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Secret Coders #2
Paths & Portals
Gene Luen Yang is the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.
There's something lurking beneath the surface of Stately Academy—literally. In a secret underground classroom Hopper, Eni, and Josh discover that the campus was once home to the Bee School, an institute where teachers, students, and robots worked together to unravel the mysteries of coding. Hopper and her friends are eager to follow in this tradition and become top-rate coders. But why are Principal Dean and the rugby team suddenly so interested in their extracurricular activities?
From graphic novel superstar (and high school computer programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang comes the second volume of Secret Coders, Paths & Portals, a wildly entertaining new series that combines logic puzzles and basic programming instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
96 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2016
72 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
362 books3,367 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
March 27, 2016
*There are many things I really like about this series:
1) It is smart.
2) It is written for kids who are coders or noncoders.
3) It is interactive.
4) The characters are diverse and relatable.
5) It has math in it but without making it too obvious.
What I don't like about this series:
1) THE CLIFFHANGERS!
1) It is smart.
2) It is written for kids who are coders or noncoders.
3) It is interactive.
4) The characters are diverse and relatable.
5) It has math in it but without making it too obvious.
What I don't like about this series:
1) THE CLIFFHANGERS!
first-second-publications
September 2, 2016The second book of the fun, quirky, educational Secret Coders series!
Yet again, the Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes bring exciting storytelling, problem-solving, mystery, and amazing art that encourages readers in their journey to be master coders.
We here at :01 are huge fans of this series and hope that you join us in our excitement. Make sure to pick up this series soon, volume 3 will be out in March!
Yet again, the Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes bring exciting storytelling, problem-solving, mystery, and amazing art that encourages readers in their journey to be master coders.
We here at :01 are huge fans of this series and hope that you join us in our excitement. Make sure to pick up this series soon, volume 3 will be out in March!
July 14, 2017
I love this author and I love his books (I have said this before). I appreciate the talent it takes to weave an interesting story line filled with suspense, fun, and drama while teaching at the same time. This book is middle grade but I don't know anything about coding....well I didn't until recently. Yang is an ectremely talented author and teacher.
September 5, 2016
Coding is so new to me, but I love the idea of it. The Secret Coders series is a perfect introduction to coding and to a fun story. The graphic novel approach is excellent because it combines visual learning with storytelling, and I think young readers will find that combination very appealing.
What I love most about these books is that the main character, Hopper, is a young girl. Unfortunately, women still face obstacles in any sort of STEM or computer-related field, and young girls interested in either or both of those will love the focus on Hopper and her learning. It’s very encouraging, and her adventures in learning coding don’t feel forced. The author does a fantastic job of still giving Hopper a story beyond her education. She loves basketball, she argues with her mother, and she’s nervous making new friends at her new school.
The graphic novels have a self-learning component to them as well, allowing the reader to figure out a code before the answer is revealed. I tried a few of them myself, and it was really fun.
Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/...
What I love most about these books is that the main character, Hopper, is a young girl. Unfortunately, women still face obstacles in any sort of STEM or computer-related field, and young girls interested in either or both of those will love the focus on Hopper and her learning. It’s very encouraging, and her adventures in learning coding don’t feel forced. The author does a fantastic job of still giving Hopper a story beyond her education. She loves basketball, she argues with her mother, and she’s nervous making new friends at her new school.
The graphic novels have a self-learning component to them as well, allowing the reader to figure out a code before the answer is revealed. I tried a few of them myself, and it was really fun.
Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/...
October 3, 2016
The second book in the series, this one starts off where the first one left off, with the kids faced with a programming challenge. When they succeed, they learn more about the history of the school and that the janitor is not just a janitor but a hidden programmer and creator.
But things take a sinister turn when Hopper uses a robot to complete her homework, leading the sinister school principal to become interested in her activities. He then get the school rugby team to ambush her and her fellow coders and, later, the janitor. Once again, the book ends on a cliff hanger and the challenge is for you to help them save the janitor.
Picking up programming where it was left off in the first book, the reader is now introduced to additional programming concepts, like variable assignments. The book challenges the reader to complete the programming examples before finding out how Hopper does it, even if it not done in quite the same way.
Another interesting book on programming. Looking forward to what the Secret Coders get up to in the next book in the series.
But things take a sinister turn when Hopper uses a robot to complete her homework, leading the sinister school principal to become interested in her activities. He then get the school rugby team to ambush her and her fellow coders and, later, the janitor. Once again, the book ends on a cliff hanger and the challenge is for you to help them save the janitor.
Picking up programming where it was left off in the first book, the reader is now introduced to additional programming concepts, like variable assignments. The book challenges the reader to complete the programming examples before finding out how Hopper does it, even if it not done in quite the same way.
Another interesting book on programming. Looking forward to what the Secret Coders get up to in the next book in the series.
July 30, 2017
This is book two in the Secret Coders series.
Hopper, Eni, and Josh meet Professor Bee, founder of the Bee School, which has been mostly demolished and replaced by Stately Academy (the school all three friends attend). Professor Bee teaches them to code (program a robot turtle to follow specific paths). But Principal Dean and the rugby team are following them and trying to discover a secret.
The Secret Coders series follows the friends as they learn coding and try to solve the mystery of Stately Academy. Gene Luen Yang, along with being a “graphic novel superstar” taught high school computer programming.
The website (www.secret-coders.com) offers videos, activities, information, and coding lessons for interested readers.
This book is fun to read and kids could learn something too.
September 8, 2016
Yang is one of my favourite graphic novelists but this series doesn't do it for me. The first one was better as I found it unique but now it just tires for an adult reader. But let's take it for what it is. This is a book meant to be educational and get kids interested in coding. In that context, it does a good job of teaching and adding an extra bit of story with the kids having to deal with bullies and the big bad principal.
March 2, 2021
I’m not a fan of the green, white, and black color scheme. And it’s a little too STEM heavy for me.
April 29, 2017
Story: 4 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Hopper, Eni, and Josh formalize their team of secret coders. Meanwhile, strange things continue to happen at their private school and the principal is revealed to be downright devious. Introduces basic logic constructs of computer programming and some coding is worked into the story. The language appears to be based on machine code, which is simple enough for beginners. In addition to the binary math, commands, and loops introduced in the previous volume, variables are explained in this volume. The plot grows more mysterious and characters are more developed in this second volume.
This graphic novel collects issues/chapters 4 through 6 of Secret Coders. Ends on a serious cliffhanger. Art is good though the characters have strange eyes. The color scheme is white, black, and an aqua that gives the book an old-fashioned feel, though I believe it is set in present day. Probably best suited for middle schoolers, but some high school students may enjoy it as well, especially those who like math and computers.
Illustrations: 4 stars
Hopper, Eni, and Josh formalize their team of secret coders. Meanwhile, strange things continue to happen at their private school and the principal is revealed to be downright devious. Introduces basic logic constructs of computer programming and some coding is worked into the story. The language appears to be based on machine code, which is simple enough for beginners. In addition to the binary math, commands, and loops introduced in the previous volume, variables are explained in this volume. The plot grows more mysterious and characters are more developed in this second volume.
This graphic novel collects issues/chapters 4 through 6 of Secret Coders. Ends on a serious cliffhanger. Art is good though the characters have strange eyes. The color scheme is white, black, and an aqua that gives the book an old-fashioned feel, though I believe it is set in present day. Probably best suited for middle schoolers, but some high school students may enjoy it as well, especially those who like math and computers.
June 25, 2018
I kind of wish I'd had this series when I was younger, so I would've gotten into coding earlier. The book is still interactive and starts to get a little bit more involved in the plot, which I think kids will enjoy in conjunction with the problems. This isn't something that I'm following super closely, but I think Yang is doing good work by creating this series. I'm definitely too old for it, but I appreciate it in my old (college) age.
September 16, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/pa...
Paths and Portals
The Secret Coders, Book #2
By Gene Luan Han and Mike Holmes
ISBN 978-0-9906031-0-8
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Warning: This book does not stand on its own. It requires you to have read the previous book The Secret Coders, and is not a self-contained entity. That being said The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals carries on from where the previous book left off, and leaves you hanging (not the best feeling in the world). A tribute to LOGO, the computer programming language that is making a resurgence in early programming courses, The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals expands on the program command techniques learned in the earlier works, and adds to them. All and all, this is a good start for any young programmer, to sink their teeth into. Functioning on logic and problem solving, using coding, is a healthy way to introduce the little ones to critical thinking skills and the applications of which to use them.
Writing on computer programming in a fun and entertaining way – especially those books targeted at younger readers – is a rare thing these days. The Secret Coders series seeks to fill that gap, through the adventures of the three high school protagonists. The writing is light, and pensive, explaining the reasoning and logic in the manipulation of the robot turtles (how cool is that?). In the programming down time, the book switches gears and provides an entertaining look at the high school shenanigans, and turmoil that accompany life at the Stately Academy. While not poorly written, the science seems to come before the art, so to speak, causing a real lack of character development; not that this is a great loss in a mostly academic work. It does try to pull out the fun in programming, though, and teaches the art of paths, such as snowflake designs and other patterns, so it must be pointed out that there is some merit to the writing, entertainment-wise. The plot moves quickly, except during the programming moments in which the graphic novel slows down, such that comprehension can be developed. Quick paced and with twists and turns around any “portal,” The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals lives up to its namesake.
Artistically speaking, however, this is a throwback to the halcyon days of ‘50’s retro art. The characters look like they are right out of a Hanna Barbara cartoon, and this makes the pensive subject matter a little more easy to bear. Line weight is even, and there are minimal distractions in the artwork. What is needed is placed there meticulously. It’s almost a joy seeing this art form come back to the fore and The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals delivers it in spades. A simplified style, dynamic and poignant, eases the readers back into the story with minimal fuss, or distraction. Hazed over panel shots are new to this installment, however, and its purpose, to those not used to graphic novels, might take time to take in. This may be expanded on in the next book but for now, it remains a child’s enigma.
For the eager, young computer programmer in the family, or those wistful of a bygone age of programming, The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals is a good introduction to the art of logically working out computer programming. Skills from this book can be applied across languages, so LOGO isn’t the be all and end all of the story. Hopefully, in future installments, the stories will be more self-contained. This might prove difficult, as the nature of programing builds upon itself. With this being only the second book in the series, the opportunity to grab the two is not without reason. If you have a young enquiring mind about the technology in your house, look no further than the Secret Coders series.
Paths and Portals
The Secret Coders, Book #2
By Gene Luan Han and Mike Holmes
ISBN 978-0-9906031-0-8
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Warning: This book does not stand on its own. It requires you to have read the previous book The Secret Coders, and is not a self-contained entity. That being said The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals carries on from where the previous book left off, and leaves you hanging (not the best feeling in the world). A tribute to LOGO, the computer programming language that is making a resurgence in early programming courses, The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals expands on the program command techniques learned in the earlier works, and adds to them. All and all, this is a good start for any young programmer, to sink their teeth into. Functioning on logic and problem solving, using coding, is a healthy way to introduce the little ones to critical thinking skills and the applications of which to use them.
Writing on computer programming in a fun and entertaining way – especially those books targeted at younger readers – is a rare thing these days. The Secret Coders series seeks to fill that gap, through the adventures of the three high school protagonists. The writing is light, and pensive, explaining the reasoning and logic in the manipulation of the robot turtles (how cool is that?). In the programming down time, the book switches gears and provides an entertaining look at the high school shenanigans, and turmoil that accompany life at the Stately Academy. While not poorly written, the science seems to come before the art, so to speak, causing a real lack of character development; not that this is a great loss in a mostly academic work. It does try to pull out the fun in programming, though, and teaches the art of paths, such as snowflake designs and other patterns, so it must be pointed out that there is some merit to the writing, entertainment-wise. The plot moves quickly, except during the programming moments in which the graphic novel slows down, such that comprehension can be developed. Quick paced and with twists and turns around any “portal,” The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals lives up to its namesake.
Artistically speaking, however, this is a throwback to the halcyon days of ‘50’s retro art. The characters look like they are right out of a Hanna Barbara cartoon, and this makes the pensive subject matter a little more easy to bear. Line weight is even, and there are minimal distractions in the artwork. What is needed is placed there meticulously. It’s almost a joy seeing this art form come back to the fore and The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals delivers it in spades. A simplified style, dynamic and poignant, eases the readers back into the story with minimal fuss, or distraction. Hazed over panel shots are new to this installment, however, and its purpose, to those not used to graphic novels, might take time to take in. This may be expanded on in the next book but for now, it remains a child’s enigma.
For the eager, young computer programmer in the family, or those wistful of a bygone age of programming, The Secret Coders: Paths and Portals is a good introduction to the art of logically working out computer programming. Skills from this book can be applied across languages, so LOGO isn’t the be all and end all of the story. Hopefully, in future installments, the stories will be more self-contained. This might prove difficult, as the nature of programing builds upon itself. With this being only the second book in the series, the opportunity to grab the two is not without reason. If you have a young enquiring mind about the technology in your house, look no further than the Secret Coders series.
October 20, 2019
Secret Coders: Paths & Portals picks up immediately after the end of the first book. Hopper and Eni - along with their friend Josh - are still solving clues around the very odd Stately Academy. They're now working along with the school janitor, Mr. Bee. In the first book, we thought Mr. Bee was just a mean old member of the school staff, but in this installment, we find out that there is actually way more to Mr. Bee's story! There is also way more going on at, er, under Stately Academy. This time the friends are using Logo computer programming to work through some tricky situations.
For me, computer programming and coding is tough. I've always avoided it! But my 10-year-old loves it. He loved this book and had no trouble at all with the coding used here. The great thing is that: I could do it too! So: once again, I believe that the creators of this series have broken down something that has the potential to be complicated (like binary)...and they've made it accessible to everyone, all ages, and even people of all interests.
I believe that this is probably their mission with incorporating STEM into these comic books. And I love it. The story and these characters are fun and have engaging relationships that young kids will relate to, and by reading these books the kids are adding STEM into their reading without making it a big deal. I love that.
Highly recommended. Jack and I (and my girls, by the way) are eagerly anticipating the release of the next book ( Secret Coders: Secrets & Sequences ) in early 2017 and will continue with this series as far as it goes.
For me, computer programming and coding is tough. I've always avoided it! But my 10-year-old loves it. He loved this book and had no trouble at all with the coding used here. The great thing is that: I could do it too! So: once again, I believe that the creators of this series have broken down something that has the potential to be complicated (like binary)...and they've made it accessible to everyone, all ages, and even people of all interests.
I believe that this is probably their mission with incorporating STEM into these comic books. And I love it. The story and these characters are fun and have engaging relationships that young kids will relate to, and by reading these books the kids are adding STEM into their reading without making it a big deal. I love that.
Highly recommended. Jack and I (and my girls, by the way) are eagerly anticipating the release of the next book ( Secret Coders: Secrets & Sequences ) in early 2017 and will continue with this series as far as it goes.
July 19, 2022
Using the same review for the whole series.
Loved the art and the story. Yang did a great job introducing concepts slowly and steadily. It was super fun to see LOGO and programming concepts being taught in a graphic novel style like this.
My daughter read the series around the same time as well and really enjoyed it too. It remains to be seen how well the concepts stuck, but at the very least they were introduced in a fun way which will make it easier to reintroduce them at a later date.
I'd recommend this for all ages. It's a great way to get kids interested in the concept of programming, and it's a fun way for adults to reflect back on some of their initial experiences with programming.
Loved the art and the story. Yang did a great job introducing concepts slowly and steadily. It was super fun to see LOGO and programming concepts being taught in a graphic novel style like this.
My daughter read the series around the same time as well and really enjoyed it too. It remains to be seen how well the concepts stuck, but at the very least they were introduced in a fun way which will make it easier to reintroduce them at a later date.
I'd recommend this for all ages. It's a great way to get kids interested in the concept of programming, and it's a fun way for adults to reflect back on some of their initial experiences with programming.
September 3, 2016
I admit I wasn’t as much a fan of this one as the first one. I did like the fact it builds on everything from the first book without recapping. At the same time, the computer coding lessons were a bit more difficult. I think readers who are already into the subject will enjoy it more. The story wasn’t as strong although everything is building up to something I can’t wait to read about!
October 20, 2016
4.5/5 stars
Read
February 4, 2017Less plot, more coding than the first book. So I can't really tell where the PLOT is going, but my guess is that in the coding they'll get to if/then statements soon.
September 12, 2016
By Jove, I think I understand coding! (some)
May 13, 2025
I enjoyed the first one of these enough to give the second a try.
The second book continues from the first.
Eni, Josh and Hopper are being tested by the Janitor, Mr. Bee.
He has them program the robot - which they are now calling ‘Turtle’ to walk a specific path.
After they are successful, Mr. Bee tells them that Stately Academy is built on a school he founded years ago that taught programming in the Logo language.
In addition to creating situations where creating a program can get them out of jams, it also tells the story of Hopper and her Teacher/Mother. Of the kids that pick on them. It’s a fun little story in addition to the programming ‘puzzles’.
Chapter 2 Due to their programming skills, they have the rugby bullies trapped.
But not for long. They (Hopper, Eni & Josh) get beat up and their programming turtle (“Little Guy”) gets stolen by the rugby team.
”Who’s mad? Maybe I just don’t like you.”
They’re not ready to tell Professor Bee about his missing turtle just yet. They tell Professor Bee they left him at home.
Josh gets them all team jerseys and Hopper forgives him a lot.
Then they see the Rugby team and the Principle kidnap Professor Bee and break into his lab looking for the most powerful turtle in the world.
Team Coders forms a plan to rescue Professor Bee but I’m sure you’ve already guessed that it requires a new program be created!
I would have LOVED to have had these comics when I was a kid trying to learn GW-BASIC so I could create a Villains and Vigilantes character generator.
But I do actually enjoy them now. I’m giving this 4 stars.
The second book continues from the first.
Eni, Josh and Hopper are being tested by the Janitor, Mr. Bee.
He has them program the robot - which they are now calling ‘Turtle’ to walk a specific path.
After they are successful, Mr. Bee tells them that Stately Academy is built on a school he founded years ago that taught programming in the Logo language.
In addition to creating situations where creating a program can get them out of jams, it also tells the story of Hopper and her Teacher/Mother. Of the kids that pick on them. It’s a fun little story in addition to the programming ‘puzzles’.
Chapter 2 Due to their programming skills, they have the rugby bullies trapped.
But not for long. They (Hopper, Eni & Josh) get beat up and their programming turtle (“Little Guy”) gets stolen by the rugby team.
”Who’s mad? Maybe I just don’t like you.”
They’re not ready to tell Professor Bee about his missing turtle just yet. They tell Professor Bee they left him at home.
Josh gets them all team jerseys and Hopper forgives him a lot.
Then they see the Rugby team and the Principle kidnap Professor Bee and break into his lab looking for the most powerful turtle in the world.
Team Coders forms a plan to rescue Professor Bee but I’m sure you’ve already guessed that it requires a new program be created!
I would have LOVED to have had these comics when I was a kid trying to learn GW-BASIC so I could create a Villains and Vigilantes character generator.
But I do actually enjoy them now. I’m giving this 4 stars.
December 24, 2017
I really want to like this series. I've been a fan of all of Gene Luen Yang's previous works, but unfortunately, this one just falls short. I love the idea of incorporating coding into a storyline, but it's clunky here and pedantic. The storyline, such as it is, basically is just a device to carry readers from coding lesson to coding lesson. I appreciate the effort to have a diverse cast of characters, but they are flat, overused types. There are some troubling interactions between two of the friends with one boy smacking the girl upside the head, and the girl repeatedly calling him "dummy". I think this is supposed to be an attempt at humor? It fails. Part of the problem may be that unlike his other works, Luen Yang doesn't illustrate this series himself. So some nuances may be lost in the interpretations of Mike Holmes. Luen Yang's works are typically smart and insightful, and I wish he'd kept that style for this series for children. Though I appreciate the intention to create fiction around this topic, readers would be better off just reading non-fiction about coding or instruction books.
January 20, 2018
The plot really picks up in this book, with a secret conspiracy involving the principal and the entire rugby team. Meanwhile, the janitor teaches the kids more about coding whole programs, including repeats and variables.
Math note: both of the books in this series introduce basic concepts in computer coding, with a lot of examples and prompting you to draw out and write out your own code. However, they do a poor job of explaining angles (turn right 90 degrees, etc.). If a child doesn't know about angles, they might need a bit more prompting. There is a short page at the back of this volume that helps explain angles, but it's not very detailed.
I forget what grade they teach angles in, but this might mean an 8-year-old reader needs to look up angles or ask an older person in order to really understand.
Still great. Love the secret school within a school with an evil principal plot. There's a cheek kiss in this book, but the characters are middle schoolers (I think?) and it's not completely out of context.
Math note: both of the books in this series introduce basic concepts in computer coding, with a lot of examples and prompting you to draw out and write out your own code. However, they do a poor job of explaining angles (turn right 90 degrees, etc.). If a child doesn't know about angles, they might need a bit more prompting. There is a short page at the back of this volume that helps explain angles, but it's not very detailed.
I forget what grade they teach angles in, but this might mean an 8-year-old reader needs to look up angles or ask an older person in order to really understand.
Still great. Love the secret school within a school with an evil principal plot. There's a cheek kiss in this book, but the characters are middle schoolers (I think?) and it's not completely out of context.
June 26, 2017
The second installment in this series reveals that there is a secret classroom beneath Stately Academy where Hopper, Eni, and Josh go to school. There, the school janitor, Mr. Bee, teaches the youngsters about logo and how to write code that will make the robot turtles that are stored there move from one point to the next one. The youngsters love what they are learning, but they must deal with the interference of a gang of rugby bullies and their untrustworthy school leader, Principal Dean. Coders will have a blast with this title, but even someone who doesn't code will enjoy the story. I appreciated how the authors pause ever so often to allow readers to figure out coding problems or try their hands at this activity. The book never talks down to its readers, but it's still fun to read. Naturally, it contains a cliffhanger so readers will be compelled to read the next one, and the next one.
June 6, 2017
A really great continuation of an awesome series! The characters are strongly drawn as realistic kids, and it's great to see them assemble into a team in this volume. Some plot trappings are familiar, but the coding aspect makes it feel unique and fresh. There's lots of humor and fun (the bit with mom was great!), and the art is cutely angular and expressive.
I liked how the kids are great friends without drama, but there was a tiny tiny hint of romance in this volume (it's age-appropriately minor, so maybe my jaded eyes just read too much into things?) Also glad how they explained the absence of Stan/Joshie, lol. And mini turtle robot is now the cutest!
PS Note to Publisher: Eni's skin didn't get colored in on one panel. Sorry I didn't note what page, but hopefully you can fix it in subsequent editions!
I liked how the kids are great friends without drama, but there was a tiny tiny hint of romance in this volume (it's age-appropriately minor, so maybe my jaded eyes just read too much into things?) Also glad how they explained the absence of Stan/Joshie, lol. And mini turtle robot is now the cutest!
PS Note to Publisher: Eni's skin didn't get colored in on one panel. Sorry I didn't note what page, but hopefully you can fix it in subsequent editions!
September 19, 2018
This story begins right where the first story ended.
The kids have to figure out the challenge that Professor Bee gave them. He gave them the challenge at the end of the last book and this one begins with them solving it. The only problem with this is that the reader may have forgotten the very end of the last book. This one ended the same way, with a cliffhanger. If you don’t have access to the book or if you read the previous one a long time ago, it could be a problem.
I liked the way coding was incorporated into this story. The characters gave tasks for the reader to figure out along with them. The kids in the story had to figure out how to make the robots do certain tasks by typing in a list of instructions. This is a good way for kids to learn simple coding.
I enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
The kids have to figure out the challenge that Professor Bee gave them. He gave them the challenge at the end of the last book and this one begins with them solving it. The only problem with this is that the reader may have forgotten the very end of the last book. This one ended the same way, with a cliffhanger. If you don’t have access to the book or if you read the previous one a long time ago, it could be a problem.
I liked the way coding was incorporated into this story. The characters gave tasks for the reader to figure out along with them. The kids in the story had to figure out how to make the robots do certain tasks by typing in a list of instructions. This is a good way for kids to learn simple coding.
I enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 8, 2016
The Secret Coders continue to learn new tricks (and school secrets) from the janitor during their detention time. But then the school rugby team starts following Hopper around. What are they up to?
This builds right on the first book in both plot and computer coding knowledge. The coding in this gets a little more complicated, and each time a coding problem is posed to the three main characters, there is a pause to let the reader try to figure it out before them. A great logic exercise as well as coding knowledge wrapped up in a mysterious middle grade adventure.
Notes on content: No language issues, though there is some name calling jerkface is used repeatedly. No sexual content or decency issues. There's a squabble with other kids at one point, but no one is seriously injured.
This builds right on the first book in both plot and computer coding knowledge. The coding in this gets a little more complicated, and each time a coding problem is posed to the three main characters, there is a pause to let the reader try to figure it out before them. A great logic exercise as well as coding knowledge wrapped up in a mysterious middle grade adventure.
Notes on content: No language issues, though there is some name calling jerkface is used repeatedly. No sexual content or decency issues. There's a squabble with other kids at one point, but no one is seriously injured.
June 22, 2017
(borrowed from my local library) This volume in the series didn't have quite as much story in it as the first volume. That being said it is still a good quick read that gets you thinking. This is a great series for STEAM based learning. The computer code (aka Logic) it teaches along the way while you read the story is great for starting coders of any age. In this volume you will learn a bit of how computers draw (or move a cursor around), and about how they process variables, commands, and random numbers. There are even a couple challenges in the book for you to practice what you learned. Happy coding.
(ps I'm old enough to remember programming (aka coding) in Logo ... I was 8 and it was fun. ☺)
(ps I'm old enough to remember programming (aka coding) in Logo ... I was 8 and it was fun. ☺)
January 23, 2018
The second book in the Secret Coders series, this next part of the story is still quite interesting. We get more backstory on the characters, and more coding challenges. Some of the coding pages are really starting to drag on, like the "repeat" commands, but it is still important to have a visual aid for kids so I understand why those sections are there. I have to say my main issue was with Hopper's change of heart over Josh towards the end of the book.... just a very weird moment in my opinion. Otherwise, another great entry in this series, and I will definitely continue onwards.
May 2, 2018
This is another charming story including Hopper and her two coder friends, Eni and Josh. They begin to expand their knowledge in coding which gets them "the in" with the janitor and some of his secrets. They learn more and more in their makeshift lessons disguised as trash duty.
A new issue has arose, though, and a few unexpected enemies present themselves, leaving the coders to use their imagination to protect them and their newfound love of coding.
I'm excited for the next story in the series, despite how much more coding is seeming difficult for this right-brained lady.
A new issue has arose, though, and a few unexpected enemies present themselves, leaving the coders to use their imagination to protect them and their newfound love of coding.
I'm excited for the next story in the series, despite how much more coding is seeming difficult for this right-brained lady.
December 1, 2018
What a fun way to introduce computer programming to kids in grades 4-7! While the drawings are cartoonish, colored only using shades of green, black and gray, the story is humorous and the coding puzzles are interesting. Kids learn about binary numbers and how to code elementary geometric shapes, like triangles and polygons.
The programming language used in the book is called LOGO, which can be used to create computer graphics. The author's website has a link to download a free version of the LOGO interpreter so kids can practice what they learned in the book.
The programming language used in the book is called LOGO, which can be used to create computer graphics. The author's website has a link to download a free version of the LOGO interpreter so kids can practice what they learned in the book.
June 12, 2022
The plot thickens...
This is a continuation of the first Secret Coders. I really enjoyed it. There's an interesting storyline as well as teaching about coding. These students are learning from the janitor, who was formerly a programming professor. The learn programming through these machines that follow their programs/commends. It's still fairly basic at simple loops and doing increments (or decrements) in loops.
I'll continue reading this series.
Perfect for young people starting to learn the simple and beginner concepts of programming.
This is a continuation of the first Secret Coders. I really enjoyed it. There's an interesting storyline as well as teaching about coding. These students are learning from the janitor, who was formerly a programming professor. The learn programming through these machines that follow their programs/commends. It's still fairly basic at simple loops and doing increments (or decrements) in loops.
I'll continue reading this series.
Perfect for young people starting to learn the simple and beginner concepts of programming.
March 4, 2018
The second installment of Secret Coders teaches kids more of the Logo programming language, including the Repeat command and variables. Both Eni and Hopper get a bit more backstory to them, and more of the school’s mystery is revealed, but the story is definitely taking a back seat to the teaching of the programming language. I certainly understand why that is, but it does give the title some pacing problems.
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