Science No Fair! (Project Droid #1)

Gr 2-4--In the first title, Science No Fair!, Logan's mom shares her latest invention: a lifelike boy android named Java (Jacob Alexander Victor Applebaum), who she plans to send to school with Logan and introduce as his cousin. Logan is not happy about this development, especially because Java has a tendency to do things that make him stand out, like the time he picks up his chair when the teacher tells him to "take a seat," or the time he hits the school tetherball so hard that the pole spins off into the air like a helicopter. Logan's problems get even worse when the awful Silverspoon twins invite Java to be their partner in the science fair, giving them an open invitation to come to Logan's house, where they sabotage Logan's own science project. But even Logan can't predict the disaster Java accidentally causes at the science fair itself. In the second volume, Soccer Shocker!, Logan is dismayed to learn that Java will be playing on his soccer team, the Purple Wombats. Logan has been proud to be his team's top scorer, even though he has scored only one goal. Now, not only does he have to share his team with his robot cousin but Java also turns out to be a soccer superstar, winning every game single-handedly. When the Silverspoon twins trick Java into serving his team peanut-butter-and-jellyfish sandwiches, it is up to Logan to save the day. This quirky new chapter book series is fast-paced and full of Amelia Bedelia-style gags. Moran's black-and-white cartoon drawings add to the humor and appeal. Java is an endearingly naive and enthusiastic character, and Logan is believable as a frustrated kid trying to keep his cousin's robot nature a secret. VERDICT This entertaining new series will appeal to fans of funny stories and robots.--Ashley Larsen, Pacifica Libraries, CA