The Trouble With Miss Switch

October 1, 2000
Gr 4-6-This fantasy by Barbara Brooks Wallace (Abingdon, 1971) describes the adventures of Rupert P. Brown III when he discovers his new fifth-grade teacher at Pepperdine School really is a witch. Rupert has decided to conduct experiments with his turtle, an aquarium, and his two guinea pigs. He expands those experiments and his use of the scientific method in order to help Miss Switch who has to pass a test imposed by a computer witch from witch's mountain. He's assisted by a female classmate, Amelia, whom he gradually learns to accept and trust. The cassettes, packaged in a sturdy book-sized case, are effectively narrated by actor Johnny Heller who changes voices for the various characters. Chapter titles are read aloud. Contemporary preteens may find the plot a bit predictable and may not relate to words such as "trousers," "poppycock," and "fiddlesticks." The computer witch receives her communication via punch cards which also dates this narrative. An interview with the author in which she describes how she got started in her writing career and offers advice to aspiring student writers is included. This would be a good addition to school or public library audio collections where the author's books are popular.-Diane Balodis, Alden Intermediate School, NY

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