A Weird Case of Super-Goo

Oppel, Kenneth. (2010).  A weird case of super-goo. Toronto, Ont.: Harper Trophy Canada.

From Kenneth Oppel, author of some fabulous books for intermediate readers, comes the Barnes and the Brains series for younger readers. With cartoon-style black and white full page illustrations and accessible text divided into short chapters, this is a great chapter book to hook early readers on a new series. Giles, Kevin and Tina are the "brains" of their school who have created a 'genius business' to help other people with their problems.  Giles decides to quit the 'Genius business' after a failed experiment turns his hair red, but he needs to enlist the help of his old friends when his high maintenance aunt arrives and creates a youth potion which makes her a little too youthful - even for Giles.  The clever portrayal of adults who just don't 'get-it' and the recognition that childhood is not all its cracked up to be will appeal to young readers as will the fact that it is the kids who solve the problem in the end. A Weird Case of Super-Goo is a funny, fast-paced book about friendship, co-operation and responsibility that is not at all 'preachy'. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Check out the Barnes and the Brains website, too.

Late Primary