Frank Einstein and the Electro-Finger

February 1, 2015
Kid genius Frank Einstein's back for a second shocking (and silly) science adventure.While his parents travel around the world, Frank stays with Grampa Al and conducts science investigations with his human friend Watson and his two robot buddies, smart, literal Klink and music-loving, hug-addicted Klank. While Watson tries to perfect his pea shooter, Frank and the robots learn about forces and energy, Newton and Tesla, and they invent a wireless electricity generator. This is a good thing, since evil, not-quite-as-much-of-a-kid-genius T. Edison and his sidekick, er, partner, Mr. Chimp, are buying up and destroying various types of power plants in order to create a monopoly for their hydroelectric dam. Can Frank and his pals stop Edison, or is Midville doomed to have its own energy crisis? Scieszka's second of six science-themed tales is more fact than fiction in the first half. The science-saturated storyline is buoyed by occasional jokes and a plethora of humorous two-color illustrations and diagrams by Biggs. Once the action begins, it doesn't stop (except for the jokes). Amusing and informative aftermatter includes more science facts and recipes, poetry and experiments, as well as a guide to ASL's manual alphabet (Mr. Chimp communicates with sign). Final art not seen. There's so much actual information here that the story could pass as a textbook, but science and Scieszka fans won't likely mind. (Science fiction/humor. 8-10)

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March 1, 2015

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

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2015
Grades 3-6 Frank Einstein is back, with his trusted companion Watson, his dutiful robots Klink (the smart one) and Klank (the affectionate one), and this time the experimental team is joined by their baseball-playing behaviorist friend, Janegoodall. Back, too, are dastardly evildoer T. Edison and his sign languagespeaking chimp, Mr. Chimp. Can Frank and his crew foil Edison's plans to monopolize Midville's power plant? Can they successfully deliver wireless energy (that is, static cling) via their Electro-Finger? How long has Police Chief Jacob been going to Poetry Club? 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, from meaningful descriptions of simple machines to blueprints for the Perfect Peashooter. Back matter ( Frank Einstein's Energy Notes ) includes scientific definitions, instructions for a homemade Electro-Finger, a poem from Police Chief Jacobs, and Mr. Chimp's recipe for Ants on a Log. Good stuff.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2015
With his trusty sidekicks, Klink and Klank, Frank wages a battle against his classmate and nemesis, T. Edison, for the town's energy supply. Both scientific facts and jokes abound in this action-packed second installment. Humorous black-and-white illustrations with yellow accents include appropriately complex scientific diagrams, while an afterword provides instructions for "how to make your own Electro-Finger," scientific definitions, and more.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)