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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Just read this back to back with Christopher Edge's Albie Bright story. There are some noticeably familiar elements shared by both stories. But, that didn't detract. Another fascinating (science) story leading to much thought. Engaging characters. I thought the Grandad got short shrift. But then how does a once-upon-a-time rock star compete with an astronaut (Jamie's dad)? Only just recovered from trying to get my head around quantum physics and now its amazing alien life-forms. Gah! Highly recommend.
3.5 rounded up. This is certainly an enjoyable book for middle grade readers. The main character, Jamie, is likable and even relatable.
Full review here: https://sherobinreview.wordpress.com/2022/02/22/the-jamie-drake-equation-by-christopher-edge/
Full review here: https://sherobinreview.wordpress.com/2022/02/22/the-jamie-drake-equation-by-christopher-edge/
I really enjoyed this, Christopher Edge is such a beautiful writer and I am always very impressed with how he effortlessly seems to weave scientific knowledge into his childrens' stories. I can't wait to take this into my class and share it with the children.
Review to follow.
All I'm going to say for now is, GRAB A COPY AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THIS INCREDIBLE AND BRILLIANT BOOK!!!
All I'm going to say for now is, GRAB A COPY AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THIS INCREDIBLE AND BRILLIANT BOOK!!!
Jamie Drake’s dad is famous. He’s an astronaut, and he’s currently orbiting the earth on the International Space Station, about 400kms above the planet’s surface. Soon he will launch a series of tiny interstellar probes, which will search the galaxy for signs of alien life. What could possibly go wrong?
Back on earth, Jamie misses his dad. Not only is he not around to help Jamie prepare for his algebra test, but he’ll also be missing Jamie’s 11th birthday. While his dad is in space, Jamie, his younger sister and his artist mother are living with his ex-rocker grandfather. To get away from the noise and chaos of his home life, Jamie goes for a walk and finds himself at a seemingly abandoned observatory. That’s when things start to get weird.
Despite having a very contemporary setting (smartphones, laptops and Skype are all key plot elements) I had a strong sense of nostalgia while reading The Jamie Drake Equation. This family drama/sci-fi-from-a-child’s-eye-view story reminded me of classics from my own childhood - especially [b:Chocky|32070487|Chocky|John Wyndham|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474213014s/32070487.jpg|865014] by John Wyndham and the film E.T. There is some real science and maths in here, too (Fibonacci sequence, golden ratio, how astronauts got to the toilet) as well as some big sci-fi ideas. It also addresses themes of responsibility, parental fallibility, family cohesion and growing up.
The Jamie Drake Equation could be enjoyed by readers who like tales of science fiction, space travel, aliens, maths, defunct heavy metal bands called Death Panda, science and family drama, probably in the 9-12 age range.
The Jamie Drake Equation will be published in March 2017. An uncorrected proof copy of the book was given to me by the publisher for review purposes.
Back on earth, Jamie misses his dad. Not only is he not around to help Jamie prepare for his algebra test, but he’ll also be missing Jamie’s 11th birthday. While his dad is in space, Jamie, his younger sister and his artist mother are living with his ex-rocker grandfather. To get away from the noise and chaos of his home life, Jamie goes for a walk and finds himself at a seemingly abandoned observatory. That’s when things start to get weird.
Despite having a very contemporary setting (smartphones, laptops and Skype are all key plot elements) I had a strong sense of nostalgia while reading The Jamie Drake Equation. This family drama/sci-fi-from-a-child’s-eye-view story reminded me of classics from my own childhood - especially [b:Chocky|32070487|Chocky|John Wyndham|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474213014s/32070487.jpg|865014] by John Wyndham and the film E.T. There is some real science and maths in here, too (Fibonacci sequence, golden ratio, how astronauts got to the toilet) as well as some big sci-fi ideas. It also addresses themes of responsibility, parental fallibility, family cohesion and growing up.
The Jamie Drake Equation could be enjoyed by readers who like tales of science fiction, space travel, aliens, maths, defunct heavy metal bands called Death Panda, science and family drama, probably in the 9-12 age range.
The Jamie Drake Equation will be published in March 2017. An uncorrected proof copy of the book was given to me by the publisher for review purposes.
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Completely unbelievable but fun all the same. Ending was rather abrupt/confusing.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Content Warnings
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
"I used to think that Dad was the star of our family’s solar system, but now I know that the light shines in all of us. Buzz showed me that. Sometimes things go wrong and we might spin out of orbit, but all we need to remember is that we’re not alone. We all get this one brief moment in the sun, and if you’re lucky enough to fill yours with love, let it shine."
Jamie's dad is an astronaut, his mother is a sculptor and his grandfather was a rock star. And Jamie? He's semi-normal, trying to adjust to living with mom and grandpa while Dad is on the ISS. Then one day he finds himself at the old local observatory, and manages to download something from the Hubble Space Telescope. It gets weirder from there. It's the depiction of Jamie that elevates this, turning what could be a so-so book into something better.