July 1, 2013
Gr 1-3-AJ thinks science is for nerds, but he isn't sure what to expect from Mr. Docker, the new science teacher at Ella Mentary School. Mr. Docker loves to blow things up, is always asking "why" questions, and is crazy about potatoes. The students begin to suspect that he's a mad scientist who has swapped brains with their real science teacher. The only way to prove it is to spy on Mr. Docker and catch him in the act in his home laboratory. Narrator Jared Goldsmith captures AJ's personality perfectly, and his expression and pacing make Gutman's words (HarperCollins, 2006) come alive. Goldsmith has narrated all the other "My Weird School" titles, so he's very familiar with each of the characters and how they interact. This volume will hook reluctant readers and will show them how much fun science-and a crazy science teacher-can be.-Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA
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