Noggin is a narrative by John Corey Whaley. John grew up in a small town, and began writing books at the age of 10. He has written 2 other novels but none are linked or part of a series. Noggin mixes teen fiction with some science fiction elements.
Noggin is set in Kansas city, Missouri where the main character Travis and all of his friends and family live. The main character Travis is a 16 year old boy with a terminal illness. Travis signs himself up for a experimental medical procedure that will remove his head from his dying body and when medical science reaches a standard, his head will be taken out of the freezer and re- attached to a healthy body of a donor who has passed away. 5 years later Travis is re- attached to the body of the donor and he slowly returns to his normal life, while he uncovers secrets about the time when he was away.
The main characters include Travis, Cate Travis’ girlfriend and Hatton who is Travis’s new and quirky friend. Although the concept of the novel is highly futuristic and un- realistic the characters are relatable, which give the novel less of an abnormal feeling. Travis is a positive role model for young readers because he is not a perfect character but is relatable, smart and brings out the best in his friends. His friends are loyal and trustworthy and keep Travis grounded. They help him through circumstances that will relate to a lot of readers.
The language in this book is crisp and easy to follow although the concept of the novel can sometimes be confusing. The storyline is simple and straight forward with a couple of plot twists along the way. The book is slow in parts and you feel like nothing is happening. It takes a while for the book to reach its climax, but it is still good enough to want you to keep turning the pages.
The main themes in Noggin are ‘Living a changed life’ and ‘ Getting through difficult situations.’ Throughout the novel travis goes through many emotions, and he is often in denial that his life will never be the same again. Travis wants his life to be the same as before he left but he has to overcome the fact that he is living in a changed world and he must adjust his mindset in order to be truly happy once again.
This novel is suitable for nearly all ages and all genders, although it contains strong language and themes that would not be suitable for readers under the age of 13. Noggin is a very educational book, with everything from divorcing parents, the age gap in young relationships, teen deaths and what makes us human. Readers who enjoy this book will be drawn to books such as ‘The Alex Crowe’ and ‘Fat Boy vs the Cheerleaders.’ I give this book a 7/10 as it has an educational value, that will make you appreciate everything that you have.
Noggin is set in Kansas city, Missouri where the main character Travis and all of his friends and family live. The main character Travis is a 16 year old boy with a terminal illness. Travis signs himself up for a experimental medical procedure that will remove his head from his dying body and when medical science reaches a standard, his head will be taken out of the freezer and re- attached to a healthy body of a donor who has passed away. 5 years later Travis is re- attached to the body of the donor and he slowly returns to his normal life, while he uncovers secrets about the time when he was away.
The main characters include Travis, Cate Travis’ girlfriend and Hatton who is Travis’s new and quirky friend. Although the concept of the novel is highly futuristic and un- realistic the characters are relatable, which give the novel less of an abnormal feeling. Travis is a positive role model for young readers because he is not a perfect character but is relatable, smart and brings out the best in his friends. His friends are loyal and trustworthy and keep Travis grounded. They help him through circumstances that will relate to a lot of readers.
The language in this book is crisp and easy to follow although the concept of the novel can sometimes be confusing. The storyline is simple and straight forward with a couple of plot twists along the way. The book is slow in parts and you feel like nothing is happening. It takes a while for the book to reach its climax, but it is still good enough to want you to keep turning the pages.
The main themes in Noggin are ‘Living a changed life’ and ‘ Getting through difficult situations.’ Throughout the novel travis goes through many emotions, and he is often in denial that his life will never be the same again. Travis wants his life to be the same as before he left but he has to overcome the fact that he is living in a changed world and he must adjust his mindset in order to be truly happy once again.
This novel is suitable for nearly all ages and all genders, although it contains strong language and themes that would not be suitable for readers under the age of 13. Noggin is a very educational book, with everything from divorcing parents, the age gap in young relationships, teen deaths and what makes us human. Readers who enjoy this book will be drawn to books such as ‘The Alex Crowe’ and ‘Fat Boy vs the Cheerleaders.’ I give this book a 7/10 as it has an educational value, that will make you appreciate everything that you have.