A basic but enjoyable STEM-centered novel for young readers.
In this middle-grade novel, a service dog and his human learn about algorithms in daily life.
Author Priya (who writes for adults as Priya Ardis) introduces readers to Merlin Raj, a sock-loving golden retriever who goes to class with his 10-year-old owner, Matthew, who misses “Mom Raj,” who’s traveling for work. Miss Babbage teaches Matthew’s class about algorithms and assigns the kids to create their own, and Merlin eagerly joins in—devising algorithms for everything from locating a missing recipe to keeping the local bully from snagging the best Christmas tree. Matthew uses the Christmas tree experience for his algorithm assignment, and Merlin realizes that what the boy wants most is to have his mother home for Christmas. So the dog implements a series of his own algorithms to make it happen, leading to a happy holiday for everyone. The book presents a lighthearted approach to introductory STEM lessons, explaining the fundamental concept of an algorithm outside the context of computer programming. However, the examples presented seem insufficiently granular to present the concept effectively. For instance, Merlin’s algorithm for getting Matthew a forbidden box of sugary cereal at the grocery store involves hiding the box in the cart and making puppy-dog eyes at the checkout. However, the more conceptual discussion of algorithms is well done, and the story is satisfying and emotionally resonant overall. Merlin’s narrative voice is child-friendly and distinctive (“Research sounded like a pile of socks fresh out of the laundry,” he notes approvingly at one point). Merlin is described as being a service animal for Matthew, who has some difficulties with walking, and the dog’s description of his role (“I’d been taking care of my best friend for a whole year now”) includes enough detail to make it easy to picture the two making their way through school. A glossary defines scientific terms in the narrative, and Miss Babbage’s pronouncements on algorithms are in bold text, making them stand out. Hampe’s black-and-white illustrations add depth to the story, giving readers another window into Merlin’s determination and creativity.
A basic but enjoyable STEM-centered novel for young readers.Pub Date: March 16, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-951767-00-6
Page Count: 108
Publisher: Vulcan Ink Media
Review Posted Online: April 3, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
A pleasing premise for book lovers.
A fantasy-loving bookworm makes a wonderful, terrible bargain.
When sixth grader Poppy Woodlock’s historic preservationist parents move the family to the Oregon coast to work on the titular stately home, Poppy’s sure she’ll find magic. Indeed, the exiled water nymph in the manor’s ruined swimming pool grants a wish, but: “Magic isn’t free. It cosssts.” The price? Poppy’s favorite book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In return she receives Sampson, a winged lion cub who is everything Poppy could have hoped for. But she soon learns that the nymph didn’t take just her own physical book—she erased Narnia from Poppy’s world. And it’s just the first loss: Soon, Poppy’s grandmother’s journal’s gone, then The Odyssey, and more. The loss is heartbreaking, but Sampson’s a wonderful companion, particularly as Poppy’s finding middle school a tough adjustment. Hartman’s premise is beguiling—plenty of readers will identify with Poppy, both as a fellow bibliophile and as a kid struggling to adapt. Poppy’s repeatedly expressed faith that unveiling Sampson will bring some sort of vindication wears thin, but that does not detract from the central drama. It’s a pity that the named real-world books Poppy reads are notably lacking in diversity; a story about the power of literature so limited in imagination lets both itself and readers down. Main characters are cued White; there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. Chapters open with atmospheric spot art. (This review has been updated to reflect the final illustrations.)
A pleasing premise for book lovers. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9780316448222
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
