Ghost in the Water (The League of Scientists) - Softcover

Editors At Science, Naturally!

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0970010621 ISBN 13: 9780970010629

Publisher: Science, Naturally!, 2014

Synopsis

There's a lot more going on in this town than meets the eye. This blended fiction mystery is served with a side order of the supernatural ... or is it science?

All of this changes when his interest in robotics lands him an invitation to join four of his classmates in a secret group called The League of Scientists. John and his new friends Malene, Dev, Natsumi and Kimmey, pool their knowledge of biology, technology, logic, and chemistry to unravel mysteries that haunt the quiet town of East Rapids. The League is in a race against time to uncover the secret of the ghost who is terrorizing the middle school swimming pool.

Join the League as they run out the clock in Ghost in the Water, the first adventure in this new and exciting The League of Scientists science mystery series!

About this title

About the Author

A young Andy Kaiser said he wanted to be a stunt man, however, he never had combat training or took gymnastics or learned to jump out of a burning ten-story building. He's now in a safer profession―a system and network consultant in Grand Rapids, MI. He's learned to channel his need for adventure into his writing. He can be reached at Andy@ScienceNaturally.com.

Review

This is exactly what science is about: curious kids using their knowledge to solve challenges. These kids tackle the problem of a haunted swimming pool that is disrupting the whole town. Watching the youngsters unravel the mystery is a great reminder that science is not just something done by old guys in white lab coats. This book is a wonderful kid-sized science adventure! (Alexander Pancic, Chemistry and Engineering, The English High School Jamaica Plain, MA)

Ghost in the Water is a perfect book for mystery lovers and science enthusiasts of all ages! It reminds us that knowing science and math can make a difference, even in middle school. I especially love that girls are key members of the League. They will inspire and spark interest in girls beginning to explore STEM careers. I wish I had a book like this when I was growing up! (Naiyma Houston, Founder and Director, Upper Hand to College, Ventura, Ca)

With Ghost in the Water, the author has given a younger generation a highly readable adventure/detective story that carries an important lesson... I see a great, bright future for the League of Scientists. (James Randi, Founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation)

... I can heartily recommend this adventure in scientific thinking. (Ann Druyan, co-writer, Co-Writer of the Cosmos TV series and wife of the late Carl Sagan)

I loved this novel, and believe most readers of any age will too. It’s one great adventure with an educational theme! (Piers Anthony, Celebrated science fiction and fantasy author of the "Xanth" and "Incarnations of Immortality" series)

I love this book! Kids will strongly relate to, and absolutely love, the cast of characters in this exciting mystery. The League of Scientists brilliantly intertwines mathematics and scientific concepts into an engrossing story. Middle schoolers will be quickly immersed in solving the mystery. From binary numbers to cell biology and robotics, Andy Kaiser makes scientific concepts exciting and the scientific method relevant. Teachers and parents will be impressed with how the book piques young readers’ interest in emerging scientific fields. Just as John, the main character, gains self-confidence and begins to believe in his abilities, so, too, will readers be encouraged to follow their curiosity, complete tasks and reach goals. There is a lot more going on in this town than what meets the eye...but I’ll let the League of Scientists reel you in. Grab this book and become a member of the League as John, Natsumi, Malene, Hector and Kimmey embark on this mysterious journey! (Renee Anderson, Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, IL)

An easy read with a very powerful message! The League of Scientists creatively blends humor and gripping suspense with chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and technology. The kids exhibit fear, anxiety, cooperation, communication and compassion, all while utilizing the scientific method. Science saves the day in this exemplary book. Parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing it with their kids. I will recommend the book to the administration to be a required reading for all faculty and students! (Kamaal Khazen, Dean of Applied Sciences De La Salle Institute four year college preparatory school, Chicago, IL)

A great book for mystery enthusiasts and science geeks of all ages, but especially middle grades. The characters are diverse and include smart girls (and boys) who understand the power of inquiry. Readers will be captivated by the entertaining story--and, all the while, they'll be learning how useful science and math can be...even for kids! (Diane Dexter, Central Library Services, Manhattan-Ogden School District, Manhattan, KS)

This novel is the first "League of Scientists" mystery series, which blends mystery with the applied sciences. It provides a venue for scientific thinking along with intrigue and mystery. Seventh grader John Hawkins tries to fit in with the other students in a new school as he is targeted by the school bully. John’s interest in robotics leads to an invitation to join a secret science club, The League of Scientists. They join forces with their scientific knowledge to solve the mystery of the 'ghost' who’s terrorizing their swimming pool and who may cause them to lose their swim meet. The Glossary defines relative terms, while an Index provides easy navigation through the text. The first page and back cover of the book give excellent reviews from national educators about the quality of this story. One statement summarizes the praises: "This is exactly what science is about: curious kids using their knowledge to solve challenges." It’s important that middle grade girls are an important part of the story since this should also pique their interest in science. When science and the supernatural come together, these disparate areas provide an intriguing mystery story! (Annie Laura Smith, Children's Literature)

John is the new kid in seventh grade. He doesn't fit in until he is thrust into the top-secret League of Scientists. Along with Kimmey, Malena, Natsumi, and Carlos, John sets out to solve the mystery of a ghost appearing in the school swimming pool. The book is clever in applying the scientific method and explaining several chemical concepts... [It] will appeal to science-oriented middle schoolers. First in The League of Scientists mysteries, the book includes an extensive glossary. (Gayla Parks, Librarian, Kearney (Missouri) Middle School Library Media Connection,, March/April 2015)

Edition details

• Publisher: Science, Naturally!
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0970010621
• ISBN 13: 9780970010629
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192
• Illustrator: Al-Greene Bob