginventorsguild.com
Facebook: Yes
Rating: Not for me
Recommendation: YA/Children, Steampunk, Science fiction
Five young children, from different parts of the world, are separated from their parents and brought together at Sole Manor Farm with their teacher Ms. Brett. While there, they form a unique friendship and work together to create a world-changing invention. They hope that the invention will help them solve the mystery of what happened to their parents. But the invention and all the mysteries that surround their arrival all lead to a danger that they are not aware of and may not be ready to face.
I can say that this book is well written and it’s based on a good idea. But I can’t say that I particularly liked this book. Certain things bother me. The first and most obvious issue would be the title. It’s the length that bothers me, it makes it hard to remember and that’s not good. If there was a purpose for the length it was not revealed in the story (unless I completely missed it). I think “Atomic Weight of Secrets” is a better title for the book than “ The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black”. Yes, I know it seems to be really petty to not like a book based solely on the title, but it’s more than not liking the title. It’s distracting; somewhere in the back of my mind I was thinking -hoping- that title was a clue to what was going on in the story. But combining the two doesn’t do anything. Something more important than the title would be the story itself. It was a great idea. There are little nuggets or breadcrumbs that appear to be leading somewhere and then it just stops. It’s like a fumble in a football game during the last play, the team is only points away from taking the lead nd winning. The ending reminds me of when you ask someone a question and they give you a really long answer that has nothing to do with your question. Maybe the resolution comes in the second book, but . . .
While it offers an interesting perspective, I am missing the connection with the characters. It’s sad that the kids are separated from their parents, but in truth they’re already used to not having them around. And the kids prove that they’re pretty resourceful. But without the connection I don’t really care what happened; didn’t care if they succeeded or failed in their plans. Maybe the connection would have been stronger if it was ordinary kids forced into doing something extraordinary.
Always Shine,
Starr K.
I received this complimentary galley from Netgalley. The review is not required to be a positive one, but I assure you it is my honest opinion of the book.
Young Inventors Guild Book 1
Bancroft Press-2011
www.younginventorsguild.com
Facebook: Yes
Rating: Not for me
Recommendation: YA/Children, Steampunk, Science fiction
Five young children, from different parts of the world, are separated from their parents and brought together at Sole Manor Farm with their teacher Ms. Brett. While there, they form a unique friendship and work together to create a world-changing invention. They hope that the invention will help them solve the mystery of what happened to their parents. But the invention and all the mysteries that surround their arrival all lead to a danger that they are not aware of and may not be ready to face.
I can say that this book is well written and it’s based on a good idea. But I can’t say that I particularly liked this book. Certain things bother me. The first and most obvious issue would be the title. It’s the length that bothers me, it makes it hard to remember and that’s not good. If there was a purpose for the length it was not revealed in the story (unless I completely missed it). I think “Atomic Weight of Secrets” is a better title for the book than “ The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black”. Yes, I know it seems to be really petty to not like a book based solely on the title, but it’s more than not liking the title. It’s distracting; somewhere in the back of my mind I was thinking -hoping- that title was a clue to what was going on in the story. But combining the two doesn’t do anything. Something more important than the title would be the story itself. It was a great idea. There are little nuggets or breadcrumbs that appear to be leading somewhere and then it just stops. It’s like a fumble in a football game during the last play, the team is only points away from taking the lead nd winning. The ending reminds me of when you ask someone a question and they give you a really long answer that has nothing to do with your question. Maybe the resolution comes in the second book, but . . .
While it offers an interesting perspective, I am missing the connection with the characters. It’s sad that the kids are separated from their parents, but in truth they’re already used to not having them around. And the kids prove that they’re pretty resourceful. But without the connection I don’t really care what happened; didn’t care if they succeeded or failed in their plans. Maybe the connection would have been stronger if it was ordinary kids forced into doing something extraordinary.
Always Shine,
Starr K.
I received this complimentary galley from Netgalley. The review is not required to be a positive one, but I assure you it is my honest opinion of the book.
March 24, 2011
i LOVED this book! I'm going to be honest - what attracted me to this book most in the beginning was the title. I liked how it was long and started off with "the Atomic Weight of Secrets." It sounded mathy to me, and I love math!
It starts when 5 exceptionally brilliant children are, seemingly without warning, separated from their brilliant, scientist parents, and brought to live together. When I started reading it, even though I immediately enjoyed it, it was initially hard for me to tell if it was really a book for me. It did start off a little bit slowly, and there was something about the men in black with their odd outfits and even odder hats that didn't sit right with me. It almost felt, well, pointless. And even after finishing the book, I'm still not sure I understand.
By the end, though, that didn't matter, and I actually began to enjoy the author's creativity in describing these elusive "men in black." The character's were all extremely wonderfully developed and enjoyable - you could tell, by the time the author put into giving back story and helping us to know everything there was to know about each of the five children, that she really loved these children. As such, I also grew not only to know them, but to love them.
All five of the children are brilliant scientists, just like their parents, but the fact that they are also children and, thus, childish, makes them incredibly endearing. It's impossible not to find yourself completely drawn in as these children fight and work to understand each other, the men in black, and why their parents would just allow them to be abandoned like that. As they learn to work together to try to "save" their parents, their five separate stories begin to meld together in a beautiful way.
Though the book did feel slow at times, for the most part it was just action-packed and exciting; absolutely perfect for the train on which I was reading it!
I would definitely recommend it to those interested in YA! And I know I'll definitely be reading the second book in the series, if only to find out more about what is up with these men in black and their funny goggles or black bunny ears!
It starts when 5 exceptionally brilliant children are, seemingly without warning, separated from their brilliant, scientist parents, and brought to live together. When I started reading it, even though I immediately enjoyed it, it was initially hard for me to tell if it was really a book for me. It did start off a little bit slowly, and there was something about the men in black with their odd outfits and even odder hats that didn't sit right with me. It almost felt, well, pointless. And even after finishing the book, I'm still not sure I understand.
By the end, though, that didn't matter, and I actually began to enjoy the author's creativity in describing these elusive "men in black." The character's were all extremely wonderfully developed and enjoyable - you could tell, by the time the author put into giving back story and helping us to know everything there was to know about each of the five children, that she really loved these children. As such, I also grew not only to know them, but to love them.
All five of the children are brilliant scientists, just like their parents, but the fact that they are also children and, thus, childish, makes them incredibly endearing. It's impossible not to find yourself completely drawn in as these children fight and work to understand each other, the men in black, and why their parents would just allow them to be abandoned like that. As they learn to work together to try to "save" their parents, their five separate stories begin to meld together in a beautiful way.
Though the book did feel slow at times, for the most part it was just action-packed and exciting; absolutely perfect for the train on which I was reading it!
I would definitely recommend it to those interested in YA! And I know I'll definitely be reading the second book in the series, if only to find out more about what is up with these men in black and their funny goggles or black bunny ears!
February 12, 2012
This book took me longer to finish than it should have. I found the overall premise interesting but it read clunky and somethings were left unfinished probably because it is the beginning of a trilogy. Five kids are taken from their parents and put in a boarding school outside Dayton in 1903. There are some really weird people guarding them: men in black costumes which did not make much sense and was never explained. They are working on an invention that puts them in danger. They hope to be able to rescue their parents who may or may not have been kidnapped. I think some kids will take it and run with it but many may be put off by the things that are left unexplained - I think some of the loose ends could have been tied up and still left room for the sequels. I will not finish this series.
March 14, 2011
Set in the early 20th century, we have a group of genius children plucked from their homes versus a group of sinister seeming "men in black". Part historical fiction, part mystery, with an interesting look at science, this story has many appealing genre points. It is a little heavy handed with the "all children need parents or guidance" message, no matter how smart they are and no matter that those adults seem to keep abandoning them. At times, it even feels as if it were speaking to an adult audience. Despite this, the draw, at least for me, was the children. The characters were engaging and distinct. And the way they worked and meshed together made sense.
I would recommend this to advanced tween readers, especially those with an interest in science.
I would recommend this to advanced tween readers, especially those with an interest in science.
May 20, 2012
I enjoy an occasional young adult novel for easy ready, which this was. It had interesting characterizations (five genius whiz kids) who were caught up in a well described mystery of the disappearance of their parents, who the strange men were that had whisked them (the children) away to a very unusual school, were they good guys or bad guys – lots of mysteries. The only problem was, the reader never finds out the answers to any of the mysteries. I felt cheated and won’t be reading anymore of this author.
August 18, 2011
Good start to this trilogy.
Each character is presented well as the story progresses. I liked watching the bonding of the kids as they worked together and puzzled over their predicament.
Meanwhile their genius brains come together to create and invent.
For Alice in Wonderland fans like me, there are mentions and references that blend in well and just tickle.
Each character is presented well as the story progresses. I liked watching the bonding of the kids as they worked together and puzzled over their predicament.
Meanwhile their genius brains come together to create and invent.
For Alice in Wonderland fans like me, there are mentions and references that blend in well and just tickle.
February 23, 2021
Young adult fantasy offers good message that readers can take badly
Posted on February 23, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
It’s 1903. Twelve children from around the world are taken from their homes and deposited into an isolated Ohio farmhouse by the mysterious “Men in Black.”
Along with Miss Bliss, their teacher, this team of youths who don’t seem to have trouble overcoming a multitude of language communication problems, the fact that they are strangely and unexpectedly transferred from their beds in 1903 New Dehli, Africa, England, Canada, and New York, and into a different country, team up to find the reason their parents seemingly prepared them for this event, then, after the kidnapping, disappeared from their lives.
Good thing all 12 of these children are the offspring of the globe’s finest turn-of-the-century scientific minds.
Soon the children are presented with a series of object questions they can’t answer, the challenge to find out why the Men in Black want them so badly, and to what location their parents have gone or been taken.
Complicated, improbable and a sure-fire way to teach children that being kidnapped is a chance for them to become superheroes, if watched with the right mindset, this fiction novel is a wonderful escape to non-reality and into the world of kid genius’ ability to problem-solve and save the day.
Other than the obvious concern about this novel being misinterpreted by child readers to let their stranger danger guard down and get themselves killed, this story offers a lot of fun.
Its ridiculous premise has “Disney” movie written all over it and has the potential for another 2-hour getaway for kids of all ages.
It’s a darn shame we have to interpret this unsafe and mentally sickening world as it is today. Fantasy kid scientist dream teams seem to be a lot better.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
Posted on February 23, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
It’s 1903. Twelve children from around the world are taken from their homes and deposited into an isolated Ohio farmhouse by the mysterious “Men in Black.”
Along with Miss Bliss, their teacher, this team of youths who don’t seem to have trouble overcoming a multitude of language communication problems, the fact that they are strangely and unexpectedly transferred from their beds in 1903 New Dehli, Africa, England, Canada, and New York, and into a different country, team up to find the reason their parents seemingly prepared them for this event, then, after the kidnapping, disappeared from their lives.
Good thing all 12 of these children are the offspring of the globe’s finest turn-of-the-century scientific minds.
Soon the children are presented with a series of object questions they can’t answer, the challenge to find out why the Men in Black want them so badly, and to what location their parents have gone or been taken.
Complicated, improbable and a sure-fire way to teach children that being kidnapped is a chance for them to become superheroes, if watched with the right mindset, this fiction novel is a wonderful escape to non-reality and into the world of kid genius’ ability to problem-solve and save the day.
Other than the obvious concern about this novel being misinterpreted by child readers to let their stranger danger guard down and get themselves killed, this story offers a lot of fun.
Its ridiculous premise has “Disney” movie written all over it and has the potential for another 2-hour getaway for kids of all ages.
It’s a darn shame we have to interpret this unsafe and mentally sickening world as it is today. Fantasy kid scientist dream teams seem to be a lot better.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
November 13, 2019
When Jasper and Lucy Modest, Wallace Banneker, Noah Canto-Sagas, and Faye Viganveta’s parents get taken away by mysterious men dressed in all black, they are sent off to Sole Manner Farm. There, the children are taught by Miss Brett, a kind and friendly teacher who exposes them to new stories and things of life they never knew of. As the children work on and create a marvelous invention, the first flying plane of 1903, they are also struggling to find out what happened to their parents. The real question is, are the men in black really the bad guys, or just trying to protect the young geniuses?
I enjoyed how the author incorporated historical elements to the fictional story. For example, Faye’s cousin’s brothers, who are named Wilbur and Orville and run a bicycle shop called Wright Cycle Company, are given the pieces to the children’s flying machine as they don’t want it falling in to the wrong hands. Also, the way the author described the style of vehicles and buildings, like black carriages and solid brown brick buildings, are correct for the time period. This really served to draw me in to the story.
My favorite character would have to be Wallace. He is very inquisitive, sweet, and tries to be helpful to everybody. He is a bit shy and keeps to himself but can be more positive around his friends. When his mom died, she told him that he would change the world by the age of 10. So, he wanted to make sure he did just that. During the book, I see him working on some type of strange chemical; a polymer. Will he finish it? You need to read the book to find out!
While the first half was a little slow, it eventually became more interesting and was a bit more fun to read. That’s why I gave it four stars: if you stick with it, you’ll want to read the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to kids ages 11-14, as it is a little complicated for younger kids, but wouldn’t be quite as interesting to older ones. Happy reading!
Review by Brooke Z., age 12, Delaware Valley Mensa
I enjoyed how the author incorporated historical elements to the fictional story. For example, Faye’s cousin’s brothers, who are named Wilbur and Orville and run a bicycle shop called Wright Cycle Company, are given the pieces to the children’s flying machine as they don’t want it falling in to the wrong hands. Also, the way the author described the style of vehicles and buildings, like black carriages and solid brown brick buildings, are correct for the time period. This really served to draw me in to the story.
My favorite character would have to be Wallace. He is very inquisitive, sweet, and tries to be helpful to everybody. He is a bit shy and keeps to himself but can be more positive around his friends. When his mom died, she told him that he would change the world by the age of 10. So, he wanted to make sure he did just that. During the book, I see him working on some type of strange chemical; a polymer. Will he finish it? You need to read the book to find out!
While the first half was a little slow, it eventually became more interesting and was a bit more fun to read. That’s why I gave it four stars: if you stick with it, you’ll want to read the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to kids ages 11-14, as it is a little complicated for younger kids, but wouldn’t be quite as interesting to older ones. Happy reading!
Review by Brooke Z., age 12, Delaware Valley Mensa
October 28, 2016
The Atomic Weight of Secrets had been sitting on my to read list for quite a while and the title and overview kept drawing me to read the story till I finally picked it up and started into the world Bowditch created. I enjoyed the book but felt that my cynical adult outlook made me more suspicious of the various characters and concerned for the children in their easy trust of the nannies and Mrs. Brett making it harder to fully immerse in the story. Bowditch introduced many concepts in this book that go unresolved or explained, who are the men in black? Why do the children perceive them with animal traits? What was Wallace's invention? among many others that I hope will be addressed in subsequent books. I would recommend this to younger readers in that late elementary to early middle school age.
August 15, 2020
This book is a bit of an oddball. It is obviously written for young adults, but its style could be off-putting. There are quite a few unresolved mysterious events. However, the situation is intriguing and still has me guessing.
I liked the brilliant children and felt sympathy for their more normal caretakers, especially their teacher. I liked how she tried to show them the pleasure of the ordinary things in life. With elements of steampunk, I decided to keep reading on, buying the next book in the series.
Before suggesting this book to a young adult, I'd suggest being familiar with their reading interests. While it was ultimately a good read, there are some who would find it too "precious" in its style. There are also some scenes that were tense and could be disturbing.
I liked the brilliant children and felt sympathy for their more normal caretakers, especially their teacher. I liked how she tried to show them the pleasure of the ordinary things in life. With elements of steampunk, I decided to keep reading on, buying the next book in the series.
Before suggesting this book to a young adult, I'd suggest being familiar with their reading interests. While it was ultimately a good read, there are some who would find it too "precious" in its style. There are also some scenes that were tense and could be disturbing.
Read
March 10, 2020I am not a science fiction fan, but the minute I finished this book I looked to find the next one. The story is unique, the characters feel real, and the historical piece is integrated flawlessly. All in all, highly recommended for preteens and teens who love stories with great characters, mystery, suspense, adventure, and historical fiction. This is a book I would love to listen to as an audiobook.
Get more in the full review.
Get more in the full review.
March 12, 2017
This book is very suspenseful, you get swallowed by the book , it takes you in this world with men in black , five little scientists , a nice school teacher and 4 adoringly nice nannies.
On my way to read the next one!
On my way to read the next one!
April 14, 2019
This book was absolutely amazing! I finished it in about 3 days the first time I read it, and I’ve read it about 7 times since then. Ms. Bowditch’s writing is so hooking. If you love Harry Potter or science in general, you will absolutely love this book.
Read
July 23, 2011in a sentence or so: without warning, five brilliant children are taken from their scientist parents by some very strange men wearing very strange black outfits and are left wondering where their parents are, how they can get back to them, and most importantly - do their parents even want to be found?
Jasper, Lucy, Faye, Wallace and Noah aren't your typical kids from 1903. turns out they're quite brilliant. you could argue it's good genes, given that their parents are all brilliant scientists...or it could be that they are just inventive, creative, and clever kids. either way, they are just like your run of the mill kiddo when it comes to the love and trust they place in their parents. that trust is painfully questioned when they all end up at the Sole Manor House. the kids realize that they all arrived under similar circumstances - the very oddly dressed men in black took them from their parents, dropped them off with a nanny in Dayton, Ohio, and provided absolutely no explanation.
two things are for certain: the kids want to be with their parents and they want some answers. since none of their nannies or their teacher, Miss Brett, can explain anything, they'll have to combine their little genius brains to get to the bottom of what's going on. while the kids hatch a plan of escape, they begin to discover pieces of their parents past and are surprised to find there was much they didn't know about them.
i loved the individuality of each character. Jasper the leader, Lucy the observing and unabashedly caring youngest, Faye the spoiled beauty, Wallace the square-peg-in-the-round-hole, and Noah the funny man. through flashback chapters, we slowly learn about each of their pasts and their arrival to the Sole Manor House as well as their familial history. through these back stories we gain insight into their characters that compliment their roles in the escape plan. coming together isn't easy for these kids, but they know it's crucial to work as a team if they have any hope of finding their parents again.
i appreciated the dualism that drove this book. with the dual title being the most obvious example, each chapter has a primary and secondary title. for example: "The Soprano's Son or Noah Shares Someone Fit for a King". see! how cool is that? mostly, i appreciated the dualism with the kids. obviously being brilliant gives them a capacity to grasp complex concepts and problem solve like the most clever of adults, but being children means that they still have the needs, wants, and desires of kids. they spend hours in the lab creating compounds and designing engineering wonders, but they still want the hugs and kisses of a mother with a bedtime story. the complexity of their characters made connecting with this read a breeze. in a way, the book reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia (which is a HUGE compliment) in the intricate child characters dealing with problems that are so big and so overwhelming in an absolutely realistic and emotional way.
this read grew on me with each chapter, with each new discovery, and with each freaky plot twist. i didn't realize this was the first in a series, so i was a bit curious how everything was going to wrap up. surprisingly, we do get a solid amount of resolution to tie up some loose ends while the Larger Questions wait to be explored in the next book. this was clever, creative, and stretched the imagination.
fave quote: "Mostly, they learned that, however unsure they were about the rest of the world, and however much they didn't fit in with most teachers and students, they were sure Miss Brett cared, they had each other, and they were all in this together." (131)
fix er up: this started a bit slow for me, but once i committed to reading a few chapters at a time, i couldn't put it down.
Jasper, Lucy, Faye, Wallace and Noah aren't your typical kids from 1903. turns out they're quite brilliant. you could argue it's good genes, given that their parents are all brilliant scientists...or it could be that they are just inventive, creative, and clever kids. either way, they are just like your run of the mill kiddo when it comes to the love and trust they place in their parents. that trust is painfully questioned when they all end up at the Sole Manor House. the kids realize that they all arrived under similar circumstances - the very oddly dressed men in black took them from their parents, dropped them off with a nanny in Dayton, Ohio, and provided absolutely no explanation.
two things are for certain: the kids want to be with their parents and they want some answers. since none of their nannies or their teacher, Miss Brett, can explain anything, they'll have to combine their little genius brains to get to the bottom of what's going on. while the kids hatch a plan of escape, they begin to discover pieces of their parents past and are surprised to find there was much they didn't know about them.
i loved the individuality of each character. Jasper the leader, Lucy the observing and unabashedly caring youngest, Faye the spoiled beauty, Wallace the square-peg-in-the-round-hole, and Noah the funny man. through flashback chapters, we slowly learn about each of their pasts and their arrival to the Sole Manor House as well as their familial history. through these back stories we gain insight into their characters that compliment their roles in the escape plan. coming together isn't easy for these kids, but they know it's crucial to work as a team if they have any hope of finding their parents again.
i appreciated the dualism that drove this book. with the dual title being the most obvious example, each chapter has a primary and secondary title. for example: "The Soprano's Son or Noah Shares Someone Fit for a King". see! how cool is that? mostly, i appreciated the dualism with the kids. obviously being brilliant gives them a capacity to grasp complex concepts and problem solve like the most clever of adults, but being children means that they still have the needs, wants, and desires of kids. they spend hours in the lab creating compounds and designing engineering wonders, but they still want the hugs and kisses of a mother with a bedtime story. the complexity of their characters made connecting with this read a breeze. in a way, the book reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia (which is a HUGE compliment) in the intricate child characters dealing with problems that are so big and so overwhelming in an absolutely realistic and emotional way.
this read grew on me with each chapter, with each new discovery, and with each freaky plot twist. i didn't realize this was the first in a series, so i was a bit curious how everything was going to wrap up. surprisingly, we do get a solid amount of resolution to tie up some loose ends while the Larger Questions wait to be explored in the next book. this was clever, creative, and stretched the imagination.
fave quote: "Mostly, they learned that, however unsure they were about the rest of the world, and however much they didn't fit in with most teachers and students, they were sure Miss Brett cared, they had each other, and they were all in this together." (131)
fix er up: this started a bit slow for me, but once i committed to reading a few chapters at a time, i couldn't put it down.
March 19, 2011
When the mysterious men in black visit some brilliant scientists, they all pack up their bags and children and head to Ohio. Abruptly, the children are all sent to an odd school in the middle of farm country where the men in black keep an eerie watch over them.
The children, all scientific geniuses on their own, must learn to get along with and trust one another to devise a plan that will allow them to escape and find their parents.
There are additional elements that add to the charm of this story: A school teacher who realizes that her charges may be geniuses but they've rarely experienced any of the joys of childhood; the men in black each wear unique, bizarre black costumes; such a wealth of food that it would be easy to get hungry just reading the descriptions; an enterprising plan for escape that will change history; and a story that weaves the ongoing story with individual backstory chapters for each of the children.
This was a book that initially charmed me. By the end, however, I was left largely disappointed. Here's why:
The children, all scientific geniuses on their own, must learn to get along with and trust one another to devise a plan that will allow them to escape and find their parents.
There are additional elements that add to the charm of this story: A school teacher who realizes that her charges may be geniuses but they've rarely experienced any of the joys of childhood; the men in black each wear unique, bizarre black costumes; such a wealth of food that it would be easy to get hungry just reading the descriptions; an enterprising plan for escape that will change history; and a story that weaves the ongoing story with individual backstory chapters for each of the children.
This was a book that initially charmed me. By the end, however, I was left largely disappointed. Here's why:
October 19, 2013
Initial Thoughts: (Full Review to Post to the My Precious Blog www.thecallawayfam.blogspot.com)
This book was utterly confusing to me. The length of the book vs the amount of stuffgoing on ( or lack there of) baffled me. For a book which is well over 350 pages, written in a very detailed manor, I just couldn't believe the lack of action. I felt like it took forever to make forward progress and spent most of the time moving laterally. For more than half of the book, I had no idea where the author was taking me or the main idea of the story. I guess if I had to describe this book I'd say it definitely was more of a character driven story than a plot driven one. The author wrote in a descriptive prose, I felt like I did get to know the characters in depth. Each possesses a quirky personality, all were ultra intelligent beings. All of the children came from similar backgrounds, all were accustomed to being ignored by their parents and being teased by other children. Sometimes, it was difficult to believe they were youngsters, other than when they had fears about losing their parents. Lucy the youngest child, six years old, had and incredible memory. Her brother Jasper and an Indian girl named Faye were gifted inventors. Noah played the the violin with savant expertise. The last character Wallace was a chemist. The just of the story is these kids gets taken away (sort of kidnapped) by the mysterious men in black. They are separated from their parents and sent to a farm to be taught by a young mistress named Ms. Brett. She is responsible for teaching them worldly things like cooking, gardening, nursery rhymes and classical literature, none of which they ever had any exposure to prior. There they develop special friendships and bonds with each other. Despite the plush conditions, the entire time the kids are on the farm all they can dream about is how to escape. The Mysterious Men in Black were a unique aspect of the tale. These men do not interact with the children, but are the ones responsible for transporting them back and forth to school from the homes they reside in with their nannys. These men are odd, wear very strange black outfits, ones you wouldn't expect men to usually where. In fact the costumes might even be considered somewhat feminine in nature. It will definitely keep kids guessing on whether or not these men are good or evil. I felt like they were most likely protecting the children in the book. I'm not entirely convinced though because sometimes they acted as if they were not on the same side as the youngsters. I didn't really appreciate the slow pace of this story. It seemed to me like its main purpose was to set up book #2. I have a feeling the next book might hold quite a bit more action then the first installment. My biggest fear is this book doesn't contain enough excitement to keep young readers engaged. The first book ended like the end of a chapter would. I didn't feel a lot of closer and I was left with many burning questions, enough that I would probably say this one could not be read and appreciated as a stand alone. Sometimes the author went a little over the top with descriptive passages, while at other times his repetitious, nonsensical dialogue left me feeling overwhelmed. I do admit I've not read anything quite like this book before. Setting is in the past (1903), Dayton Ohio.
This book was utterly confusing to me. The length of the book vs the amount of stuffgoing on ( or lack there of) baffled me. For a book which is well over 350 pages, written in a very detailed manor, I just couldn't believe the lack of action. I felt like it took forever to make forward progress and spent most of the time moving laterally. For more than half of the book, I had no idea where the author was taking me or the main idea of the story. I guess if I had to describe this book I'd say it definitely was more of a character driven story than a plot driven one. The author wrote in a descriptive prose, I felt like I did get to know the characters in depth. Each possesses a quirky personality, all were ultra intelligent beings. All of the children came from similar backgrounds, all were accustomed to being ignored by their parents and being teased by other children. Sometimes, it was difficult to believe they were youngsters, other than when they had fears about losing their parents. Lucy the youngest child, six years old, had and incredible memory. Her brother Jasper and an Indian girl named Faye were gifted inventors. Noah played the the violin with savant expertise. The last character Wallace was a chemist. The just of the story is these kids gets taken away (sort of kidnapped) by the mysterious men in black. They are separated from their parents and sent to a farm to be taught by a young mistress named Ms. Brett. She is responsible for teaching them worldly things like cooking, gardening, nursery rhymes and classical literature, none of which they ever had any exposure to prior. There they develop special friendships and bonds with each other. Despite the plush conditions, the entire time the kids are on the farm all they can dream about is how to escape. The Mysterious Men in Black were a unique aspect of the tale. These men do not interact with the children, but are the ones responsible for transporting them back and forth to school from the homes they reside in with their nannys. These men are odd, wear very strange black outfits, ones you wouldn't expect men to usually where. In fact the costumes might even be considered somewhat feminine in nature. It will definitely keep kids guessing on whether or not these men are good or evil. I felt like they were most likely protecting the children in the book. I'm not entirely convinced though because sometimes they acted as if they were not on the same side as the youngsters. I didn't really appreciate the slow pace of this story. It seemed to me like its main purpose was to set up book #2. I have a feeling the next book might hold quite a bit more action then the first installment. My biggest fear is this book doesn't contain enough excitement to keep young readers engaged. The first book ended like the end of a chapter would. I didn't feel a lot of closer and I was left with many burning questions, enough that I would probably say this one could not be read and appreciated as a stand alone. Sometimes the author went a little over the top with descriptive passages, while at other times his repetitious, nonsensical dialogue left me feeling overwhelmed. I do admit I've not read anything quite like this book before. Setting is in the past (1903), Dayton Ohio.
April 9, 2011
The Atomic Weight of Secrets or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black was an original tale with well-developed, sharp characters. Lucy, Jasper, Wallace, Noah and Faye were left alone without warning and without any explanation. It was good to encounter clever characters that were far from average children. They stood out, knew that they were different and accepted it.
Written well with attention to detail, the story unfolded slowly. For once, I liked how the author took her time. I am used to fast-paced novels and I crave the usual urgency and intensity of a story. But the slow pace of this novel proved to be good. That way, I was able to soak the story in, to pay more attention to the details. Although sometimes I found the story dragging, I was highly interested in reading about the family life and school life of each character. I got to know them really well. I sympathized and felt for them. Being the kids of scientifically focused parents was far from easy. They craved more time with their parents, attention and most of all, love. Each one of them had their own issues to deal with at home and at school. Being young and brilliant had a price.
The mysterious men in black were truly very mysterious. They wore a range of black clothes – from simple to weird to bizarre. They spoke from one-syllable answers to a confusing jumble of words and sometimes, they didn’t talk at all. They baffled me a lot. It was fun reading about them but the anonymity, the absence of knowledge about their identities drove me mad, hungry for answers. Part of the reason why I kept reading on, aside from enjoying reading about the inventors, was that I wanted to know who they were, if they were part of some kind of scientific society or a group who wanted to abuse scientists and take over the world.
Each one of the main characters has a contribution to the brilliant invention. It was pure genius. While they were working on this and staying at Sole Manner Farm with the lovely Miss Brett, they discussed endlessly about their situation, their parents’ situation and their escape plans. They were worried about their parents and they wanted to try to escape so they could get to them, or if the mysterious men in black were holding them against their will, try to save them no matter how impossible and difficult that was. Their dedication to their work and to their parents was strong. I liked how they wanted to explore the possibilities, work as a team and try to turn these possibilities into reality.
The Atomic Weight of Secrets or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black is a unique, fun and imaginative debut with outstanding characters. This is perfect for patient readers and readers who love adventures and historical/science novels.
Written well with attention to detail, the story unfolded slowly. For once, I liked how the author took her time. I am used to fast-paced novels and I crave the usual urgency and intensity of a story. But the slow pace of this novel proved to be good. That way, I was able to soak the story in, to pay more attention to the details. Although sometimes I found the story dragging, I was highly interested in reading about the family life and school life of each character. I got to know them really well. I sympathized and felt for them. Being the kids of scientifically focused parents was far from easy. They craved more time with their parents, attention and most of all, love. Each one of them had their own issues to deal with at home and at school. Being young and brilliant had a price.
The mysterious men in black were truly very mysterious. They wore a range of black clothes – from simple to weird to bizarre. They spoke from one-syllable answers to a confusing jumble of words and sometimes, they didn’t talk at all. They baffled me a lot. It was fun reading about them but the anonymity, the absence of knowledge about their identities drove me mad, hungry for answers. Part of the reason why I kept reading on, aside from enjoying reading about the inventors, was that I wanted to know who they were, if they were part of some kind of scientific society or a group who wanted to abuse scientists and take over the world.
Each one of the main characters has a contribution to the brilliant invention. It was pure genius. While they were working on this and staying at Sole Manner Farm with the lovely Miss Brett, they discussed endlessly about their situation, their parents’ situation and their escape plans. They were worried about their parents and they wanted to try to escape so they could get to them, or if the mysterious men in black were holding them against their will, try to save them no matter how impossible and difficult that was. Their dedication to their work and to their parents was strong. I liked how they wanted to explore the possibilities, work as a team and try to turn these possibilities into reality.
The Atomic Weight of Secrets or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black is a unique, fun and imaginative debut with outstanding characters. This is perfect for patient readers and readers who love adventures and historical/science novels.
February 22, 2011
This book is most definitely written for the younger spectrum of the young adult audience. However, I found myself always wondering what was going to happen next, which made me not want to put the book down. There were times when it dragged, but for the most part, I was completely involved in the world that Bowditch has created.
The characters are charming. I fell in love with all of the five young inventors and completely sympathized with their individual worries. What I love about them is that they each have unique strengths and personalities and can bring different ideas to the table. The way they interact with each other shows how important friendship is and how a group of people (even children) can be more brilliant with each other than without.
One of the best things about this book is the growth that happens throughout the story. Each of the characters changes in some way because of the obstacles they face and because of the friendships they build with each other. I also like how Bowditch gives us excerpts from each of the character’s points of view, even Miss Brett, the teacher who is put in charge of the five inventors. This really allowed me to connect with every character and get a sense of who they are, where they come from, and what challenges they face within their lives.
But there were a few things that bothered me, which is why I’m not giving this book a five. Firstly, some of the stuff that happens is over the top. For example, the men in black all have very strange costumes; one wears a lady’s bonnet, one an inner tube, one has earmuffs and a teddy bear. I didn’t see the point of all this other than to make them more “mysterious.” This just didn’t do it for me. I think it would have been better if they had been more normal. However, I say this without having read the sequel, which may explain why they wear such ridiculous clothes. So, while it bothered me, I do understand that it may be explained later on. I would have liked to have a hint of an explanation in this book, though. Also, I find it strange that Faye just happens to be related to two rather prominent people (I'm not telling who!). Their appearance is very sudden and would have been much better had Faye’s relationship with them been mentioned or hinted at before we met them. It seems weird because she talks about her cousin Katherine before we meet her in the story, but doesn’t mention her other cousins.
Conclusion: This is a fun, entertaining book that’s at least worth a try. I enjoyed it and I think those who are interested in mystery, kid geniuses, and historical fiction may enjoy this too.
The characters are charming. I fell in love with all of the five young inventors and completely sympathized with their individual worries. What I love about them is that they each have unique strengths and personalities and can bring different ideas to the table. The way they interact with each other shows how important friendship is and how a group of people (even children) can be more brilliant with each other than without.
One of the best things about this book is the growth that happens throughout the story. Each of the characters changes in some way because of the obstacles they face and because of the friendships they build with each other. I also like how Bowditch gives us excerpts from each of the character’s points of view, even Miss Brett, the teacher who is put in charge of the five inventors. This really allowed me to connect with every character and get a sense of who they are, where they come from, and what challenges they face within their lives.
But there were a few things that bothered me, which is why I’m not giving this book a five. Firstly, some of the stuff that happens is over the top. For example, the men in black all have very strange costumes; one wears a lady’s bonnet, one an inner tube, one has earmuffs and a teddy bear. I didn’t see the point of all this other than to make them more “mysterious.” This just didn’t do it for me. I think it would have been better if they had been more normal. However, I say this without having read the sequel, which may explain why they wear such ridiculous clothes. So, while it bothered me, I do understand that it may be explained later on. I would have liked to have a hint of an explanation in this book, though. Also, I find it strange that Faye just happens to be related to two rather prominent people (I'm not telling who!). Their appearance is very sudden and would have been much better had Faye’s relationship with them been mentioned or hinted at before we met them. It seems weird because she talks about her cousin Katherine before we meet her in the story, but doesn’t mention her other cousins.
Conclusion: This is a fun, entertaining book that’s at least worth a try. I enjoyed it and I think those who are interested in mystery, kid geniuses, and historical fiction may enjoy this too.
June 4, 2011
It's 1903, and five children suddenly find themselves and their parents whisked away from their homes all over the world, to Dayton, Ohio, by mysterious men dressed entirely in black. The children are then separated from their parents, and brought together as the only students of Miss Brett, at Sole Manner Farm.
The children's parents are brilliant scientists, and the children themselves--Faye, Jasper, Lucy, Noah, and Wallace--are also budding young brilliant scientists. Miss Brett is startled to discover that she has nothing to teach them in the realm of science and mathematics, and equally startled to discover that they have never encountered stories, rhymes, songs, any form of literature. (Or cooking, either; Faye, for instance, has never seen eggs in their uncooked form.) They abandon the intended lesson plan, and the children expand Miss Brett's knowledge of science, while she introduces them to literature and cooking.
Meanwhile, the children worry about the absence of their parents and the lack of any word from them, and about the fact that the Men in Black are patrolling around the farm, ensuring that they cannot escape. But these are not your ordinary scared children. They act out their fear by trying to investigate the Men in Black, and invent the means to escape from the farm, and find and rescue their parents. In the process, these children who have never had good school experiences because they knew even more than their teachers, who have never had encounters that didn't end badly because they are accustomed to always being the smartest, have to learn how to work together as a team. The mechanical genius, the chemistry genius, the photographic memory, the budding young draftsman who can make "sketches" that are good working blueprints, all need to learn mutual respect and trust, and pool those talents.
They also need to take in a good deal of conflicting and confusing evidence, and figure out who in the adult world are their friends, and who are their enemies.
In addition to some definite science-fictional elements, there's also a strong element of secret history here, and saying more than that would reveal some critical plot elements far too soon.
This is a good, solid, young adult science fiction novel, probably accessible to readers somewhat below the intended age range. It is the first of a series, but does come to a reasonably satisfying interim conclusion.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
The children's parents are brilliant scientists, and the children themselves--Faye, Jasper, Lucy, Noah, and Wallace--are also budding young brilliant scientists. Miss Brett is startled to discover that she has nothing to teach them in the realm of science and mathematics, and equally startled to discover that they have never encountered stories, rhymes, songs, any form of literature. (Or cooking, either; Faye, for instance, has never seen eggs in their uncooked form.) They abandon the intended lesson plan, and the children expand Miss Brett's knowledge of science, while she introduces them to literature and cooking.
Meanwhile, the children worry about the absence of their parents and the lack of any word from them, and about the fact that the Men in Black are patrolling around the farm, ensuring that they cannot escape. But these are not your ordinary scared children. They act out their fear by trying to investigate the Men in Black, and invent the means to escape from the farm, and find and rescue their parents. In the process, these children who have never had good school experiences because they knew even more than their teachers, who have never had encounters that didn't end badly because they are accustomed to always being the smartest, have to learn how to work together as a team. The mechanical genius, the chemistry genius, the photographic memory, the budding young draftsman who can make "sketches" that are good working blueprints, all need to learn mutual respect and trust, and pool those talents.
They also need to take in a good deal of conflicting and confusing evidence, and figure out who in the adult world are their friends, and who are their enemies.
In addition to some definite science-fictional elements, there's also a strong element of secret history here, and saying more than that would reveal some critical plot elements far too soon.
This is a good, solid, young adult science fiction novel, probably accessible to readers somewhat below the intended age range. It is the first of a series, but does come to a reasonably satisfying interim conclusion.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
January 7, 2014
I read the second of Eden Unger Bowditches Young Inventor’s Guild books recently, and I was hooked. So I immediately ordered a copy of book one.
The Atomic Weight of Secrets, or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black does not disappoint. Steampunk, set in an era of discovery, when railways are new, mills belch smoke, and clockwork fuels intrigue, it brings together five youngsters, with a flavor of Harry Potter or Narnia’s children, steals them from their parents, and sets them up in strange new homes, with a strange new boarding school and kindly schoolmistress. The flavors of freshbaked biscuits fill the air. The chatter of children vies with the cries of crows. And something mysterious is keeping their parents away.
Have the parents been nefariously kidnapped, are they working for the government (but which government—this novel is nicely global in scope), or have the mysterious men in black simply hired their services? Whatever the reason, these men in black are delightfully strange, childish in their odd habits and costumes, haunting with their infrequent words which frequently sound more like riddles, yet oddly powerful. Meanwhile the children, all scientifically inclined, try to plan for escape, and learn to become friends.
Secrets unite them. Secrets separate. And some secrets might even be weighty enough to change the world. There’s an appealing satisfaction to secrets recognized, mystery to those yet unresolved, and fun in the reciting of curious rhymes. There’s joy too in the old-fashioned feel of dual titles—a technique the author applies to her chapters as well. And there’s a a fun duality to wise children who need parents, clever inventions which need time to mature, and powerful strangers who seem so very helpless. Ah, what a strange weight all these secrets bear, and I’m longing to know more of the Men in Black, more of their curious duality, and more of the importance of these children’s inventiveness.
A children’s novel that blends young and old, new ways and ancient, new ideas and time-tested truths, and science and mystery—Eden Unger Bowditch’s Young Inventors Guild series combines the fresh new feel J. K. Rowling brought to children’s literature with the old-world comforts of C.S. Lewis, and creates something truly different, modern and enticing—highly recommended.
Disclosure: I couldn’t resist buying book one after I’d read book two. Now I’m eagerly awaiting book three.
The Atomic Weight of Secrets, or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black does not disappoint. Steampunk, set in an era of discovery, when railways are new, mills belch smoke, and clockwork fuels intrigue, it brings together five youngsters, with a flavor of Harry Potter or Narnia’s children, steals them from their parents, and sets them up in strange new homes, with a strange new boarding school and kindly schoolmistress. The flavors of freshbaked biscuits fill the air. The chatter of children vies with the cries of crows. And something mysterious is keeping their parents away.
Have the parents been nefariously kidnapped, are they working for the government (but which government—this novel is nicely global in scope), or have the mysterious men in black simply hired their services? Whatever the reason, these men in black are delightfully strange, childish in their odd habits and costumes, haunting with their infrequent words which frequently sound more like riddles, yet oddly powerful. Meanwhile the children, all scientifically inclined, try to plan for escape, and learn to become friends.
Secrets unite them. Secrets separate. And some secrets might even be weighty enough to change the world. There’s an appealing satisfaction to secrets recognized, mystery to those yet unresolved, and fun in the reciting of curious rhymes. There’s joy too in the old-fashioned feel of dual titles—a technique the author applies to her chapters as well. And there’s a a fun duality to wise children who need parents, clever inventions which need time to mature, and powerful strangers who seem so very helpless. Ah, what a strange weight all these secrets bear, and I’m longing to know more of the Men in Black, more of their curious duality, and more of the importance of these children’s inventiveness.
A children’s novel that blends young and old, new ways and ancient, new ideas and time-tested truths, and science and mystery—Eden Unger Bowditch’s Young Inventors Guild series combines the fresh new feel J. K. Rowling brought to children’s literature with the old-world comforts of C.S. Lewis, and creates something truly different, modern and enticing—highly recommended.
Disclosure: I couldn’t resist buying book one after I’d read book two. Now I’m eagerly awaiting book three.
May 7, 2011
Five children are brought together on an isolated farm in Ohio. Having been separated from their parents for no reason they can think of, they are confused. Though they quickly develop a fondness for the teacher that they have been provided with, Miss Brett, they remain suspicious of the mysterious men in black who have brought them to this place.
Faye, a thirteen-year-old girl from India, becomes convinced that their parents have been abducted and need to be rescued. While the others, Jasper (12) and his sister Lucy(6), Noah (12), and Wallace (9) aren't as sure. Nevertheless, these five intellectually gifted children start work on an invention that could be used to rescue their parents, if they just knew where their parents were. When a menacing stranger arrives and demands their invention be turned over to them, the children must decide once and for all what action to take and who they can trust. Is their beloved Miss Brett truly on their side? Just who are the mysterious men in black? Will they ever see their parents again?
To be honest, the title of this book made me a bit wary, it makes the book sound dry and boring, but once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I quickly came to care about each of the children and their confusion. The author does a delightful job of mixing humor in through the amusing descriptions of the different men in black that the children run into. I also loved Miss Brett. It's refreshing to read a book with a caring and skillful teacher, there are so many books these days that make teachers the enemy or just plain stupid. While Miss Brett can't teach the students anything about science that they don't already know, she does open up to them the world of literature and imagination. I have to admit, the twist at the end got me, I really didn't see it coming, but it fit in perfectly with the story. This book would make a wonderful read-a-loud, the writing is superb and her descriptions of the setting made me wish I could visit the places that the children see and experience. I also fell in love with these talented but confused children. I look forward to reading more about them in future installments.
Faye, a thirteen-year-old girl from India, becomes convinced that their parents have been abducted and need to be rescued. While the others, Jasper (12) and his sister Lucy(6), Noah (12), and Wallace (9) aren't as sure. Nevertheless, these five intellectually gifted children start work on an invention that could be used to rescue their parents, if they just knew where their parents were. When a menacing stranger arrives and demands their invention be turned over to them, the children must decide once and for all what action to take and who they can trust. Is their beloved Miss Brett truly on their side? Just who are the mysterious men in black? Will they ever see their parents again?
To be honest, the title of this book made me a bit wary, it makes the book sound dry and boring, but once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I quickly came to care about each of the children and their confusion. The author does a delightful job of mixing humor in through the amusing descriptions of the different men in black that the children run into. I also loved Miss Brett. It's refreshing to read a book with a caring and skillful teacher, there are so many books these days that make teachers the enemy or just plain stupid. While Miss Brett can't teach the students anything about science that they don't already know, she does open up to them the world of literature and imagination. I have to admit, the twist at the end got me, I really didn't see it coming, but it fit in perfectly with the story. This book would make a wonderful read-a-loud, the writing is superb and her descriptions of the setting made me wish I could visit the places that the children see and experience. I also fell in love with these talented but confused children. I look forward to reading more about them in future installments.
January 16, 2012
I've always been fascinated with science and inventions. I've always said, when I see a new nifty product, why didn't I think of that? I'm still waiting though for someone to invent the backspace button on landline telephones.....it sure would make my flying fingers happy!
Five children from different places in the world are all the children of famous inventors. Jasper and Lucy have a good home life but they really don't have any friends. Everyone at school makes fun of them, including their teachers. They can't help it they are so smart. Noah travels constantly. Not because his father is a great inventor but because his mother is a famed opera singer. Faye is a daughter of a wealthy scientist and Wallace his a really intelligent chemist, but very lonely since his mother died and his dad is always working.
The children are all shocked when the men in black come and take them away. Their parents tell them to basically be good and to stay invisible, out of the radar. But the men in black won't tell them where their parents are.
Then, the children are taking to a remote farm to be schooled. The all fall in love with Miss Brett, the schoolteacher, who teaches the children things they didn't know. Things such as cooking and fun childrens books. She pays them all attention and they love her for it. But after weeks go by with still no word from their parents, the kids decide that they must have been kidnapped and they must rescue them.
But another strange person arrives at the schoolhouse and he is not as nice as Miss Brett. He means to find the "Thing" and he will remove anything in his path to get it, including the children.
The Atomic Weight of Secrets is a marvelous adventure for young teenagers or even adults. I fell in love with the children, but I do believe young Lucy is my favorite. She is so innocent, yet wise. The men in black are truly unique and made me laugh with their apparel. Black duck feet, black tutus and just plain anything they could find black. Very eccentric! I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next installment in the series to see where the children go next. It will be hard to top this one!
Five children from different places in the world are all the children of famous inventors. Jasper and Lucy have a good home life but they really don't have any friends. Everyone at school makes fun of them, including their teachers. They can't help it they are so smart. Noah travels constantly. Not because his father is a great inventor but because his mother is a famed opera singer. Faye is a daughter of a wealthy scientist and Wallace his a really intelligent chemist, but very lonely since his mother died and his dad is always working.
The children are all shocked when the men in black come and take them away. Their parents tell them to basically be good and to stay invisible, out of the radar. But the men in black won't tell them where their parents are.
Then, the children are taking to a remote farm to be schooled. The all fall in love with Miss Brett, the schoolteacher, who teaches the children things they didn't know. Things such as cooking and fun childrens books. She pays them all attention and they love her for it. But after weeks go by with still no word from their parents, the kids decide that they must have been kidnapped and they must rescue them.
But another strange person arrives at the schoolhouse and he is not as nice as Miss Brett. He means to find the "Thing" and he will remove anything in his path to get it, including the children.
The Atomic Weight of Secrets is a marvelous adventure for young teenagers or even adults. I fell in love with the children, but I do believe young Lucy is my favorite. She is so innocent, yet wise. The men in black are truly unique and made me laugh with their apparel. Black duck feet, black tutus and just plain anything they could find black. Very eccentric! I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next installment in the series to see where the children go next. It will be hard to top this one!
March 24, 2011
This book reminded me from the first pages of the Mysterious Benedict Society books by Trenton Lee Stewart (which incidentally are quite delightful). Although different in some aspects, they share the group of young people of immeasurable intelligence, all with their own skill to bring to the task at hand. Fans of the Mysterious Benedict Society should read this now! Non-fans should read both!
Every chapter title begins with a title and then an alternative title, just like book does. Part of me thinks that using this device in modern books is a bit pompous, but another part thinks that it's really awesome, so... Anyway, this method does work pretty well, given the historical fiction setting (late nineteenth century). Watch out for the cameo by some historical figures; it was clever and a bit unexpected.
The only weakness of the book is the nebulousness of the forces of evil. Nothing is really resolved or figured out at the end of the novel. Since this is the first in the series, this does not necessarily doom the book. The men in black are figures of menace (maybe?) throughout the book, but only sort of. There is a limit to how menacing people can be while dressed thus:
"Actually, there were two waiting carriages, one driven by a man wearing dark glasses, a black cape, and a bullfighter's hat that appeared to have actual horns coming out of either side, the other by a driver who seemed to be so short that he's have a hard time seeing over the knee guard on the coachman's seat. That said, his hat was so tall it seemed it would stretch higher than the man himself, is they were placed side by side. Like his fluffy jumper and ballooning trousers, the hat was black. His glasses, or rather goggles, were black, too."
The Atomic Weight of Secrets is wonderfully written and a joy to read. It's in stores and libraries now, so look for it! I will be waiting impatiently for book two.
Every chapter title begins with a title and then an alternative title, just like book does. Part of me thinks that using this device in modern books is a bit pompous, but another part thinks that it's really awesome, so... Anyway, this method does work pretty well, given the historical fiction setting (late nineteenth century). Watch out for the cameo by some historical figures; it was clever and a bit unexpected.
The only weakness of the book is the nebulousness of the forces of evil. Nothing is really resolved or figured out at the end of the novel. Since this is the first in the series, this does not necessarily doom the book. The men in black are figures of menace (maybe?) throughout the book, but only sort of. There is a limit to how menacing people can be while dressed thus:
"Actually, there were two waiting carriages, one driven by a man wearing dark glasses, a black cape, and a bullfighter's hat that appeared to have actual horns coming out of either side, the other by a driver who seemed to be so short that he's have a hard time seeing over the knee guard on the coachman's seat. That said, his hat was so tall it seemed it would stretch higher than the man himself, is they were placed side by side. Like his fluffy jumper and ballooning trousers, the hat was black. His glasses, or rather goggles, were black, too."
The Atomic Weight of Secrets is wonderfully written and a joy to read. It's in stores and libraries now, so look for it! I will be waiting impatiently for book two.
June 28, 2011
Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share
Review Date: 28 June 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/atomic-weight-of-secrets-or-arrival-of.html
Book Summary: -
In 1903, five truly brilliant young inventors, the children of the world’s most important scientists, are taken from their lives and their parents by the mysterious men in black. They take twelve-year-old Jasper and six-year-old Lucy Modest from London, England; nine-year-old Wallace Banneker from New York, United States; twelve-year-old Noah Canto-Sagas from Toronto, Canada; and thirteen-year-old Faye Vigyanveta from New Delhi, India, depositing them all at a strange, isolated farmhouse in Dayton, Ohio, with kindly schoolteacher Miss Brett. But what mysterious invention have all the children, unbeknownst to one another, been working on? Who are the men in black? And are the men in black trying to kidnap them—or protect them?
My Review: -
The starting of this book is very slow. Until I almost want to give up reading. Anyway the pace never really increases later. But I was curious to know who are these men in black and whether they are good or bad guys. I was also curious whether the children will successfully run away and rescue their parents or not. One thing the children learn is that a man dress in suit not necessary is a gentleman; a man dress in weirdo outfit not necessary is a bad guy. From being a lonesome the children learn to make friend with each other and work together as a team. The ending was rather disappointing. But I guess we suppose to find the answer from Book 2 or probably Book 3 since it is a trilogy.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Review Date: 28 June 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/atomic-weight-of-secrets-or-arrival-of.html
Book Summary: -
In 1903, five truly brilliant young inventors, the children of the world’s most important scientists, are taken from their lives and their parents by the mysterious men in black. They take twelve-year-old Jasper and six-year-old Lucy Modest from London, England; nine-year-old Wallace Banneker from New York, United States; twelve-year-old Noah Canto-Sagas from Toronto, Canada; and thirteen-year-old Faye Vigyanveta from New Delhi, India, depositing them all at a strange, isolated farmhouse in Dayton, Ohio, with kindly schoolteacher Miss Brett. But what mysterious invention have all the children, unbeknownst to one another, been working on? Who are the men in black? And are the men in black trying to kidnap them—or protect them?
My Review: -
The starting of this book is very slow. Until I almost want to give up reading. Anyway the pace never really increases later. But I was curious to know who are these men in black and whether they are good or bad guys. I was also curious whether the children will successfully run away and rescue their parents or not. One thing the children learn is that a man dress in suit not necessary is a gentleman; a man dress in weirdo outfit not necessary is a bad guy. From being a lonesome the children learn to make friend with each other and work together as a team. The ending was rather disappointing. But I guess we suppose to find the answer from Book 2 or probably Book 3 since it is a trilogy.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 13, 2011
The Atomic Weight of Secrets tells the story of five young children who are absolutely brilliant inventors. Torn away from their homes without warning, they are deposited far from home. Mysterious men in black are constantly monitoring them. All they know is that they have one another, and their parents are missing. Sounds like quite a secretive mystery doesn't it?
Let me begin at the beginning, with the characters. Lucy, Jasper, Wallace, Faye and Noah are a motley crew of kids at first. All from different backgrounds, it takes them a while to understand one another. Eden Unger Bowditch allows each of her characters to have such unique and wonderful personalities. From the quiet and shy one, to the fiery and slightly spiteful one, they are so much fun to follow. As a reader, I fell in love with them more and more as I learned about their pasts.
However it was the story that really held problems for me. So much time is spent giving background to the children, and allowing them to grow, that there isn't much actual story line at all. It's slow. The elements of mystery that are present are great. The men in black are a constant reminder of something much bigger than the children themselves. Still, to be honest, nothing really happens. This isn't a spoiler, it's just true. I know this is a first book in a series and so I suppose that more will be coming later. I just felt a little cheated by how incomplete this book really felt.
Part historical fiction, part mystery The Atomic Weight of Secrets really did have a lot of potential to be fabulous. The children drew me in, but the story killed it for me. There were even times where things were so slow that I almost decided to put the book down, and that hardly ever happens for me. What I hope is that the next book in the series has more action! As I said, the characters are wonderful. I look forward to seeing them use their talents even more, hopefully this time in an effort to do something daring.
Let me begin at the beginning, with the characters. Lucy, Jasper, Wallace, Faye and Noah are a motley crew of kids at first. All from different backgrounds, it takes them a while to understand one another. Eden Unger Bowditch allows each of her characters to have such unique and wonderful personalities. From the quiet and shy one, to the fiery and slightly spiteful one, they are so much fun to follow. As a reader, I fell in love with them more and more as I learned about their pasts.
However it was the story that really held problems for me. So much time is spent giving background to the children, and allowing them to grow, that there isn't much actual story line at all. It's slow. The elements of mystery that are present are great. The men in black are a constant reminder of something much bigger than the children themselves. Still, to be honest, nothing really happens. This isn't a spoiler, it's just true. I know this is a first book in a series and so I suppose that more will be coming later. I just felt a little cheated by how incomplete this book really felt.
Part historical fiction, part mystery The Atomic Weight of Secrets really did have a lot of potential to be fabulous. The children drew me in, but the story killed it for me. There were even times where things were so slow that I almost decided to put the book down, and that hardly ever happens for me. What I hope is that the next book in the series has more action! As I said, the characters are wonderful. I look forward to seeing them use their talents even more, hopefully this time in an effort to do something daring.
February 23, 2011
I got an advanced reading copy of this book through netgalley(dot)com and was excited to read it. It sounded right up my alley: children geniuses, mysterious men in black, adventure. I enjoyed the very first part of the book, then the next section was incredibly hard for me to get through. I got through maybe the first 100 pages and finally gave up because I keep falling asleep while reading it.
The story is about five children who get taken by their homes by some mysterious men in black and sent to a special school. Why where they taken? Where are their parents? And who are these crazily mysterious men in black?
The book started out well. I loved that it jumped right into a chemistry experiment by one of the child geniuses; I love chemistry :-) There is a lot of mystery around why the children are in that building together and around how they are trying to escape.
Then the book goes back in time to cover how two of the children came to be at that school building. This was pretty boring. I had a hard time getting through it. I set down and picked up the book multiple times and just kept finding my mind wandering during this section. I was just barely creeping through this part and it was painful, I kept falling asleep. I finally decided that it was time to set the book aside and read something else.
Overall I think this could be a good read. I just found the explanation of how this set of kids came to be at the school very boring. I might pick it up at a later date and give it another try, but for now it was just too painful for me to finish. If you like historical fiction at a middle grade level you might want to give the synopsis a read through to see if this book is for you. I am assuming it picks up later in the book, but I just never made it that far.
The story is about five children who get taken by their homes by some mysterious men in black and sent to a special school. Why where they taken? Where are their parents? And who are these crazily mysterious men in black?
The book started out well. I loved that it jumped right into a chemistry experiment by one of the child geniuses; I love chemistry :-) There is a lot of mystery around why the children are in that building together and around how they are trying to escape.
Then the book goes back in time to cover how two of the children came to be at that school building. This was pretty boring. I had a hard time getting through it. I set down and picked up the book multiple times and just kept finding my mind wandering during this section. I was just barely creeping through this part and it was painful, I kept falling asleep. I finally decided that it was time to set the book aside and read something else.
Overall I think this could be a good read. I just found the explanation of how this set of kids came to be at the school very boring. I might pick it up at a later date and give it another try, but for now it was just too painful for me to finish. If you like historical fiction at a middle grade level you might want to give the synopsis a read through to see if this book is for you. I am assuming it picks up later in the book, but I just never made it that far.
April 7, 2011
This book was very cute, each chapter had two names in a style similar to the title of the book. There were also little black and white illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. I really enjoyed Ms. Bowditch's writing, I felt like the book was being narrated in a way similar to that of Tim Burton films (with that whimsical male voice). The "Men in Black" as the children call them wear the most bizarre attire imaginable, they wear anything from bunny ears to sombreros to holding a teddy bear and sucking on their thumb or even wearing black sleeping masks (while driving). The children are all geniuses, they have all been working on their own project when they realize that they can combine them all to make one major/thrilling/world-changing invention that may also help them escape from the Men in Black and rescue their parents. After a series of incidents, like when a man shows up to Sole Manner Farm demanding to know about the invention they are working on, they children start questioning whether or not they really are in danger or if their parents have been kidnapped at all. After all, the Men in Black have never harmed the children and have given them everything they could possibly need, but they don't answer any of their questions and are always patrolling the area where the children are. Every weekend the children get to go "home" where they are neighbors and live with their nannies (who also don't have answers for them). As they get nearer to finishing their invention they find someone (or some people) who might be able to help them... The book was at first a little difficult to get into but after a while it it gained it's own rhythm. If you or a young reader you know are into science and math read then I recommend this book. The ending was sweet and semi-satisfying or I will have to read Book Two very soon!
July 4, 2011
The men in black took away five children of famous inventors - Jasper and Lucy Modest, Wallace Banneker, Noah Canto-Sagas, and Faye Vigyanveta - to a small schoolhouse in Dayton, Ohio without any explanation. Not even their teacher, Ms. Brett, knows why. Things only get stranger from there, and the children begin to suspect the men in black have kidnapped their parents. But what if the men aren't trying to hurt them? What if they want to protect them? And... from what?
This is the kind of middle grade fiction that people of any age can enjoy, whether you're ten years old or thirty. In THE ATOMIC WEIGHT OF SECRETS, Eden Unger Bowditch tells a story that is at once quirky and meaningful, mixing the emotional tales of the characters with the author's own brand of humor that really shines through. Light and dark is balanced very well in here so that even though serious events are going on, the overall tone of the book is far from depressing.
One thing I felt that would have made this book an even more enjoyable experience would be a faster plot pace. In general I don't mind if a book is particularly fast or slow, but I can't help but feel that this one would be better off with a little more action than there was. The synopsis made it sound like this would have fast-moving events but there wasn't as much of that as I expected. This isn't necessarily a bad thing and probably is just my personal taste.
THE ATOMIC WEIGHT OF SECRETS is classic middle grade, displaying elements of humor and solemnity that would appeal to a wide audience. The characters are richly developed and transformed reading this novel into a touching and moving experience that may just bring tears to your eyes in parts. Although I did wish for a somewhat faster pace, this is an excellent read that fans of such middle grade lit as The Mysterious Benedict Society should look into!
This is the kind of middle grade fiction that people of any age can enjoy, whether you're ten years old or thirty. In THE ATOMIC WEIGHT OF SECRETS, Eden Unger Bowditch tells a story that is at once quirky and meaningful, mixing the emotional tales of the characters with the author's own brand of humor that really shines through. Light and dark is balanced very well in here so that even though serious events are going on, the overall tone of the book is far from depressing.
One thing I felt that would have made this book an even more enjoyable experience would be a faster plot pace. In general I don't mind if a book is particularly fast or slow, but I can't help but feel that this one would be better off with a little more action than there was. The synopsis made it sound like this would have fast-moving events but there wasn't as much of that as I expected. This isn't necessarily a bad thing and probably is just my personal taste.
THE ATOMIC WEIGHT OF SECRETS is classic middle grade, displaying elements of humor and solemnity that would appeal to a wide audience. The characters are richly developed and transformed reading this novel into a touching and moving experience that may just bring tears to your eyes in parts. Although I did wish for a somewhat faster pace, this is an excellent read that fans of such middle grade lit as The Mysterious Benedict Society should look into!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews