Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
8th out of 21 books
—
13 voters
Sound Bender
by
Lin Oliver,
Theo Baker (Goodreads Author)
A roaring, supernatural adventure that spans New York, and the globe!
After their parents' plane goes down over the ocean, Leo and his brother Hollis are forced into the custody of their rich and enigmatic uncle Crane, a dealer of rare and probably illicit antiques. But almost as soon as he's settled--or as close to settled as he can get in the bleak Brooklyn mansion, surro
...moreHardcover, 272 pages
Published
November 1st 2011
by Scholastic Press
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
480)
When Leo’s and his brother Hollis’ parents die suddenly, they are sent to live with their step-uncle Crane. Crane lives in a warehouse filled with priceless “artifacts” that he buys and sells. Through a mysterious letter from his dad, Leo discovers he is a “Sound Bender” – he can sometimes make connections to the past through sounds that emanate from certain objects. One of his experiences leads him to a discovery that will change his life.
This is an adventure aimed at middle school boys, but...more
This is an adventure aimed at middle school boys, but...more
When Leo and Hollis' parents are both killed in a plane crash, they must move in with their uncle. Crane is a bit odd-- he buys and sells rare artifacts and may or may not be a criminal. Leo tries to settle in to his new life, but is unsettled when he receives a package for his 13th birthday... from his father. It includes an odd recording. Leo loves sounds, and frequently hangs out at Jeremy's used record store, so takes the disk there. He finds out that he was not in fact born in New York, but...more
Do you ever stop and listen to the sounds around you? I mean really listen? The ticking of a clock? The rhythmic sound of tires running over pavement? When you're listening to a song, do you only hear the lyrics or do you hear the sounds all the other instruments are making? How about objects? Do you hear the sounds they make? Can you hear the danger in them? Twelve year old Leo Lomax can.
Following the sudden death of his parents, Leo and his ten year old brother Hollis, are sent to live with t...more
Following the sudden death of his parents, Leo and his ten year old brother Hollis, are sent to live with t...more
Sound Bender
By: Lin Oliver, Theo Baker
If you could here the history by touching it would you think you’re different? Sound Bender, A mysterious adventure with a sci-fi twist, After their parents' plane goes down over the ocean, Leo and his brother Hollis are forced into the custody of their rich and snobby uncle Crane, a dealer of rare and probably stolen antiques. But almost as soon as he's settled, or as close to settled as he can get in the dingy Brooklyn mansion, surrounded by his uncle's br...more
By: Lin Oliver, Theo Baker
If you could here the history by touching it would you think you’re different? Sound Bender, A mysterious adventure with a sci-fi twist, After their parents' plane goes down over the ocean, Leo and his brother Hollis are forced into the custody of their rich and snobby uncle Crane, a dealer of rare and probably stolen antiques. But almost as soon as he's settled, or as close to settled as he can get in the dingy Brooklyn mansion, surrounded by his uncle's br...more
When 13-year-old Leo's parents are lost in a plane crash, he and his younger brother Hollis are sent to live with their Uncle Crane, whose business is the import and export of antiques (and perhaps some more sinister items). Soon after he arrives at his uncle's house, Leo receives a letter from his father, which contains a mysterious disc. When he touches the disc, Leo becomes dizzy and passes out. It turns out Leo is a Sound Bender, and when he touches items from the past, he can hear the long-...more
Sound Bender- a name, an ability, a title, a book.
I met the authors, mother and son, this fall. This sound-centric book is based on real things that Theo Baker did- wonder with a tape recorder, facinated by sounds and listening to the world around him. Years later he and his mom (co-writer of series of books with Harold Winkler, etc) took that concept and gave it an S/F bend.
Leo Lomax (named after the incredible father and son recording team of the 1930s- I asked :)) is about to turn 13 when h...more
I met the authors, mother and son, this fall. This sound-centric book is based on real things that Theo Baker did- wonder with a tape recorder, facinated by sounds and listening to the world around him. Years later he and his mom (co-writer of series of books with Harold Winkler, etc) took that concept and gave it an S/F bend.
Leo Lomax (named after the incredible father and son recording team of the 1930s- I asked :)) is about to turn 13 when h...more
I received this book through Goodreads First reads
Leo Lomax and his younger brother Hollis have just moved in with their uncle Crane after a terrible plane crash took their parents. When the brothers arrive at their uncle Crane's Brooklyn warehouse, they're less than impressed; their uncle was a dealer of priceless artifacts, yet there was no hint of luxury. That was, until Klevko, their uncle's assistant brought them to the huge penthouse on the top floor of the warehouse. Leo can tell already...more
Leo Lomax and his younger brother Hollis have just moved in with their uncle Crane after a terrible plane crash took their parents. When the brothers arrive at their uncle Crane's Brooklyn warehouse, they're less than impressed; their uncle was a dealer of priceless artifacts, yet there was no hint of luxury. That was, until Klevko, their uncle's assistant brought them to the huge penthouse on the top floor of the warehouse. Leo can tell already...more
I won this book on Goodreads. My 12 year old is reading it now - I will update this when he is done since it is geared toward the younger crowd. That being said, I enjoyed the book. Of course, the parents die in the beginning and he and his brother go to live with an uncle. It is about a boy discovering new talents and how to listen to his inner voice that tells him what is right. He learns he has a new power on his 13th birthday. I don't like to list too much about the story itself but it was a...more
A good piece of young adult fiction. I rated it as such; for an adult, I would rate it at 3 stars. Still. I was certainly entertained. Some logical flaws in the plot, but lots of fun. Even the bad guys are interesting, and a nice mix of good/bad/? in their characters. The authors dealt well with a 13 year old boy dealing with the loss of his parents and a change in his worldview at the same time. Nothing to offend anyone, and as such easy to recommend to your kids.
A very interesting if not somewhat complicated premise. Main Character, Leo, was quite compelling and he was surrounded by equally compelling characters but unless there is a sequel most of them go for naught. The resolution of the Dolphins may have been resolved but the greater issue of his relationship with his evil uncle was not. It seemed like the authors ran out of their allotted pages and wound it up before it should have been.
Still other than a lot of the science which went over my head,...more
Still other than a lot of the science which went over my head,...more
Boys' parents are presumed dead and the brothers must go to live with their step-uncle. The uncle collects rare antiquities. On his 13th birthday, he recieves a package from his father. It is a recording of his father. His father tells him the truth about the day he was born, and that he has a gift that he must explore. He can hear what others can not. He begins to follow a path that will anger his uncle, but will help him to feel at peace.
Definatly an interesting read. An obvious 1st book of a series which I do not care for. I feel that a book should be complete within itself even if it is part of a series and this book is very obviously just a part of the story. Plot is pretty interesting although I still don't understand why it is called sound "bending" - not sure what is bending about it and I can't imagine any young reader being able to figure that out either. Still, all in all not a bad book. I give it a B-/C+.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new book by co-written by Lin Oliver and Theo Baker. I felt I was on a journey with Leo, Leezer as he was lovingly called by his recently deceased father, as he struggled to discover his unique ability - bending sound.
A master story teller, Oliver, kept me wondering until the end how Leo would confront his money hungry stepuncle, solve the puzzle of his birthright, and save a life in the process.
A master story teller, Oliver, kept me wondering until the end how Leo would confront his money hungry stepuncle, solve the puzzle of his birthright, and save a life in the process.
Totally unrealistic (no way would Leo's uncle let him borrow the jet!) but a fun read regardless. Definitely written for young adults, so it's ok for what it is. I find the concept of sound bending very interesting and would hope there will be a sequel. I enjoyed Leo though didn't care for his brother very much.
Read after winning a free copy from Good Reads. Although I generally prefer older adult books, this book was a good read for younger children. This will never be on a 'Best New Fiction' list, if only because the themes have been done so many times before, but that said, it was still an enjoyable quick read.
Written by Lin Oliver and her son, Theo Baker, Sound Bender is a fun story about a boy, Leo Lomax, with a special ability. Initially frightened by what he can do, Leo learns to use this gift as he also learns about life and how even a thirteen year-old boy can make a difference.
James my 13 year old really liked this book. I enjoyed it as well. story of a boy who lost his parents and discovered when he touches things he can hear sounds from the past of the object. it is definitely a book meant for a younger audience, quick read and fairly simple plot, but enjoyable nonetheless.
I just finished Sound Bender, and am so glad I checked it out. It has a truly unique and fascinating premise. It was a fast and engaging read, terrific for middle grade or young adults who love adventure and music. I highly recommend this book.
This novel for middle school or young adult readers has an intriguing plot and charming characters, and is perfect for those who like adventure and/or science fiction. It holds the reader's attention from beginning to end.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This was an interesting book about a kid who can touch an object and hear the context about the origins or history of the object. It has some interesting twists and conflict with the greedy uncle but it just pretty good to me.
My 10-year-old Grandson loved this book and wanted me to read it. I wish there were half stars available, as a 3.5 would be my rating. I'm looking forward to reading more of these.
Talking about experiences with science, now here I talk about this science fiction book that shows weird things that happen to Leo after the death of his parents. He discovers a present from his father that will change his life(a LOT!!!). ALONEEEEEE!!! Of course not, he has company, but now he lives with his uncle - who loves money$...
Felt like it was meant for a younger age level - the dolphin thing came in randomly, and it was just cheesy enough to become awkward to read.
My student test-reader was enthusiastic about this book. He is not always enthusiastic about books, so when he is, it is one well worth the time.
This book was amazing! Imagine being able to bend sound, to look into the past of something! It was great!
this was a pretty good book. easy to read and the story went pretty smoothly. i look forward to the rest of the series!
I enjoyed this book once it got rolling. How can you not like a book that takes you to the South Pacific swimming with dolphins. I am excited that there will be a sequel.
It has not just some mystery in it, because do you no if the plane crash was on purpose?
It started out well but lost me.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Mar 22, 2012 04:27pm