M.T. Anderson Reviews

Added May 12, 2007

Whales on Stilts!

M.T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales

Author: M.T. Anderson
Publisher: Harcourt Books
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: April 2006
Genre: Middle Reader: Adventure
Format: Trade paper
Price: $5.95
ISBN-10: 0-15-205394-8
ISBN-13: 9780152053949
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Move over, Moby Dick, there's a new terror on the high seas! An evil genius is secretly supplying an army of cranky whales with stilts and laser beam eyes in a diabolical attempt to take over the world. Nothing stands in their way except an average girl and her two unusual friends. But what can three kids do against an onslaught of blubbering blubber?

Hilariously zany, these pages are more fun than a barrel full of monkeys intent on world domination. (Hey, maybe I just gave the author an idea for another book!) The plot holds the perfect combination of serious and silly, as Lily Gefelty, an agonizingly ordinary girl, holds the fate of the world in her tiny, twelve-year-old hands. As she enlists the help of her above-average friends, Jasper Dash, Boy Technonaut, and zombie fighter, Katie Mulligan, it soon becomes apparent that no one has a plan to stop this dastardly deed. It's at this point that Lily takes a deep breath, rolls up her sleeves and sighs. But after she does all that, she eventually comes up with an idea to save the planet.

The plot is extraordinary enough to be compelling, with a nice dash of suspense. Lily, Jasper and Katie are the kind of kids readers wouldn't mind hanging out with in school. (Except of course, when Jasper wears his photocopier repairman disguise, complete with antenna and ray gun.) Amazingly, through all the quips and quirkiness, the author puts a good gob of common sense in these pages. (Don't worry it's not sticky or anything.) The moral of the story is about stepping up to the plate and being the best you can be. Only M.T. Anderson says it a lot better and without any tired cliches.

If you're looking for a book that will make you feel like someone is tickling your feet with a bunch of baleen, then Whales on Stilts! is for you!

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Added November 14, 2006

The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen

M.T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales

Author: M.T. Anderson
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc.
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date:
Genre: Middle Reader: Mystery
Format: Hardcover
Price: $15.00
ISBN: 0-15-205352-2
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Quirky and clever, The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen is laugh-out-loud funny! The crime-solving trio of Lily Gefelty, Jasper Dash and Katie Mulligan return for another madcap mystery that will have readers giggling their way through the pages.

A number of characters from various middle-grade novels received coupons for a relaxing stay at the famous Moose Tongue Lodge and Resort. Lily, Jasper and Katie join the group only to quickly discover that someone orchestrated this little reunion for some nefarious dealings. After a priceless diamond necklace is stolen and the Hooper Quints get kidnapped, the vacation is over for our fearless investigators. Yet, following the trail of clues leads to unexpected twists and ticklish situations.

Each turn of the page is an adventure in itself as this fast-paced book hits the ground running. The characters possess a perfect playfulness, which makes them all oddly endearing. The author's sense of humor packs this story with a healthy dose of laughter and a nice amount of silliness. While the plot is a tad eccentric, there is no doubt the writing is excellent and the action appealing to young readers. Snappy dialogue and goofy situations propel the novel forward as the mystery unravels like a pair of knotted lederhosen.

M. T. Anderson takes wacky to new heights in this wonderful book! Any author who can successfully use the word "linoleum" in a title must be either highly creative or very brave. Young readers will appreciate the humor, become involved in the mystery, and best of all; they will have their imagination tickled!

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