This is a fun, quick read that elementary kids will like. The art is upbeat and engaging, and the story has some nice moments of surprise and character development. Mixed with this is the chance to learn how binary numbers and coding works. At first I was caught a little off guard, but soon enough I was trying to work out the puzzles on my own (before the characters gave me the answer--a feature which I thought was nicely handled). What I couldn't quite decide is whether this is a book best handed to kids totally new to coding or to ones with some experience. ( )

What is up with this weird new school? Why are there number 9s all over? Why do the birds have four eyes? New student Hopper and her new friend Emi explore the secrets of their school, and begin to learn coding to unlock the mysteries.

See also: Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka ( )

Story: 7.0 / 10
Characters: 7.5
Setting: 8.5
Prose: 7.5

This book does not have an ending. ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr. 5-7

Plot Summary: On Hopper's first day of 7th grade at a new creepy school, a popular kid spits chocolate pudding on her head. She isn't afraid to fight back with her words and even suggests a physical fight, but the other kids just let it go. Now that she has Eni's attention as someone who isn't afraid, when Hopper notices the weird birds with four eyes and padlock on a shed and the number nine everywhere, she starts to investigate. Thankfully Eni has already figured out a few things. Maybe between the two of the they'll figure out why the creepy Mr. Bee keeps waving them away from the locked shed with a broom.

Setting:

Characters:
Hopper - 12 yo, 7th grade, cocky, smart mouth who isn't afraid to talk back to most people or get in trouble
Eni - friends with Josh, on the basketball team and is pretty good
Josh - leader of his group of friends, has an unnamed sidekick who laughs at all his jokes and repeats everything he said in a way that makes the sidekick seem to idolize Josh
Mr. Bee - Director of Facilities AKA janitor,

Recurring Themes: coding, friendship, new school, family

Controversial Issues: Hopper has a very smart ass attitude but it isn't called that in the book

Personal Thoughts: This book had way more sass than I was expecting. The characters really had personality even though so much of the book was spent explaining the coding. I'm not sure it was the most effective at teaching coding, but perhaps it will get kids to become more interested in it.

Genre: science fiction because of the robot and the moving staircase?

Pacing: fast, short graphic novel
Characters: Hopper has a lot of personality and Eni is believable. The sidekick is annoying but he's supposed to be.
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity: ( )

This is pretty great, even for kids who don't go into it looking to learn about coding. Also, there is a website with activities for kids who want to do more! ( )