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Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

Incipere Award winner (2021) - First Place, Children's Category!
What happens when you have an active wormhole in your garage? Hawk finds out when he invites the new girl Celeste to the space club. The Black Hole Radio summons them down the hyperspace highway.... all the way to Pooponic's moon, Bilaluna, which is inhabited by giant cyborg insects! Mutated Earth insects - but how did they get there? And how can they stop the climate disaster that forced them to leave Pooponic from destroying their beautiful new home on Bilaluna?

Join Hawk, Matt and Celeste on another intergalactic adventure as they are carried over the treetops by giant cyborg flies, race on the backs of cyborg roaches through an alien rainforest and sip nectar with the Queen Bee at a totally incredible intergalactic tea party! Stay tuned!

"...Young readers won't have any trouble following the characters' adventures and the author's vivid descriptions will keep kids and adults entertained.
Black Hole Radio fuels the imagination, while also imparting an important message....to always follow your passion and believe in yourself."
— Entrada Book Review

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Best friends and space explorers Hawk and Matt are off on another adventure, this time with a new friend, Celeste, in the second book in the Black Hole Radio series, Black Hole Radio: Bilaluna.
As book two begins, Hawk and Matt have just returned from their amazing adventure from book one where they got sucked into a wormhole thanks to an old radio in Hawk's garage. Was it a dream or was it real? Regardless, it's soon time for school and the two boys once again find themselves sitting in Mrs. Bupkiss' class. Unfortunately, she decides to call on Matt to see if he's done his homework. Amazingly, he's able to answer every question correctly, thanks to Hawk giving him all the answers via ESP. Apparently their last adventure wasn't a dream.
After class, Hawk notices the new girl, Celeste, standing by herself. The teacher said Celeste has Asperger Syndrome, and while Hawk doesn't know what that means, he tells the reader that Mrs. Bupkiss says Celeste may be shy and not like to make eye contact. Since Hawk gets picked on for being too "geeky," he feels he can relate to Celeste. Soon they're talking and before long, Hawk is inviting her to his house to check out their very cool science club.
Celeste is the perfect new science club member - her parents are both astronomers and she too, loves science "stuff." But at the first meeting, Celeste hears a strange beep, beep, beep, beep, and needs to find out what's causing the noise. Of course, Hawk and Matt know that it's the radio. Yes...
that radio - the radio that sucks people into a wormhole and sends them far, far away.
The three friends are soon transported to a bug planet, with all sorts of cool bugs. Thanks to Hawk and Matt's ability to use ESP, they're able to communicate with the bugs. BUG-203, a "Bipedal Unibodied Golem," tells the travelers that they "...are on moon Bilaluna, orbiting planet Poo-ponic." The bugs welcome Hawk, Matt, and Celeste, and give them a ride in their moon buggy, heading to the bug colony. The three earthlings, however, notice that the terrain appears dead. The few areas where they find trees, they discover that the bugs are destroying them to create power to produce nectar that the bugs need to survive. Celeste has to use her knowledge of insects, as well as environmental issues, to try and help the bugs save their moon. Will she and her new friends be able to convince the bugs to use the humans' knowledge to save Bilaluna? And if so, will what they propose work?
Black Hole Radio: Bilaluna is the second book in the Black Hole Radio series and like the first book, this one is quite imaginative. The author has found her stride in this book, where the writing is tighter, and the story moves quicker than it did in the first book. The resolution to the bugs' problems with their moon requires an understanding of environmental issues such as what bugs contribute to the Earth's health, which Celeste happily shares with the bugs, and thus, the reader. Another nice touch is that while the first book was narrated by Hawk, this time Celeste takes "the reins," and narrates most of the story. The reader gets a look at what it's like to have Asperger Syndrome, the struggles Celeste faces, as well as all the awesome things she contributes. It's a great way to build empathy toward those who might be different.
Quill says: Space, bugs, wormholes, and saving a moon environment all figure prominently into
Black Hole Radio: Bilaluna. If you have young readers (ages 9-12) who like stories with wild and crazy adventures, check out the Black Hole Radio series." - Feathered Quill Book Review

Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna will reach readers ages 8-12 with a sci-fi action story that is the second book in the series. It requires no prior familiarity with Hawk and Matt's previous spacefaring venture to appreciate their latest adventure and the newest addition to their space club, Celeste. Matt, Hawk, and Celeste are summoned (via Black Hole radio) to planet Pooponic's moon, Bilaluna, which is inhabited by giant cyborg insects from Earth. They were forced to leave Pooponic to find a new home on Bilaluna...now this deadly threat is poised to destroy their paradise. And only they can stop it. From a planet of bugs where a queen bee reigns, to giant cyborgs, the action and environment are presented via first-person observations that bring the atmosphere to life. This is especially notable because Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna is not only an adventure sci-fi story, but "cli-fi" that considers threats and changes to the world's ecology. Having these images of a lush environment come alive for readers is one of the draws of cli-fi reading. Ann Birdgenaw does more than create a rollicking good read. She incorporates ecological threats and concerns into a bigger picture that shows how these young adventurers become involved in saving the environment - and why. Young readers will be attracted by the action and extraordinary environment, but underlying the adventure is a sense of passion about seeing things differently and helping others do the same. These facets, combined with engaging black and white illustrations by E.M. Roberts that pepper the story and capture its action, make for a sci-fi read with underlying important messages. These include different causes, foreign invaders, and environmental concerns that go beyond entertainment value alone (of which there is plenty) to help young readers consider how their choices lead to different outcomes. Middle grade sci-fi readers and collections that wish to include readings about environmental degradation and outside threats will find Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna not just a satisfying story, but an excellent sequel to the first book, whether it's chosen as a stand-alone acquisition or a series addition. -
Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Ann Birdgenaw is a librarian in an elementary school and always wanted to write a book of her own. She was inspired to write this story by a strange beeping coming from a box in her garage. When COVID-19 hit Canada and everyone was in quarantine or lock down, she had lots of time to imagine being sucked through a wormhole to other planets and what wonderful things she might find there.Ann lives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with her family and two morkies: Bilbo and Sheba.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BLFXDYS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ DartFrog Books (July 30, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 30, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 12333 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 120 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1953910505
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

About the author

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Ann Birdgenaw
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Aurora Award nominee for Best Young Adult Novel (2023) and elementary school librarian. Ann was inspired to write this story by a strange beeping coming from a box in her garage. When COVID-19 hit Canada and everyone was in quarantine or lock down, she had lots of time to imagine being sucked through a wormhole to other planets and what wonderful things she might find there.

Ann lives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with her family and two morkies: Bilbo and Sheba.

Visit Ann at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21269547.Ann_Birdgenaw

@abirdgenaw on Twitter

@annbirdbooks on Instagram

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
59 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and fun for young readers. They appreciate the educational content, vivid illustrations, and character development. The book is described as a charming read with good ecological information and an environmental allegory. Readers also mention that the characters are likeable and sweet. Overall, the book series provides a nice blend of adventure and humor for young readers.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

19 customers mention "Readership"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it imaginative and engaging for young readers. The premise is simple and straightforward, providing plenty of conditions for fun scenarios. The story is amusing and keeps the story moving in an engaging way.

"...the other books in the series, there is lots of humor and adventure that kids will enjoy...." Read more

"...All in all though it's a fun read for a younger reader that imparts a lot of good eco and insect related information, as well as insights into what..." Read more

"...Like the first book, there's a sprinkling of humor and a bit of adventure...." Read more

"...The illustrations are well done and add nice detail to the story. You can see the visuals of what the author envisioned...." Read more

14 customers mention "Education value"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and engaging. It introduces science topics and positive messages about friendship. Readers appreciate the author's ability to tackle sensitive subjects with ease. The story teaches about diversity and friendship.

"...The end of the book includes information about autism and a directory of science terms used in the book that can be part of discussion at home or in..." Read more

"...read for a younger reader that imparts a lot of good eco and insect related information, as well as insights into what the subjective experience of..." Read more

"...The book is scattered with facts about bugs and real-world applications on planet earth in terms of the environment and insect survival, even though..." Read more

"...They soon discover that can now communicate telepathically with each other...." Read more

10 customers mention "Visual content"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's visual content. They find the writing direct yet visually appealing. The vivid depiction of life on Bilaluna makes readers feel a part of the story. The author provides thoughtful explanations of complex themes and is praised for her work.

"...I enjoyed the imaginative illustrations by E.M. Roberts. Highly recommended." Read more

"...You can see the visuals of what the author envisioned. I would have definitely dug this when I was a kid. I can 100% recommend this book." Read more

"...mentions the illustrator of the book, E.M. Roberts, whose images enhance the fun story." Read more

"...The book is richly illustrated, and features fun things like bouncing moon buggies, creepy underground tunnels, human boys imitating bee dances, and..." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the characters likeable and fun, with an autism-friendly female character and a main character with advanced powers.

"...The characters are likeable and fun...." Read more

"...Celeste was an interesting character, too...." Read more

"...It’s got the same lively characters and out-of-this-world action that characterizes all the books in this series...." Read more

"...The protagonists are likeable and sufficiently kidlike, and I especially liked the inclusion of an autistic character...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy reading the book. They find it charming and recommend it for teenagers. The series can be enjoyed out of sequence, and kids learn about autism through Celeste's experiences.

"...This series can be read and enjoyed out of sequence (which I did). I enjoyed the imaginative illustrations by E.M. Roberts. Highly recommended." Read more

"...A nice book." Read more

"...All in all, this is a very charming book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for very young science fiction fans and their families." Read more

"...This book series doesn't disappoint, especially for readers in the 4th-6th grade range...." Read more

4 customers mention "Ecology"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's ecology. They find it provides good information about ecology and insects for young readers, with fun scenarios and an engaging environmental allegory.

"...All in all though it's a fun read for a younger reader that imparts a lot of good eco and insect related information, as well as insights into what..." Read more

"...author plenty of conditions for fun scenarios, as well as a nice environmental allegory...." Read more

"...touches on numerous topics like mythology, astronomy, entomology, and ecology...." Read more

"Have ecology, will travel..." Read more

3 customers mention "Adorability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and sweet.

"...The story is amusing, and the children are sensitive and sweet. Elementary students will enjoy the tale and learn many powerful lessons." Read more

"Adorable and entertaining!..." Read more

"Cute, but a little too short and needed more conflict..." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor and adventure in the book series. They find the style clear, simple, and amusing in places, well-suited for young readers.

"...Like the other books in the series, there is lots of humor and adventure that kids will enjoy...." Read more

"...Like the first book, there's a sprinkling of humor and a bit of adventure...." Read more

"...The writing style is clear, simple, and amusing in places, well-suited to the young readers whom I presume are its target demographic...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    “Black Hole Radio – Bilaluna,” is the seond book in the “Black Hole Radio” series by award-winning author and school librarian Ann Birdgenaw. In this book, we meet Celeste, a new girl at middle school who has autism. She is worried she won’t have any friends, until Hawk reaches out. She is shy about meeting him, but also excited to learn that Hawk and Matt are fans of all things space, exactly like she is. She is even happier to be invited to their secret space club at Hawk’s house. But when they warn her about the strange old radio owned by Hawk’s late granddad, and its frightening ability to open up wormholes, she thinks they are pulling her leg . . . until the radio pulls all of them to Bilaluna. Soon they meet the inhabitants, giant, intelligent insects, who explain that Bilaluna is the moon of their original home, Pooponic, which they had to flee after they deforested it. Now they are on the verge of doing the same to Bilaluna. Will the kids be able to persuade the insects to find a different way to live before they have no place to live? Like the other books in the series, there is lots of humor and adventure that kids will enjoy. Plus, the book introduces science topics and has positive messages about friendship and belonging. The end of the book includes information about autism and a directory of science terms used in the book that can be part of discussion at home or in the classroom. The book is also a first place children’s category winner in the Incipere book awards. This series can be read and enjoyed out of sequence (which I did). I enjoyed the imaginative illustrations by E.M. Roberts. Highly recommended.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
    "Black Hole Radio - Bilaluna" is a Sci-Fi adventure for young readers. My guess would be it would have great appeal to anyone between the ages of 8 and 12. The basic story revolves
    around two boys, Hawk and Matt and a newcomer to their sci fi "club" - Celeste. Celeste has Autism, and while she doesnt really run up against her particular limitations in the storyline,
    many allusions to them do occur which aids the reader in a basic understanding of what some of Autism is about for those with it. These three get sucked accidentally into a wormhole which transports them to a planet full of huge robotic like insects. As it happens, their planet is in the process of dying and it seems nothing they try has any great effect. Luckily Celeste loves learning about insects and ecology, and as the three are made aware of the various problems on this planet, the solutions (based on effective Earth eco strategies) come to light, are suggested and implemented! The Queen ant of the planet is thrilled, and our three are treated as welcome guests and eventually actual saviors.

    This is an imaginative story with a simple straight forward premise and storyline. The characters are likeable and fun. My only critical comments would revolve around a lack of traditional classical story arch with beginning, middle, end, conflict and resolution which tends toward a flat predictability (though the premise and setting are so unique one cannot guess what will happen next). Also there are many many complex character names for the insects all of which get called by acronyms. So much so, that there is an actual glossary of terms at the end of the book!

    All in all though it's a fun read for a younger reader that imparts a lot of good eco and insect related information, as well as insights into what the subjective experience of Autism might be like, before its happy ending.

    A nice book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
    We really enjoyed this second book in the Black Hole Radio series. We read aloud (myself and two children aged 9 and 12). My daughter was pleased that there was a girl, Celeste, joining Matt and Hawk in their space club. Celeste was an interesting character, too. She knows a little about space because her parents are astronomers, which of course Hawk and Matt think is really cool, but her real interest is in insects. How convenient that in this book, the three kids are sucked into the wormhole of the black hole radio and end up tumbling onto a planet populated by giant cyborg insects! The book is scattered with facts about bugs and real-world applications on planet earth in terms of the environment and insect survival, even though the adventure takes place in a fictitious world light-years away. Like the first book, there's a sprinkling of humor and a bit of adventure. However, the main conflict in the book didn't really come up until the book was about half finished. The first half was mostly about Celeste and the fact that she is a new girl in Hawk's class and doesn't make friends easily, though I thought that part was well done and my kids really felt for her. But then we are finally presented with the mystery of how the giant cyborg bugs must find a way to save the environment on their planet from destruction. Hawk, Matt and Celeste think of things they've learned in their own science classes or through hobbies to help the bugs out. I'd definitely recommend this series for both boys and girls aged 7 and up.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
    The book begins from the point of view of Hawk, who along with Matt, just woke up after an adventure. They soon discover that can now communicate telepathically with each other. Once they go back to school, they find convenient uses for this talent by besting the school bully as he targets the new girl, Celeste.

    This is where we change our POV and find ourselves in Celeste’s head. She is new, nervous, and trying to deal with all of this while navigating her autism. Hawk makes an effort to be her friend and invites her to hang out at his and Matt’s space clubhouse. Celeste hesitantly agrees. And this is where the adventure really takes off.

    The story has a delightful innocence, which makes it suitable for just about anyone. The illustrations are well done and add nice detail to the story. You can see the visuals of what the author envisioned. I would have definitely dug this when I was a kid.

    I can 100% recommend this book.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kristina
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun book with valuable messages!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 6, 2024
    In an easy, entertaining way, this book conveys important things to the reader.
    Hawk stands up for a new girl in his class when she’s tormented by a bully. After visiting planetoid Shnergla, Hawk and Matt gain a cool superability and they use it and their wits to drive the bully away.
    Hawk is gentle and supportive when approaching Celeste, who believes she’s anxious and socially awkward (she has Asperger’s), and he soon wins her trust.
    Hawk, Matt and Celeste are sucked into a wormhole and find themselves on Bilaluna, a planet inhabited by cyborg insects.
    Readers will learn lots of interesting facts about insects and understand how useful they are for our ecosystem.
    The cyborg insects ask children to help them solve their environmental problems. Seeing how easily the environment can be destroyed will raise awareness of ecological problems on our own planet.
    I recommend this book and the entire Black Hole Radio series to kids and parents who love adventure and learning and wouldn’t mind having such a handy beeping radio in their garage!
  • RM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative and exciting sci-fi adventure.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2024
    ‘Black Hole Radio – Bilaluna’ has the right ingredients for a great read. Engaging protagonists, tick. Lots of adventure, tick. Educational value, tick. I thought that all three strands were skilfully combined, with entomology and environmental issues taking centre stage, but this didn’t detract from the fun side of the story. Through Celeste's character, this book raises awareness of autism. There is a lovely author’s note advising young people what to expect if they make friends with someone with the condition.

    The illustrations enhance the narrative. I loved the description of the inhabitants of Bilaluna, the planet of the bugs, where intergalactic travellers, Hawk, Matt and Celeste end up, and encounter alien human-size insects, which are cyborgs (part robot), and shocking – ‘His head is heart-shaped and partially transparent and shows his pulsating brain’. Then there is the spectacular Queen BEE who is zzzso pleased to meet the trio of unexpected vizitorzz.

    This would be a great book to read out loud as a bedtime story. No doubt, at the end, the listeners will be rapt, wanting more. Good news kids – there are four more instalments in this great series!
  • Bookisch379
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spannendes Sci-Fi Abenteuer
    Reviewed in Germany on September 2, 2023
    Spannende Charaktere und aktuelle Themen. Sci-Fi Abenteuer für junge Leser das nicht nur Nervenkitzel bietet, sondern auch subtil bildet!
  • Stella Brennan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sci-Fi with adventure and Heart
    Reviewed in Australia on April 22, 2023
    Ann Birdgenaw’s award winning story is for young readers who love sci-fi with adventure and heart, but most importantly, what will Hawk, Matt, and Celeste learn along the way? Follow their mission to make the world a better place.

    Bilaluna is an exciting adventure that begins with beeping coming from the haunted garage. Young readers will experience a fun-filled trip to a mysterious world that will awaken their imagination. From Queen BEE’s buzzing, “Take our visitorzz to the nectar…” to the dying moon serving as a metaphor for planet Earth, this story explores the character’s relationships with their environment and each other. Celeste feels bad about cutting down trees and Hawk is passionate about the environment. Climate change is a threat as giant mutant insects lead the adventures; “How does it feel to be the tiny ones on our planet?” asks ANT.

    A make-believe world comes alive through beautiful descriptions and eye-catching illustrations. Celeste is an autistic protagonist and reader’s experience the world through her eyes, while Hawk and Matt share a special superpower. I like how knowledge about outer space is weaved through the story, including Albert Einstein’s theory.

    Making new friends and building bonds results in trusting relationships in both worlds.

    Bilaluna is a must read if you love outer space adventures…
  • Maddie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great sci-fi book for kids
    Reviewed in Canada on April 5, 2022
    A great sci-fi book, especially for kids and teenagers. A well crafted adventure story, with cool science concepts about bugs, climate and space. The three characters, Hawk, Matt and Celeste are very relatable, and teaches readers about friendship, respect and acceptance. I would highly recommend this for the 7-14 age group.

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