Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown

bibliophile - Beware: You'll immediately be wanting to do these DIY projects enlisted in the book below. So Nick and Tesla literally did the impossible... and I mean what else is next??? Am I right... well they need to find their parents, whom have been quite absent throughout the first couple of books, but the thing is they have no idea where their parents are located.... DUN DUN DUNNNNNN... now I just wrote the intro and it already has a cliff hanger... yes believe me... you'll find Nick and Tesla's parents... but we first need your wits in order to read this book and get inside this adventure with them... I loved how the author incorporated facts that have to do with the real world of science... and the DIY's were awesome... On Youtube, I'm always awed at what others can do when they post DIY videos... but there's only one problem... I rarely make anything... however when I read this book I was enhanced by the different technology that this setting was placed and you could make a secret listening device, a hot dog cooker, and much more... the hot dog cooker is such a creative mechanism that is on my To Do List... Now I'm a little off topic... however... I really loved this fast read... One word of advice... remember all characters even though they might seem foreign especially (SPOILERS) a specific agent... Sorry I had to... But people who are amazed in our technology and wants to invest in our technology world... because you never know... our world (later in 2050-3000) might turn into a set in Nick and Tesla's book series... so hope you enjoy!

March 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-Twin kid inventors Nick and Tesla are back in their sixth, and likely final, mystery, which sees them dodging spies while trying to locate their missing parents, who may be part of a top-secret, space-based solar-power project with the government. Spending the summer in Half Moon Bay with their eccentric and somewhat bumbling Uncle Newt, they have so far not been fruitful in finding their parents, but this time, all hands are on deck trying to unravel the clues and figure out who the traitors or double agents are and whom they can trust before it's too late. The authors once again intersperse kid-friendly instructions to build the solar-powered gadgets featured in the story including a hot dog cooker and a nighttime signal cannon that fires illuminated ping-pong balls. The twins' friends Silas and DeMarco are back, hoping to help in the quest. Science lovers, mystery hounds, and fans of the series will want to follow along to the satisfying conclusion. Humorous footnotes remind readers of what they have missed in the prior books, which aren't necessary to understand this tale but are certainly helpful. VERDICT Just the right amount of suspense, action, and science to entice a wide variety of readers.-Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.