This is one of the books i read during lockdown and it is also one which is part of my research into how much literary liberties one can take with historical figures. See this post for the first book i read for this research.
This is the first book in the Elements of Genius series, published by Scholastic. And i think it’s absolutely fab!
Nikki Tesla is based on the historical figure, NikolaTesla, who invented alternating current (AC) and has much to do with the production, transmission and application of electric power. Keating has taken this well-known person and his amazing genius, and created an exciting, fun-filled, yet so relatable story from the perspective of a young Nikki (female) who desperately wants to fit in but knows and has accepted that she will never be one of the “normal” people.
When her death ray lands her in “serious” trouble, Nikki is given a choice; join a special school for history’s greatest brains, Genius Academy, or else… Nikki feels she has no choice but she is determined that she is there on her own terms and will not be making any friends.
At Genius Academy, she slowly learns that she is not the only genius who does not fit in and that she can be part of a team, and people do like her and even care for her. Genius Academy is full of … well, geniuses… in different areas such as music, story-telling, mathematics, nature, etc… and together, they take on a villain who has grand plans for Nikki’s death ray and they must stop him.
i really like the way Keating writes; witty yet so on point, heartfelt with a great pace to the story. i think this is a wonderful story, which will turn into an amazing series, and will definitely get middle graders reading, even if they say they don’t like reading. i am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Have you recently discovered a new author or a new series of books which you are excited about? Care to share?
syc
trippingdifferently 