A good book, but not one of my favorites! ( )

Zoomy has trouble seeing clearly, yet he may be one of the most insightful people in his town. He understands people and situations because he's used to studying objects up close. In this story, Zoomy's father shows up for the first time and leaves a mysterious box with Zoomy and his grandparents. Zoomy sets out to determine what's so special about a small notebook found in the box. Along the way he makes a wonderful friend and grows in ways he couldn't have imagined. I thought this was a touching story of a young person who learns in unique ways and turns his challenges into his strengths. His grandparents provide an inspiring sense of security and life wisdom for Zoomy that's accessible to kids and grown-ups alike. I recommend this book to readers who like to be stretched and challenged personally by what they read. ( )

This book came to me inadvertently and since I had not read or listen to any of Balliett's writings, I gave it a go. For me it was just so-so. I think the audio version is easier to follow because three people voice the production, so the Gas Gazette was the distraction other readers say it is. Zoomy and Lorrel seemed too precious to me. I actually think this may be a rare case of the narrator ruining a book. Both the beginning and end of the book drag but there is suspense to the mystery. And Zoomy's dealings with his long absent father are frightening. ( )

From September 2010 SLJ:
Gr 5–8—Balliett's latest mystery explores the intricacies of scientific discovery. Wealthy Mr. Zip has arranged for a priceless treasure, stolen years ago, to be delivered to him. He will indulge his dream of savoring this object, and then will return it to society, a magnanimous gesture that will ensure that he is remembered as a hero. Sadly, before the treasure reaches him, Mr. Zip dies of a heart attack. When a mysterious man in possession of the box learns about this, he senses opportunity for personal gain, but before he can learn what he's transporting, his truck is stolen. Switch to our narrator, Zoomy, an engaging 12-year-old who, with pathological myopia, sees the world differently than those around him. Raised by his grandparents, he is pulled into the intrigue when his absent and alcoholic father makes a brief reappearance in his life with the box. Inside, Zoomy and his grandparents find only an old notebook wrapped in a blanket. An inveterate list-maker and notebook-keeper himself, Zoomy immediately falls in love with the journal, sensing a kindred spirit in the creator. He attempts to learn more about its history as the man schemes to reclaim that which does not belong to him, and as issues of The Gas Gazette provide clues but no answers about a "mysterious soul." Balliett demonstrates how danger boxes are all around us—not just as containers of physical objects for which people will hazard a great deal, but as vehicles that expose us to risky ideas and dreams. This highly satisfying story will enlighten readers even as it inspires them to think about their own danger boxes.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA ( )