Noah can manifest characteristics of all the animals on
Earth since his body contains all of their DNA. He can summon the strength of a
bear or elephant, swing from trees like a monkey, or escape from danger as a
bird. Transforming into various animals adds interest and unpredictability to
his character but readers can also learn about these characters. Learning about
animals that can secrete poison, change colors and patterns, or survive with
little oxygen may be new to young readers. These qualities come in very handy
as Noah encounters many dangerous challenges.
The authors utilize a humorous tone throughout the narrative
which adds levity to the adventure. Noah’s “sister” Andi is an android character
with super intelligence and she’s able to camouflage herself as a suitcase. Conversations
between Noah and Andi can become comical. Noah’s friend Ogden is a brainy human
but his sense of appropriate behavior and talk needs work. The kids visit a
little old lady and end up soaring through space in her house. Aliens kidnap a
girl from her pool party after using baby pacifiers to immobilize the adults. A
planet’s main problem is that it’s become an intergalactic, toxic waste dump. Finally,
Noah’s character can present funny situations when he unexpectedly displays
animal traits.
I sometimes get annoyed when authors use multiple settings but
these authors effectively separate the main characters. Noah is ejected into an
escape pod, Ogden and Sahara ride the house rocket to its end, and Andi is
stranded by herself. Noah’s journey allows him to meet another N.O.A.H. and
provides more information about their potential futures. This new character has
the same ability as Noah but its animals come from another planet. Ogden and
Sahara arrive on the planet Claire where they uncover a malevolent scheme. Ogden
has a crush on the character Claire and he’s determined to rescue his future girlfriend
(even if she doesn’t feel the same way).
What didn’t work as well:
The humor of the book may not appeal to serious readers. The situations
and wordplay can get wacky and absurd which some readers don’t appreciate.
The final verdict:
You might want to read the first book to fully understand the
backstory of N.O.A.H. Noah’s ability to become different animals is entertaining
and educational and the amusing tone of the story keeps things light. Overall,
this is a fun book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.
Sounds a bit like Pinkwater's work. Shusterman has become a bit of a hard sell lately. Like his early 2000s work better.
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