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ellingtonfeint's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great children's book, the storyline is not overly simple, it is set in a gorgeous location, peopled with fun and interesting characters and has other interesting elements scattered throughout like codes, inventions, Thomas Edison, and the like.
At about half way I was a little disappointed because it seemed like one storyline was wrapping up a bit too perfectly and also independently of the other.
HOWEVER it gets good again because Viviani herself is accused of plagiarism and then has to wrestle with the moral dilemma of what really is stealing, is it only stealing something physically, or can ideas be stolen? What about if someone actually does steal something physically but their motive was good? Does stealing boil down to the person's intent or is it black and white?
So then we see the two storylines converge once again in a beautifully complex way, encouraging children to think about these big ideas.
Yup, a great book, although written for children (so obviously the writing is somewhat simple), the plot and the ideas introduced are thought-provoking, interesting, and very, very delicious for a anyone who enjoys literary-ish things.
I don't want to wish I had read this as a child, but I know I would have loved it, and enjoyed reading now anyway as an adult.
At about half way I was a little disappointed because it seemed like one storyline was wrapping up a bit too perfectly and also independently of the other.
Spoiler
At first the two storylines are interwoven, Viviani is hoping to find inspiration for her story about friends by solving a mystery with her friends. But then she finds inspiration for her story elsewhere and wins the story contest, making everything seem happy and almost finished, all that's left is to solve the mystery of the missing books and hey presto! Everything will be all wrapped up and great!HOWEVER it gets good again because Viviani herself is accused of plagiarism and then has to wrestle with the moral dilemma of what really is stealing, is it only stealing something physically, or can ideas be stolen? What about if someone actually does steal something physically but their motive was good? Does stealing boil down to the person's intent or is it black and white?
So then we see the two storylines converge once again in a beautifully complex way, encouraging children to think about these big ideas.
Yup, a great book, although written for children (so obviously the writing is somewhat simple), the plot and the ideas introduced are thought-provoking, interesting, and very, very delicious for a anyone who enjoys literary-ish things.
I don't want to wish I had read this as a child, but I know I would have loved it, and enjoyed reading now anyway as an adult.
teamoxfordcomma's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Super cute MG story based on a real family who lived in the New York Public Library. I haven't read the first in the series, but they're interconnected standalones, so I was never lost. Great story especially for those who like to write (and a good lesson/reminder to cite sources!) as well as shine a light on medical injustices that are, sadly, still quite present in today's society. Cute little mystery with a precocious, bookish narrator and a great setting.
madelinefmcguire's review against another edition
4.0
Viviani Fedeler is a proud resident of the New York Public Library and she has dreams of becoming a reporter. So when her teacher assigns an essay competition with the winner getting their essay in the New York Times she's overjoyed. But then a terrible case of writer's block hits. Lucky for Viviani there's a new mystery afoot with old missing books, secret codes, and maybe even a spy!
This was just as good as the first one, but it does not need to be read after the first one. I can stand on its own. A good recommendation for those who love books that involve books, mysteries, and family dynamics.
This was just as good as the first one, but it does not need to be read after the first one. I can stand on its own. A good recommendation for those who love books that involve books, mysteries, and family dynamics.
lynn_k's review against another edition
4.0
Another heartwarming entry in the NYPL series. This one gets into the main mystery faster than the first one did. This one also made me cry. Not ugly cry like most of Rick Riordan's books, but I had to get a tissue and dab me eyes for a chapter or so. This book builds on the friendship theme of the first book and also adds a dash of doing the wrong thing for the right reason.
azajacks's review against another edition
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
becca_willie04's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
megnews's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
oliviasbookshop's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amdame1's review
4.0
Book 2
Viviani and her family live IN the New York Public Library. (I am soooo jealous!!) Viviani has decided that she wants to be a news reporter and is thrilled when her teacher announces a contest for the New York Times. However, she cannot seem to find the right topic and is worried that maybe she does not have what it takes. In addition, rare books have gone missing and Viviani and her friends are trying to find out who has taken them before the official library detective/overdue collector figures it out.
I absolutely love this inside look at the NY library building and the history there. Also, each chapter starts with a Dewey Decimal number. It makes this book nerd very happy. Sweet and fun. Read it!
Viviani and her family live IN the New York Public Library. (I am soooo jealous!!) Viviani has decided that she wants to be a news reporter and is thrilled when her teacher announces a contest for the New York Times. However, she cannot seem to find the right topic and is worried that maybe she does not have what it takes. In addition, rare books have gone missing and Viviani and her friends are trying to find out who has taken them before the official library detective/overdue collector figures it out.
I absolutely love this inside look at the NY library building and the history there. Also, each chapter starts with a Dewey Decimal number. It makes this book nerd very happy. Sweet and fun. Read it!
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