Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka. Frank Einstein series #1. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 180 p. Amulet Books/ Abrams, August 19, 2014. 9781419712180. (Review from arc courtesy of the publisher.)

Young Frank Einstein is a science guy. His interest in science is nurtured by his Mr. Fixit grandpa, Al. He loves to hang out at grandpa's shop with his pal Watson. He's trying to invent a robot to enter into the annual science fair. After his attempt at assembly fails, Frank leaves the parts and a fortuitous bolt of lightning provides just enough juice for Klink and Klank to come to life. Klink is a bit of a stick-in-the-mud and Klank just wants a hug and some good beats to boogie to. 

Frank has an arch-nemesis who is not above performing some industrial espionage in order to make sure that Frank doesn't win the science competition. T. Edison and his simian sidekick, Mr. Chimp, who communicates using American Sign Language will stop at nothing in their quest to win the science fair and ultimately dominate the world. (Insert evil laugh here.)

Scieszka rolls up real science and riffs on pop culture in a fast-paced plot packed with humor. Brian Biggs' illustrations add to the fun. For Scieszka's legions of fans, young and old, this will be an automatic purchase even without the blurbs by Tom Angleberger and Jeff Kinney. This is definitely one to give to your fans of both Origami Yoda and Wimpy Kid. Heck, give it to any kind of reader.

Check out this video of the author talking about the book. TMS students should check out the dedication page because you know Bob and Mary Brown. They are the owners of Books, Bytes and Beyond. It is thanks to them that we've had some fantastic author visits. They brought us Tim Federle, Kenneth Oppel, and Scott Westerfeld, among others in the past. This October, George Hagen will visit fifth and six grades. I can't wait to get back to school and share this with you!