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Oliver’s Great Big Universe: Volcanoes Are Hot! (Big Universe Series #2)

Credits

Age Range

Publisher

Awards

Year Published

Reviewer

Bob Hoose

Book Review

After Oliver gets mixed up with a friend in a lunchroom disaster, he needs to redeem himself. So he decides to write another science-focused book. And this one’s a hot topic: volcanoes.

Plot Summary

Popularity in middle school is such a crazy thing. I mean, one day you’re pretty popular; the next day your friend vomits, and you’re unpopular.

OK, maybe it’s a little more complicated than that. But in Oliver’s case, it was pretty close.

You see, last year he discovered the joys of science and wrote a kid-friendly science book about the universe. Not only did his teachers smilingly pat him on the back for it, but his fellow middle schoolers liked it, too. In fact, that book made him something of a celebrity around school.

But then everything changed.

Here’s what happened. His nerdy friend, Sven, really likes cherry cobbler. OK, that’s not a bad thing, per se. But when you eat way too much of it and erupt like a volcano in the middle of the lunchroom—starting a chain reaction of barfing eruptions—well, it’s pretty bad.

Oliver got pulled into the barfing equation by being Sven’s friend and by slipping in the goop and getting covered in it. So, the whole event was like a doubly disastrous reputation-ruiner.

Now Oliver has to come up with something to help kids forget about the image of him covered in cherry-colored gunk. So maybe he’ll do another science book that the kids can think about instead.

That’s when it hits him: When volcanoes erupt, it’s kind of like an explosive barf. Maybe that’s what he can write about. Everybody likes a good-ol’ goop-spewing volcano. The science fair is full of ‘em.

Not only that, but Oliver’s geoscientist aunt is staying at his house right now. She can be his readymade expert. And on top of that, she’s the kind of laid-back adult who doesn’t flinch at comparing volcano explosions to the Earth belching and burping. And while kids don’t particularly love a guy barfing in the lunchroom, they love books that talk about passing gas.

Yep, this might just work.

Christian Beliefs

None.

Other Belief Systems

This book talks about how the Earth was formed and how the systems of the planet work, from a scientific point of view. There’s definitely a belief in scientific accuracy here, since some of the more theoretical assumptions in the mix are accepted faithfully as fact.

Authority Roles

Oliver spends a lot of time with his Aunt Dee this go ‘round. She’s a quirky scientist who uses hands-on camping trips, beach visits and chores to help Oliver grasp the scientific points she’s trying to make.

Oliver’s best friend, Evie, as well as her dad, have moved away. But he still stays in touch with them both via online calls. And he gets a few bits of solid advice from them.

Oliver’s teacher, Ms. Valencia, is very supportive of Oliver’s efforts in school and his work on his science fair project. And when another bright student’s science fair project breaks down, Oliver helps the girl complete her demonstration. That act of kindness earns him a new friend.

Profanity & Violence

There are a few humorous and lightly thumping moments in the story.

Sexual Content

None.

Discussion Topics

Science embraces some very distinct theories about how the Earth was formed. And the Bible, in Genesis 1:1, declares that God created the heavens and the Earth.

Do you think those statements oppose each other? Are there ways that science and Scripture actually complement each other? What’s the difference between science theory and science fact? How can you tell the difference?

Do you think it’s important for us to hear what God and science say about things? Why?

In the story, Oliver was initially looking for a way to regain his popularity. But later, when he has an opportunity to get First Prize in the science fair, he turns it down. Why do you think he does that?

What was your favorite part of this book?

Additional Comments

This is yet another STEM-themed, kid-focused book that can challenge young readers to think about the Earth we live on and how it works. Oliver’s story is inviting and creative.

The only light caveat that parents should be mindful of is the fact that author Jorge Cham presents all scientific theory as fact, and he pepper’s Oliver’s tale with an abundance of potty humor.

You can request a review of a title you can’t find at [email protected].

Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not necessarily their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.

Bob Hoose

After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

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