Rockin' With Grams Pick of the Month

For today's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post I'm sharing my Rockin' With Grams pick of the Month.


This book is for older middle graders.
I chose it for several reasons. The emphasis on science and math. I also appreciated the themes of race and bullying. This book could provide many opportunities for generational connections.

Throughout the book are opportunities to explain how things work and why. It also encourages discussions on science and math application. The narrative also shows a girl in a nontraditional role. I believe it's important for children to understand that all the technology we now enjoy came about because someone imagined it, built it and tried it. Because they were willing to take a risk.

This months pick is the Fever Crumb series by Phillip Reeves. A wonderful introduction to the science fiction and steampunk genre.

About The Book: Fever Crumb is a girl who has been adopted and raised by Dr. Crumb, a member of the order of Engineers, where she serves as apprentice. In a time and place where women are not seen as reasonable creatures, Fever is an anomaly, the only female to serve in the order.
Soon though, she must say goodbye to Dr. Crumb - nearly the only person she's ever known - to assist archeologist Kit Solent on a top-secret project. As her work begins, Fever is plagued by memories that are not her own and Kit seems to have a particular interest in finding out what they are. Fever has also been singled out by city-dwellers who declare her part Scriven.

The Scriveners, not human, ruled the city some years ago but were hunted down and killed in a victorious uprising by the people. If there are any remaining Scriven, they are to be eliminated.

All Fever knows is what she's been told: that she is an orphan. Is Fever a Scriven? Whose memories does she hold? Is the mystery of Fever, adopted daughter of Dr. Crumb, the key to the secret that lies at the heart of London?

Haunting, arresting, and astonishingly original, Fever Crumb will delight and surprise readers at every fast-paced, breathless turn. —Goodreads

What Others Have Said: "Fever Crumb is a terrific read, a sci-fi Dickens, full of orphans, villains, chases and mysteries. There's even a balloon-chase climax. I worry that if you read it before reading the others, you'll miss out on the electric shock I had when I was plunged straight into that jungle of predator cities. Like The Magician's Nephew, or the story of how your parents met, it's a beginning better told at the end." —The Guardian

"Reeve has crafted a swiftly paced story worthy of standing alone, both in terms of where Fever’s adventure may lead her next as well as the connections to the Hungry City Chronicles." —Booklist

Bloggers Weigh In: 

Death, Books and Tea

Girls In The Stacks

Dodging Commas

Enrichment Fun: 

• Create an invention together using things from around the house.
• Draw a map of an imaginary land.
• What creature could live in the world, draw or paint them. 
• Explore electrical circuits and other science things.

About The Author: 

Philip Reeve

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Tumbler

Who: Philip has been writing stories since he was five, but Mortal Engines was the first to be published. Mortal Engines defies easy categorisation. It is a gripping adventure story set in an inspired fantasy world, where moving cities trawl the globe. A magical and unique read, it immediately caught the attention of reviewers and book buyers. It was shortlisted for several awards and was the Gold Award winner at the Nestle Smarties Book Prize 2002 and the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year at the 2003 Awards.

Since Mortal Engines's release in 2001, followers and fans of the series have been growing exponentially. Philip Reeve is now known as one of the leading writers for young adults, with his every book achieving huge sales, glowing review coverage and award nominations. —Scholastic

Other books in the series: