Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000

Gr 2-4 Frankie Pickle is back in the series that began with "Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom" (S & S, 2009). He wants to become a Shrew Scout with the rest of his Possum Troop but can't because he lacks the points. However, an opportunity arises with the Pine Run 3000, the "greatest game ever invented." If Frankie's model car wins, he can advance up the scouting ladder. This meld of graphic novel and chapter book is a sure bet for reluctant readers. The black-and-white illustrations make the text "woooosh" along just like the fast-paced race scenes toward the end of the book. Readers get glimpses of the protagonist's inner thoughts; once he even pictures himself working on a David-like sculpture as he creates his model car. Despite obstacles to winning, Frankie stays wide-eyed and optimistic until the end."Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.