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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!
anacob's review against another edition
Cute story, I liked the way some characters lifted each other up. I really enjoyed the art. The way the vignettes tell the story is beautiful and very clever. Also, breaking the story into chapters was great. I particularly liked the "end of flashback" title.
jmanchester0's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes it's hard to find books that have a great message but don't hit you over the head with it.
And I think this book has a great take on, be yourself, it's okay to be smart in a fun middle grade graphic novel.
Recommended for your 7-12 year old.
Of course, I enjoyed it, and I'm 45.
And I think this book has a great take on, be yourself, it's okay to be smart in a fun middle grade graphic novel.
Recommended for your 7-12 year old.
Of course, I enjoyed it, and I'm 45.
theartolater's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty fun graphic novel for kids about three science geeks who team up to make great inventions - until their invention notebook is stolen.
The concept is fun, our lead kid learns the value of being himself, the kids are wicked smart and they work out things on their own - it's paint by numbers in a lot of regards, but still a fun read on a whole.
The concept is fun, our lead kid learns the value of being himself, the kids are wicked smart and they work out things on their own - it's paint by numbers in a lot of regards, but still a fun read on a whole.
melaniegaum's review against another edition
1.0
Way too busy and chock-full of details. I had to stop reading all the little background labels and just focus on the dialogue bubbles. I did not find the main boy Julian likable, and I wish we had been given some backstory of the villain. For all the tiny details, not much happened. Overall, the plot was far too simple and the characters were not flushed out enough for me.
dms's review against another edition
3.0
http://dms.booklikes.com/post/1308718/review-secret-science-alliance-and-the-copycat-crook
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis won the 2009 Cybils award in the middle grade graphic novels category. It's the story of Julian Calendar coming to a new school and hoping to fit in by being one of the cool kids. Unfortunately he's a diehard geek and he's decided the way to gain friends is to act stupid and uninterested school.
This time though, things are different and not because Julian is successfully pretending to be an average student. Two other classmates have taken notice of his talents and have decided to recruit him. They do it ways only a super smart kid could figure out and he falls for the bait.
A few things put The Secret Science Alliance at the top of the list of nominees for me. First and foremost, the other two kids in the club aren't your stereotypical nerds (even though Julian is). Secondly the book is populated with a diverse cast of characters. Finally though, there's the artwork. There is an amazing amount of detail on many of the pages, pushing the boundary of the graphic novel. It's not a fantasy story with illustrations; it is a fully integrated dance between text and art.
I have heard that this book is the first of a planned series. I certainly hope so and look forward to reading the further adventures of Julian, Ben and Greta.
This time though, things are different and not because Julian is successfully pretending to be an average student. Two other classmates have taken notice of his talents and have decided to recruit him. They do it ways only a super smart kid could figure out and he falls for the bait.
A few things put The Secret Science Alliance at the top of the list of nominees for me. First and foremost, the other two kids in the club aren't your stereotypical nerds (even though Julian is). Secondly the book is populated with a diverse cast of characters. Finally though, there's the artwork. There is an amazing amount of detail on many of the pages, pushing the boundary of the graphic novel. It's not a fantasy story with illustrations; it is a fully integrated dance between text and art.
I have heard that this book is the first of a planned series. I certainly hope so and look forward to reading the further adventures of Julian, Ben and Greta.
heatheronthego's review against another edition
5.0
My nine year old and I have gone thru this one 3 or 4 times. Good story, detailed drawings. Really appealed to my justice loving, figure it out son.
heypretty52's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many wonderful things to say about this book. Ambitious, exciting, smart, & representative, Davis creates a group of friends that many young readers will be able to relate to. I wish there were ten books in this series!