Nick and Tesla's High Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery with Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself

Gr 4–6—Twins Nick and Tesla are sent to stay with their uncle while their parents travel abroad. Uncle Newt is a mad scientist, which suits the kids, who are both science enthusiasts. When they make a rocket that lands in the yard of a creepy house, they discover that not only are the grounds protected by Rottweilers, but there's a girl on the second floor who urges them to leave. Meeting up with neighborhood kids DeMarco and Silas, they investigate and find a suspicious SUV following them and a nefarious plot they help to foil. Narrator MacLeod Andrews does a terrific job fully voicing this adventure, making the twins distinguishable and giving every other character a unique voice. Andrews is able to show Nick's cautious nature and Silas's fear. Because the text contains science projects the readers can build, Andrews does his best with the list of items needed and the instructions, though there are references to a booklet that is not included. The experiments sound difficult and most need adult assistance, but kids will likely be fascinated if they can get them to work. The characters are clever and empathetic, while the plot is fast-paced though ridiculous. Recommended for larger collections, especially those with budding scientists.—C.A. Fehmel, St. Louis County Library, MO