On JIMMY Patterson dot org, the middle grade website of author JAMES Patterson, who claims to be the world's bestselling author (350+ million sold, a Guinness record), the mission is clear:
We want every kid who finishes a Jimmy book to say, "Please give me another book."
That's one of my missions, too, of course, but it's easier said than done. Do "Jimmy books" measure up in the eyes of sixth graders? Three of my ARC (Advanced Reader Club) screeners weighed in on three titles under this relatively new imprint.
Here's what they reported to me, when asked if I should include the books in my ultra-picky FREADom Classroom Library (little space, niche focus on ages 10.5-12, books that are worthy and suitable).
Sci-Fi Junior High, by John Martin and Scott Seegert, reviewed by Joey
The gist: The new kid in the galaxy goes to a new school and reports on food fights, aliens, and a mad scientist.
I think it's a great book! It has lots of human action and, of course, sci-fi.
The plot is creative and funny but thought-out. It shows you the struggles of surviving a new school 56,000 light years away from home. Oh, and stopping an evil bunny from conquering the universe! A page-turner.
Pottymouth and Stoopid, by James Patterson (himself) and Chris Grabenstein, reviewed by Madeline
The gist: "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but mean names hurt forever." Two boys try to shake off the nicknames they were given back in preschool.
It's an interesting book for all ages. A flaw in the book is that there isn't one problem; it's more a story of their life. It got boring halfway through because they went to school every day, then came home.
I understand that other people might enjoy that type of book but me, not so much.
I like more of a fantasy/mystery book. Rating: two and a half stars (out of five).
How to Be a Supervillain, by Michael Fry, reviewed by Kellan
The gist: How does a kid get to be the most supremely evil supervillain of all time (especially if he is born good and acts so nice)?
A good strong plot with plenty of twists. The characters and cheesy humor complement the plot very well. The low reading level makes it a good book to read if you want a fast and funny read.
The author is experienced and has done work on movies like Over the Hedge along with comics.
It is so much like Diary of a Wimpy Kid but the plot is much different. Some of the twists are obvious and others are not at all.
I think it is a very good book and will be a bestseller.
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Have you read a Jimmy Patterson book? Did it make you say, "Please give me another book?" Or ..."me, not so much"?