Nightmare at the Book Fair

Although Gutman apparently is a well received author of JUV fiction and non-fiction, I found this book to be silly and unoriginal in execution. Trip Dinkelman is the main character who, after having a crate of books fall on his head, is transported in to an exploration of a variety of written genres. Bad puns and cliche situations abound, and the ending is ripped right out of "The Wizard of Oz" (the movie, for some reason, and not the book. Lame.

Trip gets into more adventures and trouble than I thought possible. Of all the places for these adventures--the library!! Trip is not a reader, mostly he likes anything else. However, he gets stuck helping the PTA President. That is his first mistake and the fact that he lets a box of books fall on top of him.

The story moves along pretty quickly and the adventure is varied. There are puns galore, hopefully this is not lost on the youngsters reading the book. Some of them are kind of cheesy, but you still have to laugh.

Trip is funny and likable. I think that boys can probably relate to him and feel a part of the adventure. There are also some gross moments that boys are sure to enjoy! It is also a fast read, another sure thing to show more recommend itself. show less

Most schools have an annual book fair, and most librarians discuss the characteristics of various genre. This book combines the two into a fast paced adventure in which the main character finds himself in the middle of several story lines which exemplify several genre.

An interesting book about a boy who gets knocked out helping at a book fair and ends up playing a part in a story in every genre.

An excellent resource for a teacher or parent wanting to teach a student about different genres. Each chapter of the book is written in a different style, from fantasy to reference.

When a 5th grade boy, who isn't very fond of reading, is hit on the head, he has a variety of adventures as he becomes a character in many stories.

(Borders liquidation sale.)