malaynachang's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. It reminded me of another book I read, Escape from Mr. Lemencello's Library. Both books feature puzzles that the characters have to solve, but this book was in a rather different way.
I really liked solving the puzzles on my own first before turning the page or reading to the next paragraph. Some were really easy, and some I couldn't answer until I found out what the solutions were. Then I got it and tried to remember.
This book was really interesting to read. I liked the characters and the plot. It was a remarkable story. I hope to read more like it.
I really liked solving the puzzles on my own first before turning the page or reading to the next paragraph. Some were really easy, and some I couldn't answer until I found out what the solutions were. Then I got it and tried to remember.
This book was really interesting to read. I liked the characters and the plot. It was a remarkable story. I hope to read more like it.
emmabussolotta's review against another edition
This book just randomly surfaced in my memory like 10 years after reading it. I remember it being a fantastic middle grade book and constantly rereading it in 3rd/4th grade.
sienna_123's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
heykellyjensen's review against another edition
4.0
This book was ridiculously cute. It was fast-paced and full of interesting twists and turns. I picked this one up after hearing at ALA that the teens loved it, and I can see why: it's a modern take on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story line, but it's much less dark. The puzzles are fun and challenging to the characters and to the readers.
My one issue with the book is that it hinges on a strange idea: that the child of an employee (in this case, former employee) of a company can partake in a huge event the company sponsors. I know the story isn't realistic, but this little fact is what holds the entire storyline together and that's a little frustrating for me. But any 10 year old reading this would totally accept it.
I love Feldman's note at the end of the book. She was inspired to write the story after a 10 year old boy asked a librarian if there were any other books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and she wasn't able to locate something appropriate. So, Feldman wrote the readalike. This is a quick read and is something that would be fun to read aloud or would likely be a great audio book to listen to. I would love to see this one put onto film, too.
My one issue with the book is that it hinges on a strange idea: that the child of an employee (in this case, former employee) of a company can partake in a huge event the company sponsors. I know the story isn't realistic, but this little fact is what holds the entire storyline together and that's a little frustrating for me. But any 10 year old reading this would totally accept it.
I love Feldman's note at the end of the book. She was inspired to write the story after a 10 year old boy asked a librarian if there were any other books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and she wasn't able to locate something appropriate. So, Feldman wrote the readalike. This is a quick read and is something that would be fun to read aloud or would likely be a great audio book to listen to. I would love to see this one put onto film, too.
libscote's review against another edition
3.0
BIS Book Award Nominee 2009-2010
It was pretty good. Not about an Olympic Lying event, but rather a contest for children with toys and puzzles to solve. I enjoyed it.
It was pretty good. Not about an Olympic Lying event, but rather a contest for children with toys and puzzles to solve. I enjoyed it.
couillac's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining enough if not entirely predictable. Think Willy Wonka but without the magic, and instead of candy, it's toys. Kid enters a contest with all sorts of puzzles to challenge his skills, hopes to win the ultimate prize offered by a toy company. A fun, quick read, but nothing special.
eliseblackburn's review
4.0
This novel is a unique take on the juvenile mystery genre with riddles and puzzles for the curious reader to pause and try to solve before the characters do. But more importantly, the story introduces critical conversations to young readers about judgement and integrity, about honest work and being leader, especially when trying to create harmony among difficult people. Although the ending is more of an exposition dump, it provides a satisfying conclusion to the protagonist's adventure. Be sure to read the author's note for Feldman's beautiful commentary on why everyone, regardless of age, should interact with children's literature.
theartolater's review against another edition
4.0
Take Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, put it in a toy company, and add in a dash of social commentary, and you get this book. Not a bad read, even with the obvious nods to past ideas, and it’s one I’ll give to kids in a flash.
aliciabooks's review against another edition
4.0
THE SCHOOL NURSE AT MY 8YO’S SCHOOL PUT HIM
ON THE PHONE SO HE COULD TELL ME ABOUT A CUT HE GOT AT RECESS BUT WE ENDED UP CHATTING ABOUT THIS BOOK INSTEAD
ON THE PHONE SO HE COULD TELL ME ABOUT A CUT HE GOT AT RECESS BUT WE ENDED UP CHATTING ABOUT THIS BOOK INSTEAD