The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook
By Teen Librarian,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Smart kids, no violence; great pick for kids new to comics.
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Totally engaging for 9 year old boys, struggling with being "smart"
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Great Story with just the right twists and laughs.
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What's the Story?
Julian is new to town, and he wants to revamp his image from book-smart nerd to super-cool kid. But one day he receives a cipher that, after decoding, tells him that there are people who want to meet him. Lo and behold fellow students Greta and Ben have their own club where they draw, invent things, and celebrate their brains. Thus, the Secret Science Alliance is born. Armed with their shared love of (fictional) scientist Andro Kablovsky, the gang sets about inventing cool gadgets and keeping a top-secret notebook of all their schematics. But when the Alliance finds out that their top-secret invention notebook has been swiped, they launch a plan of action that will knock the culprit's socks off!
Is It Any Good?
Writer and illustrator Eleanor Davis brings science and inventions to life with this funny comic book that celebrates smarts and shows that friends can be found in all walks of life. Her engaging illustrations really keep the reader on their toes and the story moves along at a smart pace. The characters are funny and caring and readers will be curious to see if three smart kids can outsmart one very smart villain. With their super inventions and great attitudes, the Secret Science Alliance will blast their way into every reader's heart.
Eleanor Davis does a superb job of illustrating this wonderful comic book. The drawings and panels expertly show Julian's crowded room and the Secret Science Alliance's secret hideout (among many other locations) with all their charms and hidden treasures. Eleanor doesn't stick to the traditional comic book style layout, she mixes in sideways panels and writing that really keeps the reader on their toes!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about inventions! What kind of crazy invention ideas do you think that other kids your age would like?
What would you invent to stop a ruthless burglar without violence? What would you do to stop them in their tracks without causing anyone harm?
The Secret Science Alliance are proud of their brains! What thing do you most like about yourself? What do you like best about your friends?
Book Details
- Author: Eleanor Davis
- Illustrator: Eleanor Davis
- Genre: Humor
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
- Publication date: September 1, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 160
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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