Product Description

Read about Brendan, a biracial boy who loves science, and his middle school adventures in this sequel to the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award-winner .

Brendan Buckley is headed to middle school on a whole new adventure. When his alternative energy idea gets him paired with new girl Morgan Belcher for the national science competition, Brendan is skeptical. But their partnership clicks, and they embark on a methane-producing experiment involving bottles, balloons, and the freshest cow manure they can find.

As Brendan spends more time on the experiment, he has a lot of big questions: Does his police detective dad really think hes a science-nerd whimp? Will he and Khalfani, his best friend and Tae Kwon Do sparring partner, remain best friends? And can Brendan prove that his scientific pursuits really be world-changing?

*Brendan is both nerdy and immensely likable. . . . The prickliness between Brendan and his father is handled with particular deftness., Recommended

"Middle schoolers and science projects make for enjoyable combustible fiction. . . . The role of racism and family history is key in shaping these multifaceted characters. . . . appealing Brendan should keep readers fully engaged."

Children will enjoy the ups and downs of Brendans sixth-grade year and wait eagerly for his future exploits.

The complexity of the characters and the strength of Brendans family sets the book apart, as does Brendans biracial identity.