First-time author Reisman spins a wildly imaginative yarn about a sixth-grader who learns how to control the laws of the universe when he discovers the "Teacher's Edition of Physics." Reisman does this so adroitly that real information about gravity, electricity, friction and such seems as magical as the adventure that catapults Simon Bloom and his two friends into a struggle for domination of the universe. Theater veteran Nicholas Hormann is a wry delight as the "narrator" who finds that he is part of the story too. (Review By Lynne Heffley)

Here's what they say: "If battles of the brain are your preference...Michael Reisman's Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper (Dutton) is a thriller in which kids use their wits and the magic of science to overcome evil forces."

A good bet for fans of authors Alex Rider and Percy Jackson, this fast-paced adventure centers on an 11-year-old boy who can control physics. What kid do you know wouldn’t want to crawl on the ceilings? Short chapters and quirky humor add to the appeal. By Hannah Trierweiler | May/June 2008

A secret book with powers that could destroy the universe, sought after by nefarious beings; secret societies; an ironic British narrator; and an Everyboy hero with two best friends—it could be old hat, except that Reisman adds a science angle, making the secret book a "teacher's edition of physics" and shaping the science concepts not just accessibly but excitingly.

"Simon, a sixth-grader, is thrilled when he discovers a book that allows him to control the laws of physics. An amazing mix of humor, science, mystery, and intrigue." --Julia Green, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX

Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper, by Michael Reisman, is about a twelve year old boy named Simon. Simon finds a supernatural physics book that allows him to do anything he wants with physics. But there is a twist: a woman with many more powers wants the book so she can have the power. This book is interesting because it has a narrator and near the end Simon discovers the narrator′s office. This book was impossible to put down. Anyone from 10 to 14 that likes SciFi would love Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper. Overall it was a very good book.

What sixth grader wouldn′t want to be the Keeper of a book of formulas that gives its owner control over the laws of physics? When such a book falls into Simon Bloom′s hands, with great powers come even greater responsibilities: his problems quickly escalate from dealing with school bullies to battling super villains who want to steal all of the Books that control the sciences, while Simon is pursued by a secret society of Keepers that control the cosmic order of the universe. Unlike another famous boy with amazing powers, Simon Bloom′s "magic" is science-based; instead of casting spells, he recites formulas that alter gravity, density, and friction, with amazing results. Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper is fast-paced, and packed with slapstick action. It′s more grounded in reality than most "dragons and wizards" fantasy novels, yet it still packs the wallop of a good Marvel Comic. −"Mr." Steve (Also recommended by Kris Vreeland, Children's Book Buyer)

Gr 4-7—Simon Bloom, an average sixth grader who has made a habit of keeping his head down and out of trouble, discovers a 'teacher′s edition' physics manual that allows him to control gravity, velocity, and other physical properties. With his newfound powers, along with some new friends, he must face a rogue member of the mysterious Order of Physics who seeks to overturn the laws of nature. Part 'Harry Potter,' part The Hitchhiker′s Guide to the Galaxy, with a hint of 'Goosebumps' thrown in for good measure, Simon Bloom is a solid choice for the intended audience. The book has a standard plot and characters that rarely rise above one-dimensional; what saves it is the playful yet respectful way that Reisman integrates actual physics into the story. While his characters are running around fighting people with ridiculous names, they are also learning about Newton′s laws of gravity, motion, and velocity. With its mixture of humor, fast-paced action, and science fiction, this book will certainly appeal to many readers. Hopefully, it will get them interested in learning more about the real science, not the kind that enables kids to fly or shoot electricity, but the kind that still does some pretty cool things.—Steev Baker, Kewaskum Public Library, WI

Occasionally breaking into the story with a first-person comment, this book′s omniscient narrator tells the story of 11-year-old Simon Bloom, who one day discovers a mysterious, hidden forest in the middle of his New Jersey town. Followed by timid Owen, Simon enters the clearing where a secret, powerful group, the Order of Physics, has just met and disbanded. The adventure begins when a large book pops out of nowhere and decks Simon. Entitled Teachers′ Edition of Physics, the book is filled with scientific formulas that Owen figures out how to use, much like magic spells, and his increasing skills−for instance, he learns how to control gravity and friction−draw the attention of smart, popular Alysha, who joins Simon and Owen in marveling over the book′s secrets. Together, they must fight against a mysterious woman whose body is tattooed with scientific formulas and who is trying to take over the world. This is great, escapist fare for those smart middle-grade readers who are fascinated by science, magic, and adventure. − Diana Tixier Herald

Reisman's fast-paced, cinematic first novel, already optioned by Universal Studios, transcends its Spiderwickian premise to move in a different direction: it makes scientific concepts interesting and accessible. Like Newton's apple, a secret book—which contains so much power that it could become 'the most dangerous thing in existence'—falls from above and hits the Everyboy protagonist, 11-year-old Simon Bloom from New Jersey, smack on the head. Titled the Teacher's Edition of Physics, it teachers Simon how to turn himself into an 11-year-old superhero. As he tells his friends, the super-cool Alysha and tiny, cowardly Owen, 'This Book tells me how science really works.... It only looks like magic if you don't understand.' Using one of the book's formulas, he takes away Alysha's body's kinetic friction, and she slips and slides over dry forest leaves.The kids' personalities evolve as the book progresses, although the villains (they try to capture the book) are flat, stock characters. The narrator is British—'all the best Narrators are from Great Britain'—and members of an Order of Physics receive silly names, such as Ralfagon Wintrofline and Mermon Veenie. These mannerisms, by now familiar in novels for this target group, function almost as a kind of shorthand: kids who like ironic narration will like this title, too. Ages 9-up. (Feb.)

The town of Lawnville has many secrets; among them are the forest that hides itself from all but a select group and The Order of Physics, part of an arcane union that explores the sciences. Things start to break apart in Lawnville, however, when a sixth-grader named Simon Bloom (so ordinary that people often forget his name) comes into possession of a large book labeled Teacher's Edition of Physics. Pursued by a brilliant villain named Sirabetta and her not-so-bright sidekick, Mermon, Simon teams up with fellow sixth-graders Owen (easily frightened but resourceful) and smart, mouthy Alysha. Told in a series of amusingly titled chapters with occasional commentary by the (unseen, but omniscient) Narrator, this tale plays fast and loose with fantasy and science-fiction conventions−with great success. The action is fast-paced; there is lots of slapstick humor; and things do work out in the end. The last chapter even hints of a sequel. Tweens who enjoyed Lemony Snicket will be equally amused by this lightweight but swift and funny read. (Science fiction. 12-14)

Universal Pictures has optioned the book...Gary Ross's company Larger Than Life and The Gotham Group will be producing. Gary Ross wrote/ directed PLEASANTVILLE and SEABISCUIT, and Michael is thrilled to have SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER in his hands.

The book will be called SIMON BLOOM: THE OCTOPUS EFFECT. It will focus on Simon and his friends joining the Order of Physics and going to the headquarters of the Order of Biology. Why? You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?
(Yes, you will.)

Patakis Publishers will be publishing it in Greece.
Ediciones Destino will be publishing it in Spanish in Spain.
Edicions 62 will be publishing it in Catalan in Spain.
Publicacoes Dom Quixote will be publishing it in Portugal.
DTV Junior will be publishing it in Germany.

The book came out on February 14th, 2008: Valentine's Day. It's not a romantic book, but hey, you can always give that someone special the gift of gravity. It's also available for pre-order on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and many other fine sites...