Sven Carter & the Trashmouth Effect

Gr 3–6—Sven Carter, also known as "Trashmouth" after an unfortunate incident involving munching on a moldy muffin, is shocked when his arm suddenly falls off after a failed bike jump. Even more surprising is what happens next: his arm drags itself back to him and reattaches itself to his shoulder joint. Sven soon learns that he's not a typical kid—he's a high-tech humanoid robot created to destroy humankind. Sven is horrified at the discovery and enlists his best friend Will and classmate Alicia to help stop his lethal programming. Along the way, the trio encounters strange and gross creatures, from evil roast chickens to murderous clown-snakes. This book will keep middle grade readers entertained and shaking their heads at the ridiculousness of it all. The story relies on impossibly dangerous action scenes and slapstick humor—a fairly winning combination for the target audience. Sven and his friends are the perfect motley crew of outcasts determined to save the world.