All About the Nick and Tesla Series
Summary: What makes the Nick and Tesla series surprising is that combined with the entertaining mystery-adventure in each book is a STEM-based theme and related DIY science activities for young readers. (Note: STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math) Each Nick and Tesla book has a different science focus, which is highlighted in the book’s subtitle.
This is a great way to both entertain and educate kids. The hands-on activities are designed to appeal to kids in grades 4-7, and they do.
The main characters in the series are Nick and Tesla, very bright 11-year-old twins. They are particularly interested in science and electronics. For one reason or another, including the disappearance of their parents and their own enthusiasm for inventing things and problem-solving, they often find themselves embroiled in a mystery. Nick and Tesla are often assisted by their friends Silas and Demarco.
In Book 1, their parents mysteriously disappear. Nick and Tesla go to stay with their eccentric Uncle Newt, an absent-minded scientist and inventor, and must deal with the mystery of their parents’ absence and their own safety. In Book 2, they go after the criminals responsible for a rash of robberies and end up having to deal with an army of robots. In Book 3, Nick and Tesla have to deal with a spy in their midst.
In Book 4, Nick and Tesla have to save science itself by solving the mystery of robots gone wild.
In Book 5, Nick and Tesla have to deal with a mystery threatening a movie being filmed nearby. In every case, the DIY activities are closely aligned with each book’s STEM theme and mystery-adventure.
The hardcover Nick and Tesla books are about 5” X 7.” In addition to the story illustrations, the step-by-step directions for the DIY science activities also include illustrations.
Authors: “Science Bob” Pflugfelder, who is an award-winning elementary school science teacher, and author Steve Hockensmith, whose books include the Holmes on the Range mystery series.
Illustrator:Scott Garrett, a freelance illustrator and potter who lives in the UK.
Length: Varies (See below.)
Recommended for: Ages 9-12
Categories: Mystery, adventure, science, middle grade fiction, DIY science activities
Publisher: Quirk Books
Available Formats: Hardcover and e-book
Books in the Nick and Tesla Series
Title: Nick and Tesla’sHigh-Voltage Danger Lab (Book 1)
Subtitle: A Mystery with Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself
Length: 237
Copyright: 2013
ISBN: Hardcover, 9781594746482
Title: Nick and Tesla’sRobot Army Rampage (Book 2)
Subtitle: A Mystery with Hoverbots, Bristlebots, and Other Robots You Can Build Yourself
Length: 224
Copyright: 2014
ISBN: Hardcover, 9781594746499
Title: Nick and Tesla’sSecret Agent Gadget Battle (Book 3)
Subtitle: A Mystery with Spy Cameras, Code Wheels, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself
Length: 256
Copyright: 2014
ISBN: Hardcover, 9781594746765
Title: Nick and Tesla’sSuper-Cyborg Gadget Glove (Book 4)
Subtitle: A Mystery with a Blinking Beeping, Voice-Recording Gadget Glove You Can Build Yourself
Recognition: The book was nominated for a 2015 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America.
Length: 272
Copyright: 2014
ISBN: Hardcover, 9781594747298
Title: Nick and Tesla’sSpecial Effects Spectacular (Book 5)
Subtitle: A Mystery with Animatronics, Alien Makeup, Camera Gear, and Other Movie Magic You Can Make Yourself
Length: 256
Copyright: 2015
ISBN: Hardcover, 9781594747601
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