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lecymay's review against another edition
3.0
Great concept and a quick read! I don't think the writing level is on par with her Newbery-honor books, but still a fun story. Strong themes and I enjoyed the science stuff. The grandpa was a crack up.
howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting middle grade book about Ellie, a girl whose scientist grandfather discovers eternal youth. Since he looks like a teenager, not an old man, he has to move in with Ellie and her mother, and go to middle school. There’s an emphasis on Ellie discovering science and loving it, and I, in turn, love THAT! The ending makes the book seem like the first in a series, and I really hope the focus stays on Ellie becoming a scientist.
meisbres's review against another edition
4.0
What a great book for promoting STEM! I loved the both the humor and the poignancy of the story.
mdavenport's review against another edition
5.0
It's the kind of book you hug when you've finished it!
apryllee181's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: War
Discusses Oppenheimer and the devastation of Hiroshima. Not graphic.kate_m_m's review against another edition
3.0
What 11 year old describes an adult male as brooding? Fun and sweet, though, with good messages about tween friendship, science, and learning from your grandparents.
lcary's review against another edition
4.0
When Ellie's grandfather discovers the secret to reversing the aging process and shows up at her house as a 13-year-old, Ellie's whole world is about to change. Ellie is entering middle school, losing some friends while gaining new, and discovering her love for science thanks to her scientist grandfather. This is a cute and thoughtful book. While its character is only eleven, any age can relate to the struggles of finding who you are and your place in the world. I also enjoyed all the references to science that may spark inquiring, student-minds to conduct some of their own research!
arielzeit's review against another edition
2.0
Eh. I was so disappointed by this fantasy. I usually LOVE. Jennifer Holm, whether it's graphic novels (Babymouse) or historical novels ( I was pulling for Turtle in Paradise to get the Newbery). But this fantasy just didn't send me. The heroine's grandpa is a mad scientist who discovers the fountain of youth in a jellyfish and tests it out, turning himself 13 in the process. Thus he has to come live with the heroine and her kooky drama teacher mother. So we have a kind of Freak Friday situation here (except that she doesn't turn old$, and we get the predictable laughs at the newly young grandfather walking around in old man's clothes. But somehow this doesn't turn the heroine into a pariah, that she is hanging out with her supposed cousin who dresses like a grandfather. The mother also seemed derivative to me; in this case she was like Mia Thermopolis's Bohemian mother in Princess Diaries. Again it was played for laughs, with Arty Mom wearing fuschia minis and tall boots to school, much to cranky young grandpa's loudly expressed disapproval. But the worst was that in the end Grandpa is willing to give up his fabulous youth serum made of jellyfish because of some classic poetry about beginnings needing endings. Even in a 13-year-old body, this guy was not going to come around to that point of view. The thing people sometimes forget about fantasy is that it has to be even MORE scrupulously realistic in the parts where it can be. The fantasy must be lightly attached at all 4 corners. Otherwise it doesn't work. Jennifer Holmes is a brilliant historical novelist and graphic novelist. Maybe she should,stick,to,those.
gigimcallister's review against another edition
3.0
I understand now what people meant when they said this book is "more than it seems". I initially thought that I would not enjoy it. I thought it was going to be sci-fi book about an anti-aging potion. It is about family dynamics, growing old and discovering what is important.
yrock007's review against another edition
5.0
DELIGHTFUL. Great book for kids and adults, good family read aloud book or book on tape, everyone will enjoy. Got some good stuff about science in there, middleschool social challenges and family obstacles. I am kind of into alternating the heavy stuff i am reading with books my kids are into. When they LOVE something i like to read it, then i can buy the stuff they will be into. Extra bonus? I like what they like!!