How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots

Title: HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MONSTER BOTS

Author: Howard Boward and Ron Bates

Publisher: Zonderkidz

September 2014

ISBN: 978-0310736080

Genre: Tweener / Science fiction

Sometimes, being smart just isn’t enough

It’s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter’s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren’t enough, he’s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest—finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald “G-Force” Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret “monster goo,” a formula that has terrifying side effects. Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town—and ruin the school dance?

The review (written by my tween daughter): HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MONSTER BOTS was kind of interesting. It is the second book in the series. I didn't read the first, but I wasn't lost. They talk about robots and how scary middle school is. Howard had this barrel of goo, I don’t know where he got it, but it appeared to be kind of a magic goo that grows and stuff. The goo starts multiplying and turns into a… well, you have to read the book and find out.

I recommend it to people that like robots and science fiction. It wasn’t really scary. It was kind of weird and funny at times. I liked the authors’ sense of humor. This would be a great book for tween boys. My older brother (who is not a tween) actually laughed out loud a few times when he read it. Available in ebook and in hard cover. 224 pages.