The Drake Equation (by Bart King)

Publication Date: May 2016
      

SYNOPSIS: Noah Grow is a bird-watcher. If you're picturing some kid in a big floppy hat, peering up into trees through giant binoculars . . . well, good job. That's exactly what he does. Right now, Noah is on a quest to find a wood duck. According to his calculations, aka the Drake Equation, the odds are good-really good-for spotting one. That's why he gets off the bus at the wrong stop. And that's how he ends up running down a hill, crashing into a fence, and landing right next to a strange, glittery disk. Noah and his best friends, Jason and Jenny, soon discover that the mysterious disk is, well, mysterious. It gives Noah peculiar powers. As things go from odd to outrageous, Noah is swept up in a storm of intergalactic intrigue and middle-school mayhem. There's much more at stake than Noah realizes.

THOUGHTS: I liked this story, especially the first 3/4 of it (then it lost me a bit). The main character, Noah, loves bird-watching and that plays a sizable part in the story, but do not think the book will be boring (you non bird-watchers). Silly, yes. At times, thought-provoking. But not boring. As an adult, though, I am not the target audience; nine to 12 year olds are, and I think a good amount of them will really like this story. After reading it, I already can think of some kids who will really enjoy it and I am looking forward to recommending it to them. The author is a middle school teacher and he really gets the way kids talk to each other - especially boys. The witty dialogue is my favorite part of the book. There is also a subplot that includes Jenny, Jenny's mom, and a scar on Noah's arm that adds some depth to the story. I was nervous that the conclusion was going to get a little heavy-handed, but the author veered away (thankfully). And look out for a sequel!

CARTWHEEL AWARD NOMINEE?: I would say probably not. I think it's a fun story but I think it falls a touch short in the writing quality/ popularity combo. At worst, though, it will be an easy book to book talk.