Balaban, Bob The Creature from the Seventh Grade 256 pgs. Viking Juvenile, 2012. $10.87. (Rating: G)
Charlie’s dorky existence goes from bad to worse, when he suddenly transforms from a boy to a dinosaur like creature. There is a little outcry, but mostly everyone treats him the same. But now he has to deal with his big tail, a hunger for his brothers tropical fish, and some new found popularity that is testing the bonds of his true friends.
I appreciate that the whole “dorky/wimpy/nerdy” boy gets his say books are popular right now, but this one was just not quite right. It had one lesson on friendship, which isn’t very sophisticated for an audience of upper elementary readers. I think students will be off-put by the fact that everyone treats Charlie normally (he continues to flirt with girls? Confused!), and the many outdated references. (Such as the title! Creature from the black lagoon isn’t well known with the past 2 generations!!). I liked the general idea and I think students will be attracted to the cover art, but overall it was just take it or leave it.
Elementary –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.
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