by Jim Benton

This is definitely the silly side of Sci-Fi. A great level for kids just emerging from JE’s, or for reluctant or lower level readers. Franny is a great character – funny & smart. She just happens to also be a mad scientist, so her peers are a little stand-offish. In this book, Fran wants to fit in, so she develops a potion to make her “normal.” Fortunately Fran realizes she’s better off being herself – just in time to save the teacher from the trash monster!

reviewed by Jennifer