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jallertep's review against another edition
5.0
So great! This book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions and it was so much fun to pore over the tiny details in the illustrations. Highly recommended!
alanaringen's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sngick's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe I had this one in my library over a year before I picked it up to read! I loved all 3 of the characters even though they were a bit stereo-typical (the tomboy, the jock, the nerd) at first glance. Their mutual love of science brings them together to form the Secret Science Alliance where they design and build cool inventions. Throw in an evil adult nemesis who steals their notebook of invention plans and you've got a great adventure graphic novel! The detail in the illustrations including the labeling of many parts of the clubhouse were super awesome. I went back through many of the pages after reading the story to take in the extra details I skipped while reading the story the first time. I really hoped this would be a series (the title certainly seems to suggest that) but I've been told that the author has no plans for a sequel.
clarkco's review against another edition
4.0
Totally fun graphic novel about a group of middle school inventors who must foil a museum robbery after a theif steals their book of inventions.
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
3.0
This is a cute graphic novel that I enjoyed reading. I am sure my students will enjoy this book. I would definitely read more with these characters.
dlarca's review against another edition
3.0
Julian Calendar is getting the second chance he always dreamed of. He gets to start over at a new school where no one knows he’s a huge nerd. During “Operation: Act Ordinary”, Julian must pretend he doesn’t know the answer to every question his teachers ask and that he loves sports. The plan works well…for about a week. Julian lets a complicated explanation of aerodynamics slip out during history class and the jig is up. Now he’ll never be popular.
But then he gets a secret coded note that will change his life. Greta (notorious bad girl) and Ben (dumb jock) want him to join their secret science club! Like Julian, Greta and Ben love inventing things and think Julian will be the perfect addition to their group. Together they form the Secret Science Alliance and spend their days swapping ideas for new inventions.
Then one day they discover their top secret idea notebook is missing! When Julian reads a newspaper article showing the evil Dr. Wilhelm Stringer standing beside one of their inventions, the kids know who’s stolen their precious notebook. Dr. Stringer hasn’t liked Julian , Greta and Ben since Greta’s Hover Hook accidentally flew into his laboratory. Now he’s taking credit for their ideas and is planning to use their inventions to commit a crime! Will the Secret Science Alliance be able to stop him before it’s too late?
I liked the idea of these three finding each other despite appearing to be so different. Middle school is a time where appearances are everything and being into things like science might not make you the most popular kid at school. It is a sweet story about fitting in even when you stand out, but not one I’ll likely remember.
But then he gets a secret coded note that will change his life. Greta (notorious bad girl) and Ben (dumb jock) want him to join their secret science club! Like Julian, Greta and Ben love inventing things and think Julian will be the perfect addition to their group. Together they form the Secret Science Alliance and spend their days swapping ideas for new inventions.
Then one day they discover their top secret idea notebook is missing! When Julian reads a newspaper article showing the evil Dr. Wilhelm Stringer standing beside one of their inventions, the kids know who’s stolen their precious notebook. Dr. Stringer hasn’t liked Julian , Greta and Ben since Greta’s Hover Hook accidentally flew into his laboratory. Now he’s taking credit for their ideas and is planning to use their inventions to commit a crime! Will the Secret Science Alliance be able to stop him before it’s too late?
I liked the idea of these three finding each other despite appearing to be so different. Middle school is a time where appearances are everything and being into things like science might not make you the most popular kid at school. It is a sweet story about fitting in even when you stand out, but not one I’ll likely remember.
maricorchang's review against another edition
4.0
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis (2009)
Graphic Book, 154 pages
Julian Calendar is an 11-year-old junior high student who has trouble fitting in. He looks 8 years old, wears a hand-me-down pink flowered backpack from his mother, and most importantly, is a genius inventor. When his parents tell him that they are going to move to a new town, Julian jumps at a second chance to spark his social life and fit in. At his new school, Julian attempts to be “ordinary” by hating homework and loving sports. However, when he receives a coded note, Julian cannot resist figuring it out. It leads him to two clever classmates who have been watching him and have figured out he is also a secret scientist like them. Together they combine forces to become the Secret Science Alliance and work in their hideout building amazing contraptions. However, everything starts to go wrong when their invention notebook with all their secret ideas is stolen. Together they must overcome adult obstacles, get back their notebook, and solve an even bigger dilemma. Davis’ graphic novel builds on the typical comic book format yet uses her eye for detail and excitement for science to create her own unique style. With characters, color, and quick-paced dialogue that kids 9 and up can enjoy, readers will finish The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook wanting to study and become the next secret scientist.
Graphic Book, 154 pages
Julian Calendar is an 11-year-old junior high student who has trouble fitting in. He looks 8 years old, wears a hand-me-down pink flowered backpack from his mother, and most importantly, is a genius inventor. When his parents tell him that they are going to move to a new town, Julian jumps at a second chance to spark his social life and fit in. At his new school, Julian attempts to be “ordinary” by hating homework and loving sports. However, when he receives a coded note, Julian cannot resist figuring it out. It leads him to two clever classmates who have been watching him and have figured out he is also a secret scientist like them. Together they combine forces to become the Secret Science Alliance and work in their hideout building amazing contraptions. However, everything starts to go wrong when their invention notebook with all their secret ideas is stolen. Together they must overcome adult obstacles, get back their notebook, and solve an even bigger dilemma. Davis’ graphic novel builds on the typical comic book format yet uses her eye for detail and excitement for science to create her own unique style. With characters, color, and quick-paced dialogue that kids 9 and up can enjoy, readers will finish The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook wanting to study and become the next secret scientist.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Well, holy heck, there's a LOT going on in this book! But the heroes are pretty excellent and the adventure is hair raising. Love it.
couillac's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun graphic novel celebrating science and invention - I know, sounds odd. Julian Calendar would really like to avoid being labeled as a nerd at his new school. Even as he struggles to keep his smarts hidden, two unexpected allies appear. Together, they form the Secret Science Alliance, complete with secret lair. When their inventions are stolen by a copycat scientist, they put their gadgets into action. Great characters, lots of nerdy scienceness, but still action packed and sure to engage even the most reluctant scientists. This is a really fun read - can't wait for more!