Frank Einstein and the Electro-Finger (Frank Einstein #2)

Gr 2-4--Boy genius Frank Einstein is back and is studying different types of energy. With Grandpa Al's electricity bill skyrocketing, Frank wants to find an alternate way to run all his gadgets. Meanwhile, Frank's archenemy, T. Edison, has purchased the local town power plant and is destroying all his competition. With no alternate source of energy, everyone will have to pay his ridiculous prices. Can Frank stop his nemesis from destroying the town's energy sources? The two-color cartoon illustrations are detailed and engaging. Although a little one-dimensional, the characters are fairly likable and it is easy to root for them. Although the facts are educational and presented in an interesting way, they tend to sideline the story. The plot is straightforward and draws readers into the book with its boy-friendly hijinks, but tends to feel a little forced. VERDICT This book teaches kids a lot in an accessible, easy-to-read format, but may disappoint some of Scieszka's longtime fans.--Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT

"Scieszka's furious narrative, full of goofball humor and shenanigans, flies along, accelerated by Biggs' spot illustrations, diagrams, and scientific figures. And there's plenty of real science here, too..."—Thom Barthelmess "Booklist "

"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