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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this book and I found it shocking, especially when that teacher did what he did and the fact that someone died. I also lined the fact that they did play devils advocate at some parts and the way that chemistry what used in this book. I also for not expect the level of got in this book either. So I would recommend it for anyone that wants must something fun to read.
(of course, I end the book and find out it's the first in a series; why does no one ever just write single novels any more?)
Itch is a story about a guy named Itch who is an element collector - he wants to own each of the elements on the periodic table. I'm a little impressed that he found such a nice unique hobby, but I'm also really impressed that this was written about a socially awkward teenager that collects something nerdy and scientific but does not have aspergers (not that there is anything wrong with a main character having aspergers, just that it's becoming pretty common place from what I read for characters that have interests in scientific hobbies to have aspergers, it seems expected these days).
ANYWAY, this is a really good book. It has a fair amount of action in it, and it's pretty realistic. It was a little confusing going straight from the Alex Rider series to this one, since they're both British 14 year old kids who suddenly have to save the world from evil organizations, but at least this main character, Itch, has a much more interesting name.
Also, a good amount of research went into this. Respect the research! It makes it much more interesting.
Itch is a story about a guy named Itch who is an element collector - he wants to own each of the elements on the periodic table. I'm a little impressed that he found such a nice unique hobby, but I'm also really impressed that this was written about a socially awkward teenager that collects something nerdy and scientific but does not have aspergers (not that there is anything wrong with a main character having aspergers, just that it's becoming pretty common place from what I read for characters that have interests in scientific hobbies to have aspergers, it seems expected these days).
ANYWAY, this is a really good book. It has a fair amount of action in it, and it's pretty realistic. It was a little confusing going straight from the Alex Rider series to this one, since they're both British 14 year old kids who suddenly have to save the world from evil organizations, but at least this main character, Itch, has a much more interesting name.
Also, a good amount of research went into this. Respect the research! It makes it much more interesting.
I loved the idea of this book bringing chemistry and adventure together to appeal to young adult readers. I'd place it more as a pre/young teen story though. The concept is good but I didn't particularly engage with the characters. Will recommend it to my 12 year old though.
First book I finished as an 18 year old!! Woo, adulthood!
Itch was simply stunning. This book starts off with a bang and just keeps on getting better and better. Itch is an element hunter. One of those nutjobs who collect all the known elements (I'm a bit jealous). His passion for science is unrivaled by anyone at school. His family are not too keen on this passion - several explosions have taught them that science is better off outside the house.
Itch was simply stunning. This book starts off with a bang and just keeps on getting better and better. Itch is an element hunter. One of those nutjobs who collect all the known elements (I'm a bit jealous). His passion for science is unrivaled by anyone at school. His family are not too keen on this passion - several explosions have taught them that science is better off outside the house.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Great book! This was a read-aloud for my boys, ages 8 and 11. We all loved it and didn't want to stop reading. I've already grabbed the sequel from the library!
My actual score would fall somewhere between a 3.5 and 4.
I have to hand it to this book- I hated chemistry in high school and had generally negative feelings about science up until a few years ago. Here, I found myself occasionally doing Google searches to learn more about the little factoids dropped into the story. In that regards, it was definitely engaging.
The story itself was likewise engaging, following the character Itchingham (Itch), as he repeatedly gets himself into trouble in his quest to collect as many examples of the periodic elements as he can. The main, child characters were mostly likable, though a tad underdeveloped; for the adults, the parents were more or less absent, the mentor teacher was supportive and helpful, and the villain was a bit over the top in his behavior.
A cute story though I fear it would only appeal to kids who already had an interest in the sciences.
I have to hand it to this book- I hated chemistry in high school and had generally negative feelings about science up until a few years ago. Here, I found myself occasionally doing Google searches to learn more about the little factoids dropped into the story. In that regards, it was definitely engaging.
The story itself was likewise engaging, following the character Itchingham (Itch), as he repeatedly gets himself into trouble in his quest to collect as many examples of the periodic elements as he can. The main, child characters were mostly likable, though a tad underdeveloped; for the adults, the parents were more or less absent, the mentor teacher was supportive and helpful, and the villain was a bit over the top in his behavior.
A cute story though I fear it would only appeal to kids who already had an interest in the sciences.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really wanted to enjoy this book that celebrates science in the real world. Itch is a just a kid excited about collecting elements, until he winds up with some seriously radioactive rocks. These rocks are trouble and Itch does what all kids do in books--he does not tell any responsible adults, a theme that continues throughout the book and even up to the conclusion. The unrealistic story paired with very stilted dialogue made this book a non-starter for me. Though I still managed to finish it.