Science, science, science. Man how I love science. When there is a book about science, I get really excited. The latest book that we read really made us excited about the subject matter, science labs. A book is even more enjoyable when it makes us laugh. This novel covered both of those areas.Phineas L. MacGuire, Mac for short, is a 4th grader who has a feeling of lonliness when his best friend, and fellow science geek, has moved to a different state. Mac is going to have to make some new friends to start a new school year. With Science being his favorite subject, he is worried that he won't find anyone he can relate to. The problem is, the only person he can relate to is a girl in his class, Aretha, but he is "allergic" to girls. A new student in class, named Mac R. as well, has proved himself to be very obnoxious, especially to Mac. It doesn't any easier for Mac when he is teamed for the big 4th Grade Science Fair with Mac R who pushes his patience and opens him up to the thoughts and feelings of others.
A very humorous story that is good for 3rd and 4th grade students that will keep their interest and even anticipate the forthcoming books. The best part is that there are some easy to do science experiments at the back of the book that readers could do at home. How fun!
Again, other than being just a good entertaining read, it's hard to say why this was put on the Master List, there is usually some theme to the list (historic fiction, cultural fiction, thought provoking fiction, etc). My only guess is that there is reference to Lawrence, Kansas in the book. I hope the book was on the list for it's entertainment value. It is so entertaining in fact, that I am giving this book a rating of:
Yet another tail wagger on my end. This is going to be a very popular book for intermmediate readers and I am excited to see how kids interest in science is sparked because of this story. This is a book I would lick and sniff this book a few more times and I am looking forward to future novels.
- The Scientific Dachshund
Publisher: Alladin
ISBN: 1416901957
Price: $16.99
* 2008 William Allen White Master List - Elementary
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