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Aleca Zamm #1
Aleca Zamm Is a Wonder
Meet the wonder-full Aleca Zamm, an ordinary ten-year-old with an extraordinary ability: she can stop time!
Aleca Zamm has finally reached double digits and she still doesn’t have a “thing”—a special talent or ability that will make her stand out. Her best friend, Maria, has a thing (swim team); her sister, Dylan, has a thing (singing); and even her former BFF Madison has a thing (soccer). But Aleca? No. Thing.
Until the day of her tenth birthday when Aleca discovers she can stop time just by saying her name. Suddenly, Aleca has a thing…and life is about to get a lot more interesting!
It turns out that being a Wonder (as her eccentric Aunt Zephyr, who is also a Wonder, calls it) comes with a few caveats, and that stopping time doesn’t go undetected by other Wonders or those who may be searching for them. With her new mentor Aunt Zephyr by her side, Aleca discovers that being special comes with special challenges she never expected.
Aleca Zamm has finally reached double digits and she still doesn’t have a “thing”—a special talent or ability that will make her stand out. Her best friend, Maria, has a thing (swim team); her sister, Dylan, has a thing (singing); and even her former BFF Madison has a thing (soccer). But Aleca? No. Thing.
Until the day of her tenth birthday when Aleca discovers she can stop time just by saying her name. Suddenly, Aleca has a thing…and life is about to get a lot more interesting!
It turns out that being a Wonder (as her eccentric Aunt Zephyr, who is also a Wonder, calls it) comes with a few caveats, and that stopping time doesn’t go undetected by other Wonders or those who may be searching for them. With her new mentor Aunt Zephyr by her side, Aleca discovers that being special comes with special challenges she never expected.
160 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2017
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 28, 2018
Rue, Ginger Aleca Zamm Is a Wonder. Simon & Schuster, 2017. $7. Content: G
Aleca's tenth birthday is not going well. And then she discovers she has the ability to stop time. Surprise! Since she feels like she deserves after her bad day, she uses her abilities to cheat on a math test and take petty revenge on people who have annoyed her. (e.g. she pantses her school principal, glues two mean girls' hair together, and sticks a bug in a boy's mouth.) The chaos draws her mysterious great-aunt, who explains Aleca's new powers to her.
This is an enjoyable, quick read, and for the most part Aleca is a great character. Unfortunately, while she did regret cheating on her math test, there were no consequences -- emotional or otherwise -- for taking advantage of her ability in order to do mean things to others. Being able to stop time and harm others while they are frozen and vulnerable is quite a power, and it would be nice to know that Aleca would ultimately use that power for good. Also, the ending came rather abruptly; I actually got to the last page, saw the acknowledgements on the next page, and said out loud, "That's it?!?" (Yes, book frustrations can occasionally make me talk to myself. Or to the books, really.)
I did enjoy the writing. However, I'm hopeful that the author's next book will give me a satisfying ending and a character to root for.
EL -- OPTIONAL. Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
Aleca's tenth birthday is not going well. And then she discovers she has the ability to stop time. Surprise! Since she feels like she deserves after her bad day, she uses her abilities to cheat on a math test and take petty revenge on people who have annoyed her. (e.g. she pantses her school principal, glues two mean girls' hair together, and sticks a bug in a boy's mouth.) The chaos draws her mysterious great-aunt, who explains Aleca's new powers to her.
This is an enjoyable, quick read, and for the most part Aleca is a great character. Unfortunately, while she did regret cheating on her math test, there were no consequences -- emotional or otherwise -- for taking advantage of her ability in order to do mean things to others. Being able to stop time and harm others while they are frozen and vulnerable is quite a power, and it would be nice to know that Aleca would ultimately use that power for good. Also, the ending came rather abruptly; I actually got to the last page, saw the acknowledgements on the next page, and said out loud, "That's it?!?" (Yes, book frustrations can occasionally make me talk to myself. Or to the books, really.)
I did enjoy the writing. However, I'm hopeful that the author's next book will give me a satisfying ending and a character to root for.
EL -- OPTIONAL. Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
October 11, 2017
Aleca Zamm seems to be a normal fifth grader from a normal family. Her biggest problem is the timed tests her mean math teacher subjects the class to. Even though she is fairly good at math and makes A's in other subjects, those timed tests are killing her. It doesn't help that her ex-friend Madison always does well and is the evil Mrs. Floberg's pet student. Madison always earns a jolly rancher for her good scores. Aleca really wants one of those candies.
Aleca's life changes one morning just before a timed test. Madison accuses her of breaking a rule that she didn't break. Aleca angrily denies it to Mrs. Floberg. The principal gets involved and demands to know Aleca's name. Aleca, of course, replies, "Aleca Zamm." She is astonished when everything around her stops moving. She eventually comes to realize that she has stopped time itself!
The opportunities and consequences that arise as Aleca learns about this power fuel the story. This is the first book in a new series about Aleca and her adventures. I would recommend this story to 3rd through 6th graders who like stories about girls who acquire super-human powers.
Aleca's life changes one morning just before a timed test. Madison accuses her of breaking a rule that she didn't break. Aleca angrily denies it to Mrs. Floberg. The principal gets involved and demands to know Aleca's name. Aleca, of course, replies, "Aleca Zamm." She is astonished when everything around her stops moving. She eventually comes to realize that she has stopped time itself!
The opportunities and consequences that arise as Aleca learns about this power fuel the story. This is the first book in a new series about Aleca and her adventures. I would recommend this story to 3rd through 6th graders who like stories about girls who acquire super-human powers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
When Aleca accidentally freezes time during a test, she decides to test it out more than once. Her Aunt Zephyr and many other wonders like Aleca sense her new ability. In order to keep her and her family safe, Aleca must learn to use her new powers. Will she succeed?
The illustrations in this book are detailed and add to the story. The plot is silly, fun, and engaging. The magical elements were enchanting and really drew the reader into the story. The backstory created by the author to explain the magic was fun and easy to believe. Fans of realistic fiction, magical realism, and stories about family will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' July Weekly Reads Wrapup #2 episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
The illustrations in this book are detailed and add to the story. The plot is silly, fun, and engaging. The magical elements were enchanting and really drew the reader into the story. The backstory created by the author to explain the magic was fun and easy to believe. Fans of realistic fiction, magical realism, and stories about family will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' July Weekly Reads Wrapup #2 episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
August 20, 2017
I picked this up because it seemed like a cute chapter book. As a whole, it is certainly cute, and I can see its appeal. On Aleca Zamm's tenth birthday, she feels like she is far from special. Her teacher seems to be out to embarrass her, as does the grade's Mean Girl/teacher's pet. Just then, she discovers a hidden talent: the ability to stop time!
Immediately, Aleca uses this ability to get back at some of these people, cheat on tests, and catch up on her sleep--just as any ten-year-old likely would. Of course, there are some moral issues with stopping time to do these things. Towards the very end, Aleca begins to recognize that she shouldn't be using her ability to just help herself. The realization itself is good, but then the book just...ended?
All in all? It's fun and enjoyable, but seems to end just as the problem is introduced. Fortunately, the first couple of chapters of the next book are included at the end...
Immediately, Aleca uses this ability to get back at some of these people, cheat on tests, and catch up on her sleep--just as any ten-year-old likely would. Of course, there are some moral issues with stopping time to do these things. Towards the very end, Aleca begins to recognize that she shouldn't be using her ability to just help herself. The realization itself is good, but then the book just...ended?
All in all? It's fun and enjoyable, but seems to end just as the problem is introduced. Fortunately, the first couple of chapters of the next book are included at the end...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
This was diffidently one of the books that I was VERY interested in, and I read this book during quarantine, but before I had it I was always laying around being SUPER bored. So my mother got me this book, including some other ones (that you will probably see on my page soon.) I really enjoys the INCREDIBLY good story, I mean a girl with super powers! But, there still were a little flaws about this book too, But I dont want to ruin the story for you. I'm not quite sure if I will read the next books (I do have them on my bed-side table right now) but I know if I do I will enjoy it!!!
July 1, 2017
Would you rather be a Wonder or a Dud? What seems a simple question at first, may be harder to answer than you think.
Aleca Zamm Is a Wonder may help you appreciate your own gifts along with your ordinary talents. It seems as though the books in this series are all one long story. I appreciate Aunt Zephyr spry oldness.
Kid's who've enjoyed the Quirks, will enjoy this series for sure. Other readers will too.
Aleca Zamm Is a Wonder may help you appreciate your own gifts along with your ordinary talents. It seems as though the books in this series are all one long story. I appreciate Aunt Zephyr spry oldness.
Kid's who've enjoyed the Quirks, will enjoy this series for sure. Other readers will too.
July 12, 2020
AR 4.3 and 2 pts. This is a good book to move kids forward in a reading level. It is an engaging story that will get kids to want to turn the page.
I like that the lines of text are further apart and also like early readers and has less pages than an average AR 4.3.
I like that the lines of text are further apart and also like early readers and has less pages than an average AR 4.3.
June 17, 2018
On her tenth birthday, Alaca Zamm discovers she can stop time, and soon after discovers that great power holds great responsibility.
September 26, 2019
Interesting, and may have the "mean kid does not nice things" appeal for the 10 year olds this is aimed at.
August 22, 2023
Ich fand dieses Buch toll sehr toll und sehr cool lustig spannend.
May 28, 2025
This book is amazing! My mom is friends with the author on Facebook. I have read this book so many times. It is awesome!
March 14, 2017
This was great! On her birthday, Aleca Zamm is in class, getting in trouble for something she didn't do (thanks to a snotty girl at school). When the principal asks for her name, everyone suddenly stops moving. The clock stops ticking.
And how does Aleca make use of this time? She brings over the hamster from the other classroom, undoes her principal's belt, and catches a kid picking his nose. When she finally figures out to start time again, when her mom picks her up from school, a weird lady is in their car. Her mom says she's her aunt. Is she? What's the story?
Full of silly observations and wild hijinks, this book is sure to delight any beginning reader. It certainly delighted me!
And how does Aleca make use of this time? She brings over the hamster from the other classroom, undoes her principal's belt, and catches a kid picking his nose. When she finally figures out to start time again, when her mom picks her up from school, a weird lady is in their car. Her mom says she's her aunt. Is she? What's the story?
Full of silly observations and wild hijinks, this book is sure to delight any beginning reader. It certainly delighted me!
December 26, 2019
Very easy read, but not much plot. A "loser" girl - she feels she is not good at anything and is bullied by her sister, girls at school, and her teacher. On her 10th birthday, discovers she can stop time. Chooses to cheat on two tests and wreak havoc on her teacher and classmates. A long lost aunt comes to tell her she is a Wonder.
But not much else happens. It really sets up for book two. Reading the first chapters of the next book, you feel like it was supposed to be one book, but the publishers decided to split it apart.
Just ok -
But not much else happens. It really sets up for book two. Reading the first chapters of the next book, you feel like it was supposed to be one book, but the publishers decided to split it apart.
Just ok -
Read
June 30, 2017This book started well, but felt incomplete at the end. It answered the question of what and why Aleca was special, but ended right after introducing what I felt was the major plot point of the overall story. Sometimes, cliff-hangers work, but this one didn't do it for me. I would have preferred to have the first and second books combined.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews