Haddon, M., & Haddon, M. (2010). Boom!. Oxford: David Fickling Books.
194 pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
After Jimbo and his best friend Charlie overhear two of their teachers talking in a strange alien language after school, they soon find they are being followed by strange suited men with powerful alien technology. Then when Charlie suddenly goes missing, it's up to Jimbo to save him. Enlisting the help of his sister, Jimbo sets off an a cross-country mission to a remote Scottish isle. After finding himself inside a teleportation device, Jimbo is transported to a strange alien planet light years away. There he finds Charlie and is confronted by his alien teachers and the leader of their race. They report that they are being attacked back on the Scottish island on Earth and Roy and Charlie are sent back to stop it or the Earth will be blown up. Upon returning to earth they use the alien technology to attack the teleportation device and closing the connection between the worlds. They return home with their secret and a greater appreciation for the mysterious world around them.
My Impressions:
This book was a fun read. It had a fluid energy from beginning to end, which would keep more reluctant readers interested. Also it does not take itself too seriously as it conveys its story in a sensational and foolhardy manner. The story is quite humorous as well as suspenseful, though it does contain some stronger language as well as London jargon, which may be either offensive or not readily understood. However, I think boys especially would enjoy this read. I know I did.
Reviews:
Review by Sarah Ellis - The Horn Book Guide
"Jim and Charlie discover that two of their teachers are evil aliens--then Charlie disappears. What follows is a madcap action romp that includes a motorcycle chase, rock climbing in Scotland, and a change of scene to outer space. Through derring-do, cliffhangers, and wisecracks, the narrative manages to be both a send-up and a celebration of classic sci-fi. Review 7/10."
Sarah, E. s. (2010). Haddon, Mark: Boom!. The Horn Book Guide, 21(2), 340.
Review by Donna Cardon - School Library Journal
When Jimbo hears that he might be expelled from school, his best friend has a plan to find out if the rumor is true. The two boys hide a walkie-talkie in the teacher's lounge, but end up hearing more than they planned on. Soon they are being pursued by people with amazing powers who lead them on a chase across England to places beyond their wildest dreams. The well-paced, rollicking story line vacillates between hair-raising and hilarious. The relationships between the three main characters, especially the love-hate relationship Jimbo has with his leather-clad, motorcycle-riding older sister, are realistic and charming. Even the secondary characters are unique and interesting. Julian Rhind-Tutt reads Mark Haddon's book (Random/David Fickling Books, 2010) with a pronounced blue-collar British accent. He reproduces the cadences and idioms of a London teen with delightful authenticity and makes each character sound unique. This book contains language that might be offensive to some, but the swearing is in keeping with the age of the characters and the setting. Some British slang might be unfamiliar, but the meaning is usually discernable in context. Jimbo's adventure is much lighter and less philosophical than Only You Can Save Mankind (HarperCollins, 2006), but has some Pratchett-like random spontaneity. A great choice for reluctant readers, especially boys, and anyone who is in the mood for a bit of fun.
Cardon, D. (2010). Boom!. School Library Journal, 56(10), 54.
Library Suggestions:
This book is a go to book for suggesting to more reluctant readers. The book's cover and title make it very attention grabbing, so simply by displaying it in highly visible areas of the library, browsers will be enticed to read it.
No comments:
Post a Comment