This is the kind of book where I am going to need to come back to this review in a few weeks and see if my opinion has stuck.

T.S. Spivet learns he is to receive an award from the Smithsonian, only they don't know he's 12 years old. His prodigious talent is making maps and scientific charts drawings (the book is illustrated with his artwork in the margins) that record a range of experiences, from the process of shucking corn to parkland in the Washington DC area. T.S. sets off from his home on a ranch in Montana, without telling his family, and hops a freight train.

The biggest problem with this book is that it's extremely clever, and sometimes it's too clever. You're going along reading it, and the story and characters are so compelling -- they're not terribly realistic, but at the onset they charm you right into buying into the concept, and then the book just twists your arm a little too much and snaps you out of it. The plot feels almost out of control by the end, but I'm mostly okay with it because it seems like a flaw of sincere ambition.

Structure-wise, I would have preferred to get the family story of Emma more evenly inserted into the narrative instead of in a few big doses that broke up the atmosphere too much.

Grade: A-
Recommended: Especially to people who enjoy books with good physical book feel and unusual presentation - the hardcover is slightly oversized to accommodate the margin illustrations (which did make this a little difficult to tote around while reading). ( )

One of my favorite books of the year. I loved that little kid. The illustrations in the margins were a nice touch. ( )

An imaginative glimpse into the mind of a precocious boy. TS Spivet travels across the country to accept an award, and the book is filled with the story of his journey, complete with illustrations. Unique. ( )

Great format and a few snarky moments, but not enough plot for me.

Told through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy, The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet By Reif Larson is a wonderful example of imaginative writing combined with an innovative presentation style. While not designed specifically for young people, the book would be of interest to high ability middle school and high school readers.

What makes the novel unique is the author's use of illustrations and side notes in the margins to extend the reading experience.

The story follows a gifted boy who has been invited to receive an award and speak at the Smithsonian. T.S. thinks that once the officials learn that he's a boy and not an adult scientist, they will be withdraw the award. He decided to venture across country from a ranch in Montana to city of Washington D.C. on his own. Many aspects of the book feel set in another time and place, but that contributes to surreal feeling.

I enjoyed both the book's format as well as the quirky characters. I could empathize with the boy's eccentricities and loves of visuals. I recommend this novel. ( )