Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper [Mass Market Paperback]

Michael Reisman (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Simon Bloom

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.

Editorial Reviews

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Puffin; Reprint edition (May 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142413682
• ISBN-13: 978-0142413685
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Reisman was born and raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he spent a lot of time day-dreaming in nearby woods. He can juggle and can use chopsticks with either hand, but he cannot control the universe (not for lack of trying). He's got a black belt in napping; he loves pizza, chocolate and NY egg rolls; and he enjoys writing about himself in the 3rd person.

His many jobs have included making smoothies, cashiering at a supermarket, washing tents, tutoring for the SATs, and spraying cologne (for one night-he got fired). He's also worked in the movie/ TV industry for Fox, Paramount, Tom Hanks, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, and he's currently a script/ book reader for Dreamworks Animation. After all that, he's happiest sitting in cafés and thinking up strange stories.

Michael currently lives in Los Angeles and doesn't have a dog. Yet. But he has several fish who have refused to comment. He's putting the finishing touches on two new books (one sci-fi, the other urban fantasy) while his agents are seeking a publisher for the third book in his Simon Bloom series, THE ORDER OF CHAOS. You can read more about him at www.michaelreisman.com (especially when he gets around to updating the site)(should be any day now)(seriously).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, February 14, 2008

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper (Hardcover)

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

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific debut, and a sure kid (and parent) pleaser, February 14, 2008

By 

R. Parikh (Walnut Creek, Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper (Hardcover)

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,

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simon Bloom is Super!, February 14, 2008

By 

Y. Brennan (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper (Hardcover)

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?