Now That You're Here

Starred review from October 6, 2014
Danny Ogden is a graffiti artist for an extremist sect when an explosion thrusts him into a Phoenix classroom on a parallel Earth—ours. Eevee Solomon, 15, is his only connection to home; a romantic acquaintance in his semi-totalitarian dimension, she’s a brilliant science nerd in this one, and perhaps the only person who can help him return to his world. Debut novelist Nichols explores this jarring turn of events from both characters’ perspectives as a disoriented Danny muddles through a world where his parents are dead while Eevee must reconcile that the Danny who tormented her best friend has been replaced by a boy with whom she’s falling in love. Nichols infuses the story with a smattering of science fiction and science fact, while making a welcome departure from the stereotype of the book-smart outcast trying to fit in. These geeks own their intelligence like a badge of honor, using science to help a friend and explore strange new worlds. Riveting in its own right, the story sets the stage for a mirror-image sequel, which will follow the other Danny and Eevee. Ages 12–up. Agent: Quinlan Lee, Adams Literary.

October 15, 2014
A science-minded girl falls for a graffiti artist-the catch, though, is that he's from a parallel universe. When a bomb goes off in Danny's dystopian-flavored universe, he's somehow blasted into Eevee's reality, which resembles readers'. Danny latches onto Eevee as a familiar face, even though he only met her counterpart in his world briefly-and her personality there is different. This Eevee's a nerd rather than artist (though the text mathematically demonstrates how close science and art really are). While Danny's still making sense of what has happened to him, Eevee realizes that he's in a tough situation and helps him. The two of them work out the universe swap and with help from Eevee's best friend and partner in science, Warren, try to puzzle out its mechanics. The chapters alternate between Eevee's and Danny's viewpoints. The organic sweetness of their relationship is tempered by the enthusiastic geekery of the nonromantic storylines. Real mathematical and scientific theories appear, and Eevee and Warren live and breathe cherished icons of nerd culture. While the world-jumping is fantastical, the personalities and characters (fully individual, without reaching trying-too-hard levels of quirkiness) ring true. The ending-an escalation into frantically paced scientific theorizing followed by an abrupt conclusion-is a bit of a letdown, but it leaves room for a sequel. A debut with great characters and huge nerd appeal. (Science fiction. 12 & up)

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November 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-Danny Ogden was trying to blend in with the crowd before he was jolted from his universe to that of Eevee Solomon's. Lucky for Danny, Eevee is intrigued by this sudden change in demeanor and personality from the Danny she knew. She enlists the help of her best friend Warren and together-with the help of their physics teacher -the three explore the scientific explanations for Danny's universe jumping. Danny and Eevee develop feelings for each other and when they arrive at a possible answer, they have to come to terms with what might happen if Danny stays or goes. This science-fiction tale takes place almost entirely in present day. Its short chapters in alternating voices lends it a quick pace. Eevee is a strong lead-smart, grounded despite her parent's divorce, and secure with her strongest friendship (which happens to be with a boy who is known as a super geek). As a sidekick, Warren is a strong character who deals with his past (bullying) and focuses on his future (attending MIT). Although we never get to know the Danny originally in Eevee's universe, the parallel Danny is empathetic, thoughtful, and very trusting considering what had just happened to him. Nichols adeptly simplifies the complex concepts of string theory and parallel universes without condescending to readers. The short chapters develop into a mystery set against a sweet romance that will envelop teens. String theory enthusiasts, as well as fans of the television series Fringe or Ann Brashares's The Here and Now (Delacorte, 2014) will particularly enjoy this novel.-Stephanie DeVincentis, Downers Grove North High School, IL

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014
Grades 8-12 It's the classic smart-girl-falling-for-the-rebellious-guy story, but with an interesting twist. Eevee Solomon is there the minute Danny Ogden arrives in her classroom, startled awake in this parallel universe after running from the cops. This Danny is different from the Danny who normally sleeps in the desk beside her; he is smart, respectful, and very attractive. Thus begins the story of Eevee and her science nerd friend Warren's attempt to figure out how Danny arrived, how to help him return homeor stay here, and how to propel this experience into a winning science fair project. There's lots of talk about wormholes, fractals, neutron stars, black holes, and multiverses, and lots of subtle (and not-so-subtle) parallels: parallel universes, the parallel chapters from Eevee's and Danny's perspectives, the parallel houses in which Eevee lives. There's even a parallel second novel that tells the couple's story from the parallel universe. First-time author Nichols weaves all this into a mysterious, sometimes tense, yet sweet story about young love and science gone awry.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)