Tesla's Attic by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman blends humor and mystery in a captivating middle-grade adventure. Reviewers praise its clever integration of historical elements and engaging characters. However, some critique the pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, it’s a fun read with educational value.

Readers who enjoy a mix of science fiction, mystery, and humor with a touch of history will love Tesla's Attic. Fans of Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer or The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart will find its inventiveness and quirky characters appealing. This book is perfect for middle-grade readers who appreciate adventurous and thought-provoking stories.

In Tesla’s Attic by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman, teenager Nick Slate and his friends discover bizarre devices in his attic, unknowingly invented by Nikola Tesla, which they must understand and protect from the sinister Accelerati group. The story combines humor and adventure as the friends navigate the devices' powers and the dangers posed by the Accelerati. Several instances of mildly sexual humor may not be suitable for the youngest readers.

Humorous / Mysterious / Adventurous / Fantastical / Suspenseful

- Tesla's Attic is part of a series known as the "Accelerati Trilogy," co-authored by Neal Shusterman, known for his acclaimed series Unwind, and Eric Elfman, an author known for blending humor and science fiction.
- The book creatively incorporates elements of historical fiction, featuring Nikola Tesla's inventions, adding a unique twist of scientific intrigue to the storyline.
- Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman's collaboration in the Accelerati Trilogy has been praised for its seamless blend of mystery, science fiction, and humor, appealing to a wide range of readers.

**Nick Slate**  
A 14-year-old boy who moves into an old Victorian mansion, where he discovers mysterious electric devices invented by Nikola Tesla in the attic. He is smart, intuitive, and courageous, guiding the story's events and challenges.

**Caitlin Westfield**  
A popular cheerleader, inventor, and artist at Rocky Point Middle School who partners with Nick to solve the mystery of the Tesla devices. She demonstrates intuitive genius and helps tackle deeper challenges beyond superficial goals.

**Mitch Merló**  
Known for his non-stop talking, Mitch becomes friends with Nick after buying one of the Tesla devices at a garage sale. He uses the device to uncover truths about his family's past and serves as a supportive friend.

**Petula Grabowski-Jones**  
A girl with a strong-willed personality who buys a futuristic camera from Nick's garage sale. She uses the camera's abilities for personal gain and is both helpful and problematic depending on her current agenda.

**Vince**  
A gloomy pessimist who lives in his family's basement and buys a Tesla wet-cell battery that can revive dead pets. His dark interests complement his loyalty to Nick and the group.

**Dr. Alan Jorgenson**  
The smooth-talking leader of the Accelerati, a secret group determined to control the world’s electric power sources. He is the main antagonist who seeks Tesla's devices for his own gain.

**Ms. Planck**  
A lunch lady at Rocky Point Middle School who offers insightful advice to Nick and guides him through social challenges. Her role is complex, providing mentorship while having ulterior motives connected to the Accelerati.

**Nikola Tesla**  
A historical inventor whose electric devices drive the story's plot but does not appear as a living character. His inventions are crucial to the conflict between Nick and the secretive Accelerati society.

**Accelerati**  
A secret society founded by inventor Thomas Edison with the aim of controlling global energy supplies by acquiring Tesla’s inventions. Their conflict with Nick’s group sets the story's main events into motion.

**Danny Slate**  
Nick's eight-year-old brother who uses humor to cope with his mother's loss. He inadvertently causes trouble with a glove that can catch meteors.

**Wayne Slate**  
Nick and Danny's well-meaning but somewhat clueless father, who struggles to find a job after the family moves. He becomes involved with the Accelerati without realizing their true intentions.

**Alfred Svedberg**  
A jeweler who identifies a mysterious ring as belonging to the Accelerati. His involvement with Tesla's artifacts aids Nick and Caitlin in uncovering more about the secret society.

**Heisenberg**  
A large student with anger issues who has a confrontation with Nick on his first day at school, which leads to an unexpected friendship. His interactions with Nick highlight school challenges.

**Principal Watt**  
The principal of Nick's new school, whose lack of insight leads to amusing difficulties for Nick. His character provides levity as students navigate school bureaucracy.

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