Friday, May 6, 2011

Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist


Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist
Author: Jim Benton
Publisher: New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c2003

Plot Description:
            Fanny K. Stein isn’t like most girls her age. She can’t stand the color pink, or ruffles, or fluffy stuffed animals.  She likes her pet bats, and her science projects.  But liking those things isn’t making her any friends.   So when her teacher suggests she look to the other girls in class as a way to try and make friends, Franny realizes it’s time for the experiment of a lifetime.  She pretends to like the color pink, and peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches, and for awhile blends right in.  But when the lunch leftovers turn into a giant monster, there’s only one girl who can save them, it’s a job for Franny K. Stein, MAD SCIENTIST!

Review:
            A well written and amusing read, Franny K. Stein will appeal to tween readers.  The book is not just about one girl’s quest to become a great scientist, but is a good story about fitting in, and the realization that being just like everyone else isn’t all that.  Benton has created a great character in Franny, who is appealing to both genders of tween.   I thought the illustrations were especially great. 

Genre: Humorous Fiction

Reading level: 4th Grade

Similar Books: The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Reader’s Advisory:
Personal thoughts- good book, with fun illustrations
Subjects/themes- Monsters, School, Fitting In, Fiction
Series information- 1st in the Franny K. Stein series
Character names/descriptions-
            Franny K. Stein- a genius scientist stuck in school
            Miss Shelly- Franny’s teacher who suggests the great experiment
Annotation: Being a Mad Scientist comes in handy sometimes.

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