librarylisa614's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the pace of this book, especially once they were into the "special camp." Gets a little intense toward the end, but not too scary for younger readers who read above their level.
hedyharper's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Trafficking, and Confinement
raquel_reading_stuff's review against another edition
4.0
The writer is very funny and you can see that within the book. The plot is cool and so is the name, I think. I recommend it to young readers and I think that they'll enjoy it.
colleenaf's review
5.0
One of the sweetest, most thought provoking middlegrade novels I've read in a long time! The premise is that we all have some magic power however dumb and completely useless. Like saaaay spinning an egg with earlobe tugs or maybe even levitating a quarter of an inch, but ONLY if we are thinking about Bison....walking backwards...wearing...um...diapers? Most people never find their magical power...but this book is about a group of kids who do. A devouring read. Each chapter ended with a sentence that firmly hit me in the gutt or funny bone, which were then perfectly matched by an amazing opening sentence to start off the next. This really is a gem and it wasn't just the fantastic premise or creepy intriguing cover, though those helped. I'm so glad David Pogue took time to put away the toys for a bit and prove that he isn't just gadgets and gizmos but is REALLY one heck of a good writer. Oh and yes, if you noticed that extra bookshelf-category I put this in, it did make me cry, but not for any of the reasons you may be guessing.
Okay MAYBE one of the reasons you are guessing, at least if you are guessing "backwards Bison in diapers." I have a feeling I won't be the only reader laughing at that part.
Okay MAYBE one of the reasons you are guessing, at least if you are guessing "backwards Bison in diapers." I have a feeling I won't be the only reader laughing at that part.
trickingloki's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3.5
Great concept. The ending and explanation of the framing device saved it from being a straight 3, but it still felt a bit flat in many places.
Great concept. The ending and explanation of the framing device saved it from being a straight 3, but it still felt a bit flat in many places.
absentminded_reader's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining tale. A nice blend of danger and derring-do. Maybe a bit heavy during the Big Reveal as the Big Pharma executive explained his evil motives. Also, the pop cultural references in this book will become dated like a NY Times column in no time. But still a good bit of enjoyable escapism.
I think boys will like this one despite the female main character.
I think boys will like this one despite the female main character.
katyjean81's review against another edition
1.0
I did not like this book. I suffered through it because a student recommended it. It was a ridiculous story with an obvious moral (we're all special in our own way) and I think it condescends to children. There are much, much better versions of this message out there for kids. Blech.
librarylisa's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the pace of this book, especially once they were into the "special camp." Gets a little intense toward the end, but not too scary for younger readers who read above their level.
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