Nightmare at the Book Fair

July 7, 2008
This smartly conceived, action-packed and at times downright silly tale offers further proof of Gutman's (The Million Dollar Shot
) skill at entertaining tween boys. Trip Dinkleman, an unabashed book-hater, gets roped into helping set up some book fair displays on his way to lacrosse tryouts. When a stack of books conks him on the head, he is catapulted through a number of popular genres, starring as the main character in each sample. First he meets Professor Psycho, who wants to open a chain of human parts stores; he then moves from horror to sports fiction as he finds himself a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, playing in the Super Bowl. In one especially nutty adventure, Trip winds up in a field with a cornball superhero named Captain Obvious (he gleefully accosts his foes by shouting, “You have two eyes!” and “You are a bad man!”) who gives Trip the name The Alliterator and insists that he speak alliteratively. Each new chapter introduces similarly outré characters who help define (and send up) each genre; readers can happily consume this book section by section. Ages 8–12.

September 1, 2008
Gr 4-6-Fifth-grader Trip Dinkleman gets roped into helping set up the school's book fair, a loathsome task for a boy who hates to read. While attempting to move a particularly heavy crate, he loses control and a number of volumes come crashing down on his head, knocking him out cold. Trip then finds himself in various implausible scenariosfrom playing in the Super Bowl to landing on the moon. He wonders if he will ever return to reality or be stuck as a book character forever. Each chapter represents a new genre. The result is a mixed bag of humorous scenarios and underdeveloped story lines. Gutman succeeds when he delves into historical fiction and humor, but falters when attempting to mimic the styles of science fiction, horror, and "girl fiction." The novel is not helped along by an undeveloped main character whose odd actions make him hard to root for, and the transitions between the chapters confuse readers. The ending comes suddenly, and they are left wondering how the events even came to pass. This one is only for die-hard Gutman fans."Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.