Super-smart Julian Calendar thinks starting junior high at a new school will mean he can shed his nerdy image–but then he meets Ben and G... read full description
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Apr 18, 2011
akibird
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The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis (2009)
Graphic Book, 154 pages
Julian Calendar is an 11-year-old junior high student who has trouble fitting in. He looks 8 years old, wears a hand-me-down pink flowered backpack from his mother, and most importantly, is a genius inventor. When his parents tell him that they are going to move to a new town, Julian jumps at a second chance to spark his social life and fit in. At his new school, Julian attempts to be “ More...
Graphic Book, 154 pages
Julian Calendar is an 11-year-old junior high student who has trouble fitting in. He looks 8 years old, wears a hand-me-down pink flowered backpack from his mother, and most importantly, is a genius inventor. When his parents tell him that they are going to move to a new town, Julian jumps at a second chance to spark his social life and fit in. At his new school, Julian attempts to be “ More...
Dec 08, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Davis, Eleanor. The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook (2009)
Julian is a nerd complete with glasses, a hand-me-down backpack from his mother, and orthopedic shoes. He’s also super smart and for all of these reasons, he’s picked on by the kids at his school. When he discovers he is moving, he feels like he is getting a second chance to fit in and deliberately plays dumb at his new school. This is harder than it sounds. Julian just can’t stop himself from looking and s More...
Dec 06, 2010
Danielle
rated it: 
Julian Calendar is getting the second chance he always dreamed of. He gets to start over at a new school where no one knows he’s a huge nerd. During “Operation: Act Ordinary”, Julian must pretend he doesn’t know the answer to every question his teachers ask and that he loves sports. The plan works well…for about a week. Julian lets a complicated explanation of aerodynamics slip out during history class and the jig is up. Now he’ll never be popular.
But then he gets a secret code More...
But then he gets a secret code More...
Oct 05, 2009
Nicola
rated it:
Reason for Reading: Cybils nomination. I also read and enjoyed Davis' first children's graphic novel, Stinky.
Summary: Every day Julian Calendar is teased at school for being nerdy and smart. Then one day his family tells him they are moving and Julian is delighted; he can start all over again. His first day at the new junior high he pretends to be everything he is not but it's not that easy and he slips up in class and let's his brains show. He is secretly contacted by two fellow bra More...
Summary: Every day Julian Calendar is teased at school for being nerdy and smart. Then one day his family tells him they are moving and Julian is delighted; he can start all over again. His first day at the new junior high he pretends to be everything he is not but it's not that easy and he slips up in class and let's his brains show. He is secretly contacted by two fellow bra More...
Aug 28, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it: 
You know a book’s gotta be good when the first thought that enters your brain after reading it is, “I bet this took the author YEARS and YEARS to finish!” If you’re reading a novel then it’s probably a good bet you thought that because the story is long and convoluted. But if you think it about a graphic novel, there’s really only one reason for that. It must be heavily detailed, complicated, well written, and intense. Meet The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook then. A little bo
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Jul 20, 2009
W.H.
rated it:
Out of the huge stack of books my boys collected at the ALA conference last week, this was the very first one that Mr. E (10) picked up and devoured. I know why. With science gadgets you wish were real, a secret club with a way cool hideout/lab in a hidden basement, and three underdog kids saving the world from an evil genius--all told in a graphic novel format by the creator of the Geisel-honor Stinky, no less--it basically screams "boy book!" But even better, it lived up to all Mr. E
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Nov 30, 2011
Genre: Junior, Graphic Novel
Summary:
A band of three students find they have a common enemy and pursue him to secure the return of a valuable notebook he has stolen. In endeavoring to regain the notebook, the three set off on a wild set of adventures, helping each other along the way and creating fantastic inventions.
Constructed as a graphic novel, this book is a colorful, action packed tale that gives the reader a wealth of dialogue and visual resources to in More...
Summary:
A band of three students find they have a common enemy and pursue him to secure the return of a valuable notebook he has stolen. In endeavoring to regain the notebook, the three set off on a wild set of adventures, helping each other along the way and creating fantastic inventions.
Constructed as a graphic novel, this book is a colorful, action packed tale that gives the reader a wealth of dialogue and visual resources to in More...
Feb 28, 2011
Penelope
rated it:
I love Eleanor Davis's comics & artwork. She knows how to tell a story. As someone who knows her through her more "adult" work, I was curious how she would tackle a children's story and was excited to see this book at my local library.
Overall, I thought the story was good, albeit simple and a bit predictable. I liked the characters and can definitely see this being the beginning of a series in which the three main characters and their families become more fully developed More...
Overall, I thought the story was good, albeit simple and a bit predictable. I liked the characters and can definitely see this being the beginning of a series in which the three main characters and their families become more fully developed More...
Sep 03, 2011
babyhippoface
rated it:
Things the grown-up me liked about SSA:
- the character of Ben. So sympathetic, this genius-minded boy who thinks he's stupid because he cannot spell well or take tests. I'd like to see him discover more about why he has those difficulties, maybe gain some insight so he can make changes and boost his self-esteem.
- Julian finds a bit of self-worth for himself, as well, and learns to embrace his nerdiness.
- Greta already has a solid sense of self-worth, and a big ol' bunch More...
- the character of Ben. So sympathetic, this genius-minded boy who thinks he's stupid because he cannot spell well or take tests. I'd like to see him discover more about why he has those difficulties, maybe gain some insight so he can make changes and boost his self-esteem.
- Julian finds a bit of self-worth for himself, as well, and learns to embrace his nerdiness.
- Greta already has a solid sense of self-worth, and a big ol' bunch More...
Aug 22, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Julian, a bit of a nerd, gets a chance to start over at a new school and desperately tries to hide the fact that he knows all the answers. Ben is a smart jock but lacks confidence in his intellectual abilities. And Greta is a smart-as-a-whip girl who constantly wears a bike helmet on her fabulous hair. The three eventually realizes that they are all passionate inventors and form the Secret Science Alliance. Adventures and inventions keep them busy for the rest of the book.
I really More...
I really More...
Feb 06, 2012
L12aliciacarrera
rated it:
The super intelligent Julian Calendar is ecstatic when he finds out that his family is moving because his father is being transferred. He wants to leave school because he doesn't fit in. He detests being thought of as a 'nerd' by all of his classmates and he thinks that he can start fresh at a new school. He soon finds that he has the same problem at the new school. He is desperate to be just like everyone else, so he pretends not to be smart. What everyone else doesn't know is that Julian i
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Jan 04, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook is a colorful, fun look at kid superheroes (sort-of) who are brainy, nerdy, and inventors, to boot. Deep in their secret hideout, Ben, Justin, and Greta plan, draw, and invent wacky and kid-friendly super inventions. All their drawings are kept in a secret notebook. When a dastardly crooks steals their notebook and inventions, it is up to the trio to make things right again.
Told in graphic novel format, it will certainly appeal to kids More...
Told in graphic novel format, it will certainly appeal to kids More...
Aug 04, 2009
Scope
rated it:
A humble suggestion:
If you see this book, open it up, flip through it. The sheer amount of creativity and inventiveness is stunning. Eleanor Davis (creator of last year’s Geisel Honor-winning easy reader graphic novel Stinky) takes ideas that have been done before, adds elements that are brand new, churns it all through her imagination, and creates an highly detailed graphic novel that makes most others look half-baked. In doing so Davis proves herself as a talent to watch. The resul More...
If you see this book, open it up, flip through it. The sheer amount of creativity and inventiveness is stunning. Eleanor Davis (creator of last year’s Geisel Honor-winning easy reader graphic novel Stinky) takes ideas that have been done before, adds elements that are brand new, churns it all through her imagination, and creates an highly detailed graphic novel that makes most others look half-baked. In doing so Davis proves herself as a talent to watch. The resul More...
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Mar 19, 2010
Wayne
rated it:
Finally, a kid's book I thoroughly enjoyed. This is one of those rare joys you don't want to end and pray a sequel might be in the works. The attention to detail, the great writing style and the perfect art to match really threw me for a loop. As with many books aimed at the younger audience, it had a great message- you can't judge a book by its cover. In this case "the cover" would be the characters who you cannot judge by their outward appearance. There's the dumb jock, the troublema
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May 22, 2011
John
rated it:
Julian is a transfer student at a new middle school. He is a boy genius and an undercover scientist but attempts to not show it. One day he meets two other secret scientists, and they form the SSA "Secret Science Alliance." They create many inventions, and store their ideas for others in a book. One day that book is stolen by an evil scientist. They decide they are going to break in his laboratory and get their book back! When they get inside they discover that the scientist is plannin
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Oct 09, 2009
Kris
rated it:
For someone who's not naturally drawn to long-format comic books/ graphic novels, I've been reading quite a few of them lately, and this is the most intelligent one I've seen for kids lately. I love the unlikely trio of science whiz kids: the typical nerd who's trying to fit in, the tough chick, and the jock who doesn't think he's smart because he doesn't do well on tests. While the plot isn't hugely deep - the kids thwart an evil "inventor" (who actually stole their ideas) from robbin
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Jul 16, 2010
Tracie
rated it:
Trying to branch out and read some graphic novels so I picked this one up because of a review. It was fun and the details were amazing. Three middle school kids hide behind the persona of scary girl, jock and average boy (well average boy tries to be average) during the school day, but after hours they team up to be the SSA or Secret Science Alliance. They have a cool club house and work on awesome inventions - all of which are stolen by a famous, crazy inventor and used to break into the
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Sep 15, 2009
Chelsea
rated it:
This is a fun graphic novel celebrating science and invention - I know, sounds odd. Julian Calendar would really like to avoid being labeled as a nerd at his new school. Even as he struggles to keep his smarts hidden, two unexpected allies appear. Together, they form the Secret Science Alliance, complete with secret lair. When their inventions are stolen by a copycat scientist, they put their gadgets into action. Great characters, lots of nerdy scienceness, but still action packed and sure to en
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Nov 06, 2009
Richard
rated it:
Secret Science Alliance is ostensibly a kids comic, but it is a great all ages read and way better than much of the serious grown up comics I've read lately. I cannot wait to read more Davis. Her art (kind of a mix of Chris Ware and Jason Little) is densely packed, but clearly navigable and loads of fun to look at. The writing absolutely pitch perfect. If I had read this in 3rd grade my mind would have been permanently blown and I would have no doubt tried to create my own secret science inve
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Apr 21, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis won the 2009 Cybils award in the middle grade graphic novels category. It's the story of Julian Calendar coming to a new school and hoping to fit in by being one of the cool kids. Unfortunately he's a diehard geek and he's decided the way to gain friends is to act stupid and uninterested school.
This time though, things are different and not because Julian is successfully pretending to be an average student. Two other More...
This time though, things are different and not because Julian is successfully pretending to be an average student. Two other More...
Jul 10, 2011
The main character, Julian Calender, is moving to a new school, hoping to start over and have a different reputation. Unfortunately, that does not work. He makes friends with a few other nerds and together, they form the Secret Science Alliance.
They team up to defeat the evil villain, Dr. Stringer, in this jam-packed comic. With an outstanding visual aesthetic, children will be anxious to turn the next page to see what happens between the Secret Science Alliance and Dr. Stringer.
They team up to defeat the evil villain, Dr. Stringer, in this jam-packed comic. With an outstanding visual aesthetic, children will be anxious to turn the next page to see what happens between the Secret Science Alliance and Dr. Stringer.
Nov 23, 2009
Hayden
rated it:
Junior high school student Julian is determined NOT to be the nerd at his new school, and does his best to keep his extreme brainiess a secret. But he's bad at hiding it, and eventually outs himself--only to discover that Greta, the toughest kid in school, and Ben, the school jock, are also secret geniuses. They even have a secret lair!
Great art, a very villianous villian, and lots of awesome kid inventions make this a great pick for older elementary/younger middle school students.
Great art, a very villianous villian, and lots of awesome kid inventions make this a great pick for older elementary/younger middle school students.
Jul 28, 2011
A fantastic adventure romp for children, truly an example of the best of what the children's graphic novel genre has to offer. The characters are unique, engaging, and true to life. The plot had wacky hijinks but also sound scientific principles. And the themes of self love, self acceptance, and finding friends who celebrate your awesomeness are both timeless and timely. It well deserves its Eisner nomination and hopefully the win.
Feb 14, 2010
Spencer
rated it:
This book was amazing. I would love to form my own Secret Science Alliance. I loved that all of inventions seemed plausible (the nerd in me wonders where they get the water for their bathroom in the clubhouse).
I love the way this whole book is drawn, especially the cutaways and diagrams. In some ways this seems like a straight forward comic, and at the same time it feels like Eleanor Davis has created something completely new.
I love the way this whole book is drawn, especially the cutaways and diagrams. In some ways this seems like a straight forward comic, and at the same time it feels like Eleanor Davis has created something completely new.
Jan 12, 2010
Ellen
rated it:
Super nerdy boy moves to a new town and worries about fitting in. He attracts the attention of two other kids who are secret brainiacs, who invite him to join them in their scientific endevors. They quickly become embroiled with a crazy scientist who steals their ideas and worse. The extremely detailed drawings a blast to look over. Exciting and fun, but also touches on insecurities middle grade kids experience.
Jan 12, 2010
Lora
rated it:
This is a fun graphic novel about a group of unlikely friends who form a secret science club. I read it for booktalking purposes and I really think my 3rd and 4th graders will jump all over this book. It does have a lot of science elements, but with it being in the popular graphic novel format a lot of kids will pick it up anyway. There's mystery and adventure and humor, all things that will appeal to the elementary crowd.
Apr 26, 2010
Atticus
rated it:
3 1/2 stars
So there is a kid named Julian and he is really smart and he is at a new school and he meets up with these kids and they form a secret science alliance because they all love science. Their clubhouse is underneath a dog house and it is filled with their inventions. There is a person copying their inventions and he wants to steal something from a museum. So the club needs to stop him.
So there is a kid named Julian and he is really smart and he is at a new school and he meets up with these kids and they form a secret science alliance because they all love science. Their clubhouse is underneath a dog house and it is filled with their inventions. There is a person copying their inventions and he wants to steal something from a museum. So the club needs to stop him.
Jan 24, 2011
Mark
rated it:
I -almost- gave this 4 stars... but it's pretty predictable, which knocked it down slightly.
That said, it's a beautifully laid-out/drawn family-friendly story about smart kids with a sense of humor & some real inventiveness. (I will say that Eleanor Davis' design for the book looks a lot like Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics... that's a not a bad thing, mind you.)
That said, it's a beautifully laid-out/drawn family-friendly story about smart kids with a sense of humor & some real inventiveness. (I will say that Eleanor Davis' design for the book looks a lot like Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics... that's a not a bad thing, mind you.)
Oct 30, 2010
Chris
rated it:
I love a museum caper and I enjoyed this vividly illustrated graphic novel. The characters are smart and have more depth than I would have expected. It was really a fun read. However, I did not like that some of the speech bubbles were obscured by other graphics. I could read enough to know what the obscured bubble was all about but it was nevertheless annoying. Readers of graphic novels such as Bone, Bionicle, Hardy Boys, etc., should enjoy this one.
Feb 25, 2011
Becky
rated it:
Class nerd becomes unsung unknown hero as he joins with the star basketball jock and the scary eccentric spazz girl in their underground lab, where they assemble their inventions, which ultimately come in handy when they need to foil a robbery at a museum. The illustrations are busy and full of copious detail.
