Middle School Cool

Reviewed by: Suzan Hawkins - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

A new experimental school has opened in the old mental institution in town. The staff is "unique" and the students have all been hand picked by the head of the school, Marcel Kaboom. What follows is mayhem, learning by taking books in pill form (warning: don't take pills all at one time or the books get scrambled), dodge ball with balls with teeth and a multiplication table that multiples what is put onto it (including students).

The book pokes fun at traditional education, and celebrates nonconformity, individuality and oddity.

The goofiness added to the cartoony illustrations make this a good match for middle schoolers--male and female.

Not currently listed as part of a series, but wouldn't be surprised to see Jory and the gang come back in a second book.

Overall Book Score: good