Stefan has quite a secret, and it is a secret like no other. His secret revolves around a strange being to which he is growing attached. Stefan’s secret is Scratchit. Little Scratchit is not only a Cyclops, but he is a Hook-Eyed Monster. Keeping him under wraps will be difficult, but that is Stefan’s plan–if only it will work. When Stefan and his classmates set out on a day trip, the secret he carries in his backpack weighs heavily on his mind. When Scratchit has other plans, the trip soon turns into more than any of them could have envisioned.

Chaos in the Cosmos: A Magic Islands Story, written by Irene Edwards, is the continuation of the story set forth in Edwards’s book, Magic Islands. Stefan and his friends, one of the focuses of the first book, appear again in Chaos in the Cosmos and provide readers with a highly entertaining string of events that lead them on an adventure like no other. This fantasy by Irene Edwards reads as much like a science fiction story as it does a fantasy for older elementary and middle school students. The parallel storyline involving the banished Purple Wizards picks up where it left off in Edwards’s first book.

Though integral to the plot, I found the Purple Wizards storyline to be a little scattered at times. While it is incredibly engaging, filled with fascinating characters, and also lends itself well to the adventure genre, this part of the plot addresses many aspects at one time and feels a bit overwhelming.

Edwards has done a phenomenal job of attacking changes in climate in a unique way that may be more interesting and meaningful for younger readers. I can say, as a teacher, that we truly do lack engaging materials that help us explain weather patterns, climate, and the impact we have on our environment. This, along with the stand-out characters she has created, is one of Edwards’s true strong suits.

I would recommend Chaos in the Cosmos to any upper elementary or middle school student who enjoys science fiction and is looking to branch out into a new series. In addition, teachers who are seeking to spice up science instruction and add a read aloud to their arsenal will benefit from checking out Irene Edwards’s most recent addition to the Magic Islands series.

Pages: 276 | ISBN: 1838075216