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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
When Ellie's babysitter quits, there's no way she could see what's coming next. Her grandfather, a quirky scientist who never stops criticizing her drama-teacher mom, has discovered a serum to reverse the aging process. Suddenly, this curmudgeonly man in a teenager's body is moving into her home, is enrolled in Ellie's school and tasked with taking care of her after-hours. Ellie loves learning about science from her youthful grandfather, but eventually realizes that many scientific achievements come at great cost, including the one he has inflicted upon himself. This is a funny and fast-moving read, one that uses absurdity to bring out the truest parts of life.
funny
inspiring
Delightfully witty, inspirational and well written. #believeinthepossible
Sweet story about growing and embracing your individuality.
Ellie is lonely. Everyone is busy doing something else rather than spending time with her. Then her mom brings home a strange boy that turns out to be her grandfather. He found a way to reverse aging but he has been fired and he and Ellie make a plan to break into the lab and steal it.
Holm's new novel successfully balances realistic themes of growing up with science fiction. The conceit of a senior citizen in a teen's body makes for some hilarious moments, and Ellie's struggles with growing up and finding her place with new friends are entirely authentic. At the same time, the goldfish connection was kind of tossed in and a little baffling, and while larger themes of what it means to live, including loss, and the pros/cons of growing up and leaving behind showed up towards the end of the book, they came a bit out of nowhere and could have used more consistent development throughout the story. Still, these are small quibbles for a quick read with plenty of humor that should find a broad audience of upper elementary readers. There's plenty to like here, including well-developed adult characters and a lot of affection for scientific inquiry and the importance of possibility. A light-hearted read that still manages to raise some interesting questions and may even inspire some budding young scientists.
Sweet book, and it was great to see a female main character interested in Stem. I thought the plot slowed a little in the middle, but I think middle grade kids will eat this one up!