Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Mid-late Elementary

There is something tricky about books that have fiction mixed with scientific facts. In one minute you’re learning about the number Googol (10^100) and Googleplex and Graham’s number and TREE(3), all mathematical phenomena.  The next minute you’re meeting an alien from Zarmina’s World (Gleise 581), a planet at times suspected to be capable of sustaining life, or the pre-Columbian North American civilization named Cahokia.  It becomes a bit difficult (even with my grown-up brain) to discern what is fiction versus what has a strong evidence-base.

Still, there are many positives. A resounding theme is: “Knowledge is light,” and the main character demonstrates courage, helpfulness, and perseverance.

In a previous review I brought up potential concerns, and I’d like to address whether any of  these have been developed.

  • Age of the earth.  No new developments.
  • Anti censorship.  There is mention that some books are designed to destroy and pass lies around.  So this theme actually is improved, because they recognize that some books are just no good.
  • Gender. Nothing to report.
  • Bad relationship with parents/authorities. A spoiled girl must learn the hard truth about her father, who has been destroying the library. His love for her is what dethrones him, so there are some redeeming aspects of this relationship.

I’m more open to this series than I was after reading Book 1, The Library of Ever.