Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor (Frank Einstein #1)

Scieszka (the Spaceheadz series) pulls in an array of scientific, cultural, and historical allusions and references--Einstein and Frankenstein, sure, but also James Bond, Edison vs. Tesla, the CERN particle collider, and more--in this first book in the Frank Einstein series, loosely based around the subject of matter. Not unlike Shelley's Frankenstein, science whiz Frank is trying to animate a robot he's built in his garage lab. Frank doesn't succeed, but in one of the happy accidents that pepper scientific history (ahem, penicillin), Frank inadvertently lays the groundwork for the creation of two "self-assembled artificial-life" entities named Klink and Klank, fashioned from Shop-Vacs, Casio keyboards, and other mechanical detritus. The antimatter motor Frank whips up next for the science fair leads to a confrontation with his nemesis. Biggs's (the Everything Goes books) two-color cartoons and diagrams run the gamut from silly to scientific, and the same holds true of Scieszka's story. In refusing to take itself too seriously, it proves that science can be as fun as it is important and useful. Ages 8-12. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)

Gr 3-5--Scieszka's latest novel centers on kid genius and inventor Frank Einstein and his two self-assembled robots, Klink and Klank. When Frank designs an antimatter motor flying bike to submit for Midville's Science Prize, his idea is stolen--along with Klink and Klank--by his rival, T. Edison, and Edison's sidekick, Mr. Chimp, an actual chimp who communicates through sign language. But, with a bit of ingenuity, and a little help from his Grampa Al and his friend Watson, Frank is able to thwart Edison's plans and rescue the two robots. Sciezka writes in the present tense, creating a fast-paced read, and offers plenty of science facts for children. Biggs's cartoon drawings cleverly add to the story, particularly his illustrations of Mr. Chimp's sign language, which are seamlessly interspersed as dialogue throughout the text. Although not entirely original as a character, Frank is likable and resourceful, while Edison makes for a diabolical but predictable villain. However, children will enjoy the matter-of-fact Klink, affable Klank, and droll Mr. Chimp, all of whom provide the majority of the laughs in the book and inject some novelty into an otherwise standard story. With humor, straightforward writing, tons of illustrations, and a touch of action at the end, this book is accessible and easy to read, making it an appealing choice for reluctant readers. A solid start to the series.--Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

"Brian Biggs' cartoon-tastic two-color illustrations add the perfect punch to the "diary" look so many young readers have come to embrace. Scieszka clearly knows his audience and plays right into their hands, as this series promises entertainment but supports it with real science. There are plenty of explosions and experiments to inspire reluctant readers to don the lab coats and start inventing!"
—Sharon Verbeten "BookPage "

STARRED REVIEW
"In the final analysis, this buoyant, tongue-in-cheek celebration of the impulse to 'keep asking questions and finding your own answers' fires on all cylinders."
—Booklist, starred review

"Scieszka mixes science and silliness again to great effect."
—Kirkus Reviews

"In refusing to take itself too seriously, it proves that science can be as fun as it is important and useful."
—Publishers Weekly

"With humor, straightforward writing, tons of illustrations, and a touch of action at the end, this book is accessible and easy to read, making it an appealing choice for reluctant readers. A solid start to the series."
—School Library Journal

"Kids will love Frank Einstein because even though he is a new character he will be instantly recognizable to the readers...Jon Scieszka is one of the best writers around, and I can't wait to see what he does with these fun and exciting characters."
—Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl

"Jon Scieszka's new series has the winning ingredients that link his clever brilliance in story telling with his knowledge of real science, while at the same time the content combination of fiction and non fiction appeals to the full range of the market."
—Jack Gantos, Dead End in Norvelt

"I never thought science could be funny . . . until I read Frank Einstein. It will have kids laughing."
—Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid

"Huge laughs and great science—the kind of smart, funny stuff that makes Jon Scieszka a legend."
—Mac Barnett, author of Battle Bunny and The Terrible Two