Malcolm at Midnight

Escapades, humor, and romance weave together in this madcap elementary school adventure from first-time author Beck. When fifth-grade teacher Mr. Binney mistakes Malcolm, a small rat, for a mouse and purchases him as a classroom pet, Malcolm develops an identity crisis. He soon learns that rats are held in low esteem by both humans and other animals, first from Mr. Binney's read-aloud of The Tale of Despereaux ("Was that what people really thought of rats? That they are sneaky, conniving, lazy, greedy?"), and then when Midnight Academy members (pets from other classrooms) accept him only after he self-identifies as a mouse. Longing to prove his worthiness through "valor and merit," Malcolm faces numerous challenges: Honey Bunny the rabbit's distrust, Snip the cat's evil plans against "the nutters" (children), and his forbidden friendship with fifth-grader Amelia. Lies's (Bats at the Ballgame) detailed spot illustrations are a lively complement to the story, which is written in second person by an unnamed (but identifiable) narrator as an anonymous letter, complete with assigned classroom vocabulary and footnotes. A first-rate debut. Ages 9-12. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Sept.)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6—"A lot happens in a school when the teachers aren't looking." Malcolm the rat learns that very quickly when he is adopted as the pet for Mr. Binney's fifth-grade class. After everyone has gone home, the school comes alive with the activities of the Midnight Academy, a secret society of classroom pets that endeavors to protect the school. Malcolm is accepted into it on a trial basis but runs into trouble right away when its leader, an iguana named Aggy, goes missing. The other members blame Malcolm for the disappearance, so it becomes doubly important for him to find Aggy-to ensure her safety, and to clear his name. The story is a bit long-winded, but Malcolm is thoroughly likable, and the action sequences keep the pages turning. Lies's frequent illustrations, which are soft and expressive, do a lot to endear Malcolm to readers. Some aspects of the tale strain credibility, like how Malcolm communicates with a student by pointing to words in the dictionary, and some plot elements seem somewhat convoluted or poorly explained. Overall, though, the winsome illustrations and Malcolm's appealing character make this debut novel a satisfactory selection. It may also be a good choice for younger students who are reading above grade level yet aren't quite ready for heavier emotional or thematic content.—Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.