An explosive, highly charged, and hilarious middle-grade adventure from Mark Haddon, acclaimed author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. From the moment that Jim and his best friend, Charlie, bug the staff room and overhear two of their teachers speaking to each other in a secret language, they know there's an adventure on its way. But what does "spudvetch" actually mean, and why do Mr. Kidd's eyes flicker with fluorescent blue light when Charlie says it to him? Perhaps Kidd and Pearce are bank robbers talking in code. Perhaps they're spies. Perhaps they are aliens. Whatever it is, Jimbo and Charlie are determined to find out. There really is an adventure on its way. A nuclear-powered, one-hundred-ton adventure with reclining seats and a buffet car. And as it gathers speed and begins to spin out of control, it can only end one way . . . with a BOOM!
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"Absolutely hilarious, in the way that many of Daniel Pinkwater's books are. I was laughing out loud at several points, and the rest of the time, I was just enjoying the story. A lot of the British slang may baffle kids, but I found it plenty funny. Recommended for grades 5-8."
— Heather (4 out of 5 stars)
" An entertaining adventure romp that is fast paced and quirky enough to appeal to reluctant readers. "
— Beverly, 2/19/2014" Too Juvenile for me "
— Sara, 2/10/2014" I liked this book because it was exciting with people on the run in the city. It was not too scary. Exactly my type of book, although I didn't think so from the cover. Don't judge this book by it's cover. "
— Shock109, 2/6/2014" Two middle school students overhear their teachers speaking in a secret language and start to investigate. Things quickly get exciting. "
— Steven, 2/5/2014" Boom! is a high-speed, funny science fiction novel for kids by the author of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. He writes, "This book was first published in 192 under the title Gridzbi Spudvetch!" It's an easy read, and the first half, when Jimbo Kidd and his friend Charlie discover that two of their teachers speak an alien language, was excellent. The second part of the book, at the Isle of Skye, feels hasty and improbable, as if the author were racing to finish things up somehow. I still enjoyed it and recommend it to kids who like action, science fiction, and humor. However, it is nothing like THE CURIOUS INCIDENT at all, in case you were wondering. "
— Dr., 1/31/2014" A rollicking read that is reminiscent of Roald Dahl but retains its own quirky style as well. I've read both of Haddon's adult novels and this was my first YA work of his; it's highly enjoyable for any age and it's a quick read, too! Just keep your English (UK) slang dictionary close at hand. "
— Jason, 1/21/2014" A book for children. Unlike several young adult books, which I really enjoyed, I thought this was unbelievable and for younger kids. Won't be reading it again. "
— Cygny, 1/13/2014" I love Mark Haddon's sense of humor. This book about the adventures of two boys is absurd but fun. "
— Shawn, 1/10/2014" Fun - sci-fy for youth. "
— Naomi, 1/3/2014" I liked it, nicely written, it's a children's book, but I still enjoyed it. Not as good as other books by Haddon I read though "
— Sayra, 12/9/2013" This was great fun. Kind of Robert Heinlein-lite. Fun story with lots of action and clever sequences. I'd recommend this to just about anyone, even those that don't usually read YA stuff. "
— Jaron, 11/16/2013Mark Haddon is an author, illustrator, and screenwriter. His bestselling novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, was published in 2003 and won seventeen literary prizes, including the Whitbread Book of the Year Award, and is an international bestseller. Mark Haddon lives in Oxford, England.
Julian Rhind-Tutt is an actor and voice artist. His audiobook narrations have earned five AudioFile Earphones Awards, and he has been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award. His film appearances include roles in The Madness of King George, The Saint, Les Misérables, Notting Hill, and Tomorrow Never Dies, while his television credits include Reckless, Dangerfield, and Richard II. His stage work includes Editing Process, The Way of the World, Catherine Howard, and as the Duke of York in The Madness of George III. He is also the recipient of the Carlton Hobbs Award from BBC Radio.