Popular Clone

xxpish - Fisher Bas is a 6th grader who gets tormented by a group of three kids that he calls the Vikings. They are always waiting for him, to bash him on the head with the biggest book they can find, give him a swirly or something else along those lines. One day, Fisher just gets tired of it. So he comes up with a solution-cloning himself with the AGH (Advanced Growth Hormones) that his mom invented, which is something that world-known Dr. X(ander, no, I am not kidding! his name is Xander!) wants to get his hands on. After a sleepless weekend, lots of work and many different attempts, Fisher creates his clone. When his clone comes to life, he thinks a woman from a Spot-Rite ad is his mother so Fisher creates a fantasy for his clone to believe-that they are trying to get their mother back and they have to go to a place to train (AKA Middle School) for their enemies. Then, after a few days, Two (Fisher’s clone’s name) becomes more popular than him! He has friends, is known around school and stands up to the Vikings. Can Fisher change Two’s ways before something bad happens and they realize Two is not Fisher? In a wacky middle-grade story of adventure and clones, Fisher strives to be as good as his clone, and fights the evil Dr. X after a very shocking twist in the plot in a wonderful debut. What I thought about it: Popular Clone was a great book. I think this was a strong debut for M.E. Castle, and fans of middle-grade sci-fi will enjoy it. I have been reading a lot of sci-fi lately; Mila 2.0, Cinder, Scarlet–they all have something to do with sciency stuff like clones, androids and cyborgs. I thinking the idea of cloning yourself is interesting-and very complicated. It would be hard to keep a secret that there are two “You’s” out there. I also loved the other science aspects in this book: the inventions that Fisher has created and the Bas’ garden. The tomatos are the size of beach balls, and the bananas are the size of baseball bats. It’s like taking your garden and multiplying the size! Now that is awesome. I loved the drawings throughout the book of Fisher’s inventions-they help you understand what they are talking about/using in the story. Also, the battle at the end was pretty epic, with lots of action and chases. The book ends with a BIG cliffhanger, though. Thankfully I had the second book available BWAHAHA! So overall, a great book for fans of middle-grade stories and adventures. XanderStars: Action: 8 out of 10 XanderStars Suspense: 8 out of 10 XanderStars Well-Written: 9 out of 10 XanderStars Page-Turning: 8 out of 10 XanderStars Overall: 8 out of 10 XanderStars

January 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-Geeky Fisher Bas is trying to make it through middle school by avoiding bullies and befriending his science teacher. His parents are Nobel Prize-winning scientists and his mother has created Accelerated Growth Hormone (AGH), which has the potential to revolutionize medicine technology and has made her the target of evil scientist Dr. X. But before he can steal the AGH, Fisher decides to use it to grow his own clone. It will go to school for him and deal with the bullies and tedious teachers, and Fisher can stay at home and conduct important experiments. However, he didn't bargain on his clone, whom he refers to as "Two," earning a reputation as a troublemaker and becoming more popular than he could ever imagine. This leads to some interesting problems. When a popular girl comes to his home, hoping that they can become study buddies, he can't decide if he should be himself or substitute his more confident clone. Soon Fisher's social drama takes a backseat to Dr. X's dark scheming. When Two gets kidnapped by the evil mastermind, Fisher goes into complete Spy Kids mode, equipping himself with a popcorn gun and a flying pig sidekick. This fun novel is for kids who like Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" series (Philomel) and can handle the challenging scientific vocabulary.-Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 7, 2011
For 12-year-old science and math whiz Fisher Bas, a typical day at school means avoiding “The Vikings,” a trio of relentless bullies, and not living up to the ideals of his comic book hero, Vic Daring. His Nobel Prize–winning parents assure him that this phase will pass, but after a particularly humiliating day, Fisher vows never to go to school again. He steals his mother’s “Accelerated Growth Hormone” and creates a clone, Fisher-2, so he can spend his days eating junk food, living vicariously through his clone, and working on inventions that include a “social survival watch” (complete with “conversation topic generator” and “mint spritzer” for bad breath) and a Popcorn Gun, which are diagrammed throughout in sketchy line art. When Fisher-2 instantly becomes popular at school (as well as a troublemaker) and is “clone-napped,” Fisher and his flying pig must save the day. Fisher’s wild imagination and sincerity fuel Castle’s debut novel, first in a planned series. Heavy doses of self-deprecating humor, high-tech wizardry, and goofy middle-school antics add up to an amusing and action-packed adventure. Ages 8–12.