For kids who dream of secret inventions and solving puzzles, this book delivers a thrilling adventure where a quirky attic holds fantastical, dangerous devices.
A parent might reach for this book when their curious, puzzle-loving child is facing a big change, like a move to a new town. It's a story that channels feelings of displacement into a thrilling adventure. After losing their home in a fire, 14-year-old Nick and his family move into a dilapidated Victorian house, where the attic is filled with the bizarre and dangerous inventions of Nikola Tesla. Nick and his new friends must track down all the scattered objects before a shadowy secret society gets to them. This fast-paced book is a fantastic blend of science fiction, mystery, and humor, exploring themes of teamwork, bravery, and adapting to new circumstances. It's perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy a high-energy story that sparks imagination and creative problem-solving.
The family is dealing with the past death of the mother and the recent loss of their home and all possessions in a fire. This grief and loss are treated as backstory and context for the family's current precarious situation, not as the central emotional focus. The approach is secular and realistic, highlighting the stress of starting over. The overall tone is hopeful, as the adventure gives the protagonist a new sense of purpose.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 10 to 12-year-old who enjoys high-concept adventure series like 'The 39 Clues' or 'Percy Jackson'. They are likely interested in puzzles, gadgets, and stories that blend historical facts with fantastical fiction. It is an especially good fit for a child navigating the social challenges of a new school or town, as it models making friends through a shared, exciting goal.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The historical context of Nikola Tesla is a fun layer but not essential for understanding the plot. The science is entirely fantastical, requiring a suspension of disbelief rather than prior knowledge. A parent has a child who loves science and escape rooms, but complains of being bored. Or, a parent overhears their child expressing anxiety or frustration about being the 'new kid' and needing to find their place.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the fast-paced action, the weird inventions, and the humor between the friends. An older reader (11-13) will also appreciate these elements but may engage more with the historical context, the moral ambiguity of the Accelerati's goals, and the growing sense of responsibility the characters feel.
What Makes It Special
What makes 'Tesla's Attic' unique is its brilliant use of a real historical figure, Nikola Tesla, as the foundation for a quirky, modern sci-fi adventure. Unlike many STEM-oriented books, the plot is driven by mystery and action rather than explicit education. The concept of 'sentient junk' and ordinary objects having extraordinary powers is highly original and engaging.
Read plot summary
Fourteen-year-old Nick Slate, his younger brother, and his father move to Colorado Springs after a house fire destroys their home and belongings. In their strange new rental house, Nick discovers an attic full of seemingly useless junk that turns out to be a collection of fantastical inventions created by Nikola Tesla. These objects, from a battery that can reanimate dead animals to a remote control that manipulates emotions, are now scattered all over town. Nick, along with his new friends Caitlin, Mitch, and Vince, must race against a mysterious and dangerous secret society known as the Accelerati to collect all the inventions.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
If you found one of Tesla's inventions, like the old camera or the baseball glove, would you use it? What are the potential dangers of using powerful technology that you don't fully understand?
2
The Accelerati believe they are working for the good of the world, but their methods are dangerous. Do you think a good goal can ever justify bad actions? Why or why not?
3
Nick, Caitlin, Mitch, and Vince all have very different skills and personalities. How did their different strengths help them work as a team, especially during the scene with the out-of-control refrigerator?
4
At first, all the powerful inventions just look like worthless junk. Why do you think Tesla would disguise them this way? What does this suggest about how we value things or people based on their appearance?
