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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Alex's idol is Carl Sagan, the astronomer who sent a golden record into space, and he is trying to emulate him by recording observations about earth and everyday life on a golden iPod. Alex lives with his mum, who has 'quiet' days and often takes off for long walks on her own, and his dog Carl Sagan. His older brother has moved out and Alex only talks to him by phone. Alex's adventures begin when he travels to a rocket convention alone, narrating all the way to his iPod.
Alex's journey towards a more stable family life is heartwarming and the 11 year old is an engaging, endearing character. He makes friends easily and forms a relationship with his hitherto unknown half sister very quickly. I have the impression that Alex is probably somewhere on the autism spectrum but this is never referred to in the book. An enjoyable, thought provoking read for middle grade readers.
Alex's journey towards a more stable family life is heartwarming and the 11 year old is an engaging, endearing character. He makes friends easily and forms a relationship with his hitherto unknown half sister very quickly. I have the impression that Alex is probably somewhere on the autism spectrum but this is never referred to in the book. An enjoyable, thought provoking read for middle grade readers.
Alex may only be 11 years old, but he and his dog Carl Sagan embark on a life-changing journey as they head from Colorado to New Mexico for a high-altitude rocket festival. Inspired by his hero, the real Carl Sagan who sent a golden record into space, Alex is determined to launch his own golden iPod with observations about the world and conversations with people he meets along the way. This book will make you laugh out loud, break your heart, and then put it back together. Tough topics include parental neglect and mental illness. Ages 10 and up.
Although parts of this one are a bit far fetched, the overall story will warm your heart. I definitely recommend the audio version of this one!
A poetic, beautiful, and deep exploration of human connection through the eyes of the endearing, inquisitive protagonist, Alex Petroski.
The way to read this book is definitely on audio (from Libro.FM!!!) :) Through the recordings Alex makes on his golden ipod - you hear the story of this eleven year old boy and his fascination with space and rockets. He's making these recordings to launch into space so that any aliens that may find them will get a glimpse into life on Earth - but he ends up recording a crazy adventure where he makes new friends and learns more than he bargained for.
Reminiscent of Wonder, this is a moving story about a young boy who's obsessed with rockets and finding his dad. His absent/mentally ill mother and missing father may be a trigger for some younger readers, especially those who have been adopted.
A nice little story about a very simple little boy caught in a complex world. He just wants to launch his rocket and love his dog, come on now people.
I read the book, but I would recommend trying the audio as the ipod recording format of the narrative should work even better that way. Plus it's a full cast recording, so treat yourself.
I read the book, but I would recommend trying the audio as the ipod recording format of the narrative should work even better that way. Plus it's a full cast recording, so treat yourself.
This is a book for those who loved Wonder and Out of My Mind. It's a complicated story about a boy who's mother is dealing with some sort of mental illness after the death of her husband. Alex, the main character is a different kid, who says too much but is way more mature then he should have to be for his age. Him and his dog, Carl Sagan, named after the original, set out to attend the SHARF festival where Alex can send his rocket and a golden I-pod into space. Alex is 11 years old, and goes on his own to the festival, he sets up a ride, packs his own things, and takes the train. The book continues from there to surprise and infuriate you.
There was a lot going into this book and you could tell as a reader that the adults around Alex had a lot of thoughts about his traveling mostly alone. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. It would have to be for a kid who could follow a lot of twists and turns and be able to read between the lines.
There was a lot going into this book and you could tell as a reader that the adults around Alex had a lot of thoughts about his traveling mostly alone. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. It would have to be for a kid who could follow a lot of twists and turns and be able to read between the lines.