Nikki Tesla and the Fellowship of the Bling (Elements of Genius #2)

Gr 3-7--In the second book in the "Elements of Genius" series, Nikki Tesla and her classmates from the Genius Academy are sent to the Galapagos Islands. Their task is to find a ring that allows its wearer to shape-shift; what science calls "cellular realignment." The ring is also a lethal weapon that a criminal mastermind can sell to the highest bidder. During their adventures, Nikki manages to find her father who has been presumed dead for seven years. She must decide if he is the terrible person she believed him to be, or a loving father who acted in her best interest all along. The Galapagos setting could have been more important, but in the end it is just an island where the story takes place. Nikki's reluctance to trust her father is a constant source of conflict, as is the need to capture the bad guy's technology. The plot is definitely action-driven, and sometimes the action moves so fast that it might confuse readers who take breaks during their reading. Nikki's reunion with her father opens new opportunities for future installments. VERDICT While not as strong as the first in the series, this adventure will please young fans of science fiction. Purchase if Nikki Tesla has proven popular with patrons.--Julie Overpeck, Gardner Park Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

Praise for Elements of Genius #1: Nikki Tesla and the Ferret-Proof Death Ray:

* Full STEAM ahead on a series debut equally charged with personal issues and science in (dramatic) action. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Keating's action-packed mystery...combines intelligence with superhero appeal. Nikki's comical narration is printed on graph-paper pages and embellished by illustrations, all of which give STEM a fun new spin. — Booklist

Nikki is a heroine readers will want to tag along with in the promised series...[which] calls up Disney's Kim Possible, an apt echo as fans of that show will enjoy the female-led action here. — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This fast-paced caper features plot twists galore and a main character who confronts her past and learns that she can make friends along the way. A lively series kick-off. — Publishers Weekly

Praise for My Life Is a Zoo:

* Humor, poignancy and fascinating zoological facts infuse the narrative with a warm conversational tone that welcomes readers into the drama that is middle school. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* With her trademark kid-oriented wit and lighthearted touch, Keating leads readers through the daily emotional ups and downs of the typical just-turned-teenager. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review