A hilarious scientific adventure story, Popular Clone by M. E. Castle is a must read!
Fisher Bas is a twelve-year-old, geeky science genius at Wompalog Middle School. The son of Nobel Prize-winning parents, he struggles to fit in, while being accosted on a regular basis by overgrown goons he calls the Vikings. Tired of being picked on and listening to his parents’ claims that things will get better, Fisher uses his mother’s revolutionary Advanced Growth Hormone to create a clone, which he names Fisher Two. From the comfort of his home lab, Fisher spends the day playing video games and working on his latest inventions, while Fisher Two navigates middle school. It’s a brilliant plan, until Fisher Two becomes more popular than the real Fisher, and is then kidnapped by the evil Dr. X., sending Fisher on a dangerous adventure to rescue his clone.
Oh my gosh, I can’t tell you how much the girls and I laughed while reading this book. The Lil Diva (11) and the Lil Princess (8) thought this was the best story. Not only do you have a unique take on bullying, between the crazy inventions, hilarious artwork, a flying pig, and the antics of numerous characters, how can kids not love this book. What I enjoyed most is that it tackles the topic of bullying in a light, fun manner. Bullying is a serious issue. And what this book teaches kids–though they might not even know it–is that there is a time when you will come into your own. That just because you’ve been a victim of bullying once, doesn’t mean you will be forever. Fisher’s journey after creating Fisher Two is one fueled by his jealousy over his clone’s popularity, that is then tempered by his desire to save his genetic counterpart when he’s in danger. Fisher must move outside of his comfort zone and see what he is made of in order to rescue Fisher Two. It’s not easy for every victim of bullying, but the more books that provide young people with relatable characters who do face up to or deal with their bullies, the more empowered these victims will be.
Middle-grade boys are sure to love Popular Clone for its antics and adventure. But girls will find many things to like about it too. Fisher and Fisher Two are great characters that provide tons of silly moments, and some tender ones too. Any youngster who enjoys science will get a kick out of this book.
This is the first book in a series by debut author M. E. Castle. The second book of The Clone Chronicles is now available.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
- Reading level:Ages 8 and up
- Hardcover:320 pages
- Publisher:EgmontUSA (January 24, 2012)
- Language:English
- ISBN-10:1606842323
- ISBN-13: 978-1606842324
- SRP: $15.99
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 
Sounds like a great book with a subtle message for youmg readders. Nice review, Cheryl.
Sounds like a well thought out plot with amazing characters. My congratulations and much success to M.E. Castle. Thank you for the review Cherl.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s a really great book.
What a great review. Thanks! The second book is actually not available yet though. It won’t be out until January. =(
I got this one from NetGalley but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. thanks for th is post. 🙂