Scan barcode
shighley's review
3.0
A little too juvenile for my usual reading. I really felt this could have been shorter. It cobbled together so many different events that what started out as imaginative just became more convoluted. I appreciate trying to include some science in the narrative (I liked the night and days being 30 seconds long), but it included some bad science too. (A vacuum would never "pull" anything, because it's nothing! What happens is that things get pushed from the area with higher pressure/more molecules. And, the proper term is now "microgravity", not "zero gravity") The scientists at Archimedes getting goofy about spelling out "boobies" with their calculators was just plain silly. There were grammar errors (p. 19-anyone but he), and name errors (p. 86 should have said that Sarah and Jacob returned)that should have been caught in editing. I generally don't look for such things, but noticed them as I read.
That said, there were some funny parts. I have to admit that I laughed when I discovered who the inhabitants of the Paisley Planet were (although that wasn't very nice of me), and for Jacob's possible ailment had he really eaten all of the Numonia dust, but both of those were pretty low-level humor.
Page 86's description of what possibly causes parents to divorce was surprisingly touching. I realize that what matters is if students will like a book, so I need to try to see it through their eyes. I mainly wish this had been shorter.
That said, there were some funny parts. I have to admit that I laughed when I discovered who the inhabitants of the Paisley Planet were (although that wasn't very nice of me), and for Jacob's possible ailment had he really eaten all of the Numonia dust, but both of those were pretty low-level humor.
Page 86's description of what possibly causes parents to divorce was surprisingly touching. I realize that what matters is if students will like a book, so I need to try to see it through their eyes. I mainly wish this had been shorter.
kevinhendricks's review
3.0
A boy-friendly space adventure story with plenty of wacky capers. I thought it strayed a bit and didn't have a ton of direction, but I read it aloud to Milo and he loved it.
audreych's review
3.0
full review on my blog, holes In My brain
Jacob Wonderbar. I feel that should be in all caps: JACOB WONDERBAR! I can subconsciously associate a lot of things with this, and I think just the title says a lot. It’s extravagant, fun, quirky and entertaining.
I don’t read much Middle Grade fiction, in fact, I rarely wander out of my YA bubble but every once in a while I notice something and read it for kicks—like in this case. Jacob Wonderbar didn’t blow me away, but it was a welcome distraction from homework. Guys. It takes place in OUTER SPACE. Win.
I thought the writing read easily, but it could be slightly awkward at times. A combination of third person narrative, flipping characters, and strange word choices, there might have been some missing poetic quality but honestly? At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter. It’s something I think fits really well with younger audiences.
The stand-out of Bransford’s novel is the plot; I’m grinning madly just thinking about it. There’s no confinement to this imaginative adventure as everything from corn dogs to a planet named after paisley is involved. The pacing remains consistently fun, with the short chapters and quirky plot keeping readers hooked and eager to finish. The characters are well rounded and lovable, even the villains. Can I count the spaceships as characters too? Because they are very not-boring.
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is an amusing tale that offers a combination of humour, action, entertainment and heart.
3.5/5 – because I really enjoyed this one. It’s not bam-bam-bam action, but it is a great blend of plot and characters and giggle-worthy moments. It pushes the boundaries of believability in a manner that YA just can’t pull off, and I commend Bransford for this inventive and original novel.
Jacob Wonderbar. I feel that should be in all caps: JACOB WONDERBAR! I can subconsciously associate a lot of things with this, and I think just the title says a lot. It’s extravagant, fun, quirky and entertaining.
I don’t read much Middle Grade fiction, in fact, I rarely wander out of my YA bubble but every once in a while I notice something and read it for kicks—like in this case. Jacob Wonderbar didn’t blow me away, but it was a welcome distraction from homework. Guys. It takes place in OUTER SPACE. Win.
I thought the writing read easily, but it could be slightly awkward at times. A combination of third person narrative, flipping characters, and strange word choices, there might have been some missing poetic quality but honestly? At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter. It’s something I think fits really well with younger audiences.
The stand-out of Bransford’s novel is the plot; I’m grinning madly just thinking about it. There’s no confinement to this imaginative adventure as everything from corn dogs to a planet named after paisley is involved. The pacing remains consistently fun, with the short chapters and quirky plot keeping readers hooked and eager to finish. The characters are well rounded and lovable, even the villains. Can I count the spaceships as characters too? Because they are very not-boring.
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow is an amusing tale that offers a combination of humour, action, entertainment and heart.
3.5/5 – because I really enjoyed this one. It’s not bam-bam-bam action, but it is a great blend of plot and characters and giggle-worthy moments. It pushes the boundaries of believability in a manner that YA just can’t pull off, and I commend Bransford for this inventive and original novel.
More...