alexsaunders's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
momoclouds's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hgraybrown's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very cute little story - it reminded me a little of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Great beginning to a series! Love the concept, the story is enchanting! Wonderful characters! Couldn't wait to share it with the kids at school!
threesweetbrownies's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sisteray's review against another edition
4.0
A quick fun middle school adventure. It isn't breaking ANY new ground, but it is light and endearing. The character's are enjoyable, they make decisions for themselves, make mistakes, but don't whine or dwell on it too much. The procedure part of the mystery is a bit preposterous, but the book chops ahead so rapidly, I just couldn't work myself up to be concerned about it. Adults tend to be there when the plot calls for them and disappear when when it doesn't, but I get why the author/editor weeded out the clutter. Entertaining, wouldn't be opposed to reading the sequel.
thejoyofbooking's review against another edition
4.0
Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms is an utterly charming middle grade novel, featuring the mischief and shenanigans of Stuart Horten and his annoying next door neighbors April, May, and June.
It seems to me the type of book that would appeal to a fan of Hugo Cabret, or any fan of magic (and, really, what ten year old is not a fan of magic?). With a few twists and turns and some cleverly imagined characters, this book holds a lush imaginative world for pre-teen readers – and it’s one their parents won’t mind visiting during storytime, either.
It seems to me the type of book that would appeal to a fan of Hugo Cabret, or any fan of magic (and, really, what ten year old is not a fan of magic?). With a few twists and turns and some cleverly imagined characters, this book holds a lush imaginative world for pre-teen readers – and it’s one their parents won’t mind visiting during storytime, either.
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
4.0
Horten’s parents have moved him to a small town in England right in the middle of the summer and he thinks he is in for a really boring time. What is finds instead is the mystery about his great uncle Tony’s disappearance right after World War II and the search for his uncle’s mysterious workshop. Tony isn’t the only one looking for this workshop which leads to some sleuthing and even danger. With the help of the triplets from next door, named April, May, and June, Horten travels through the village finding clues in the quirkiest of places hoping to discover the workshop and maybe his uncle as well.
This is a book that is on the Maine Student Book Award nominee list for 2013-2014. I try to read all the books on the list so I can recommend them to students. This one was fun and quirky and an easier read than some that end up on the list. This was a lot of fun.
This is a book that is on the Maine Student Book Award nominee list for 2013-2014. I try to read all the books on the list so I can recommend them to students. This one was fun and quirky and an easier read than some that end up on the list. This was a lot of fun.