The Splendid Baron Submarine

Gr 5–7—W.B. Baron, star of The Magnificent Flying Baron Estate, is back with another adventure. This time W.B., his inventor parents, and their assistant Rose Blackwood are off on mission to save the United States from bankruptcy. All they have to do is find a sunken pirate ship and its treasure. Fortunately, they have just invented a miniature "underwater ship" that, when transformed by the Bigging Machine, turns into the splendid submarine of the title. This second entry in the series contains many familiar elements: W.B.'s fear of squirrels, wacky inventions by his brilliant but scatterbrained father, mystery, and danger—all told with dry humor as a story-within-a-story. Rose Blackwood has a larger role here, transformed from an outcast to a valuable inventors' assistant. Other new additions include a monkey, three ghosts, Vice President Levi P. Morton, and an increased element of suspense. The novel includes aspects of history and science as well as themes of belonging, acceptance, and the importance of creativity and adaptability. Fans of the first book will be eager to read this sequel.