tessanie's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Fire/Fire injury
smurphy5337's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
taralorraine's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The interesting information about "Gas" was fun to learn and I enjoyed the main character.
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting combination of realism and mystery, a little predictable
kristinasshelves's review against another edition
3.0
I've enjoyed the Chasing Vermeer series by this author so am progressing through all of her middle grade novels. While the latter series focuses on art in the mysteries, this one focused on science (in particular Darwin). I did not connect to this one as much and did not find the same excitement in this mystery. However, I still think middle grade readers would enjoy this one, particularly if they have an interest in science.
snarlet319's review against another edition
2.0
I have enjoyed all her other books, but was really disappointed by this one. The here-and-now characters were not that believable. I had trouble empathizing with them or even caring about them. Plenty of bits of detail about Darwin, which was interesting, but not enough to carry the book.
jodilynclayton's review
2.0
This youth book by Blue Balliet is not near as good as her previous books. The lost item was intriguing, but I just couldn't bring myself to care about the characters. I love how Balliet introduces her readers to historical characters while mixing in puzzles, mystery, etc. It is because of her that I even know who Alexander Calder is! She does it again here, but somehow the magic just wasn't there for me.
gardenjess's review
5.0
Great book for kids and adults. Legally blind main character, Zoomy who must figure out the backstory on a box that appears in his town while a mysterious stranger lurks around.
repunzee's review
4.0
The additions of the mysterious elements were great. Each of the characters were well-developed. A good book that kept me on the edge of my seat, excited to see what would happen next.