Product Description

Sixth-grader Simon Bloom can’t believe his luck when he finds a book that enables him to control the laws of physics. By simply reciting the formulas it contains, he can cancel gravity to fly around his bedroom, or decrease friction so he can slide down the street as if he were on Rollerblades. When two thugs with evil intentions come after Simon, he must use the formulas to save himself and the book from falling into their hands. This funny, fast, and imaginative novel from first-time author Michael Reisman will appeal to fans of both fantasy and action-adventure.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #174741 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780142413685
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Booklist
Occasionally breaking into the story with a first-person comment, this book’s omniscient narrator tells the story of 11-year-old Simon Bloom, who one day discovers a mysterious, hidden forest in the middle of his New Jersey town. Followed by timid Owen, Simon enters the clearing where a secret, powerful group, the Order of Physics, has just met and disbanded. The adventure begins when a large book pops out of nowhere and decks Simon. Entitled Teachers’ Edition of Physics, the book is filled with scientific formulas that Owen figures out how to use, much like magic spells. His increasing skills—he learns how to control gravity and friction—draw the attention of smart, popular Alysha, who joins Simon and Owen in marveling over the book’s secrets. Together, they must fight against a mysterious woman whose body is tattooed with scientific formulas and who is trying to take over the world. This is great, escapist fare for those smart middle-grade readers who are fascinated by science, magic, and adventure. Grades 4-7. --Diana Tixier Herald

Review
The action is fast-paced; there is lots of slapstick humor...[a] swift and funny read. -- Kirkus Reviews

With its mixture of humor, fast-paced action, and science fiction, this book will certainly appeal to many readers. -- School Library Journal

Review
“Reisman’s fast-paced, cinematic first novel . . . makes scientific concepts interesting and accessible.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
What would you do if you could control the laws of Physics?

Simon Bloom is an average eleven-year-old boy that dreams of being able to fly and instantaneously travel to the moon. But as a 6th-grader, he doesn't know anything about the laws of Physics. Nor has he ever noticed the woods at the end of Van Silas Way. And not just any woods. These woods have trees as big as the Redwoods, yet no one seems to notice them. Then one fateful day, with his new friend, Owen, the Breeze (yes, with a capital B) beckons Simon to the dead end Van Silas Way. Out of nowhere, Dunkerhoook Woods appears before the two of them. They venture into the magically charged woods and discover a clearing with wood stumps arranged in a circle. While exploring the clearing, a Book (again, with a capital B) falls, seemingly out of nowhere.

Enter the TEACHER'S EDITION OF PHYSICS. The Book belongs to the Keeper of the Order of Physics. Why has it fallen out of nowhere into Simon Bloom's hands? And what is Simon to do with it? Well, as any curious sixth grader would do, he opens it. And thus begins the adventures.

The previous owner of the Book has been injured in a mysterious car accident and the Order of Physics members are out to find the perpetrator of the crime and the missing Book. And a mysterious hooded person and their assistant are trying to find the Book for their own personal use.

Simon and his friends must figure out how to use the Book to protect themselves from those that mean to harm them just to get their hands on the Book.

The story starts out a bit confusing with all of the different characters and names of organizations. But once the plot begins to move along, it all comes together and is quite entertaining to the reader. For fans of the HARRY POTTER and THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY series, this new addition to the genre will be a treat for them.. Simon and his friends are determined eleven year olds not afraid to stand up to stronger adults as they try to return the Book to its rightful owner. Battles ensue and the laws of Physics are put to the test.

Not normally a fan of this genre, Mr. Reisman has created an enchanting story appropriate for all ages to enjoy. The chapters are short so those of a younger age will be able to read a few pages and be able to stop at appropriate places. Older ones will be able to read multiple chapters in one sitting and still want to keep reading. The action is quick and the entire story takes place in less than a week's time. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel to the story, but the ending leaves the possibility there.

Pick up SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER and see what is possible!

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

A terrific debut, and a sure kid (and parent) pleaser
Simon Bloom the Gravity Keeper is an fast paced and incredibly creative book. I read it cover to cover in a day and can't wait for a sequel. What is most amazing is how the author takes basic science and turns it into great entertainment. It's science that is real and seems accurate (gravity, friction). For parents who want to both entertain their children (and themselves) and who want to incite curiosity in their kids, you can't go wrong with this book.

After Harry Potter, I've grown a little tired of fantasy imitators (golden compass, etc). This book takes place in our day, in our time, and uses principles of real science to make it all go. I think it's a great addition to the young adult literature,

Simon Bloom is Super!
A couple of my mom friends were talking about how much their kids loved Simon Bloom. I'm always looking something new for my kids to read and this book is fantastic. The chapters are nice and short and the characters are very compelling--imagine getting to be a real superhero! The names are a little goofy and appeal to a kids' sense of humor. My son couldn't put it down and now I'm reading it. This is a great gift for kids who love to get lost in a story. You could also make it a bedtime book---it is sure to make for some very creative dreams! Will there be a sequel?