Cloneward Bound

Gr 4–7—In this follow-up to Popular Clone (Egmont USA, 2012), Fisher Bas is a scientific genius. His biggest creation is Two, a genetic replica of himself composed of AGH, a dangerous chemical compound stolen from his scientist mother. Government agents and evil inventor Dr. X are searching for him, Two, and the missing AGH. Fisher must warn Two, but the clone has hightailed it to Los Angeles. The middle-school biology class is invited to an L.A. taping of Strange Science with handsome Dr. Devilish as host. Fisher jumps at the chance. He is unwittingly joined by best friend FP, a genetically engineered flying pig. Meanwhile, Two has changed his name to Basley and is already getting famous-going to auditions and chumming it up with celebrities. With the help of his crafty classmate Amanda, Fisher searches the city for Two, all the while being pursued by shady, dark-suited men. He's mistaken for his clone look-alike by a scheming agent who wants to sign him and FP, and also by a flock of teenage worshippers. Things get really rough when all the characters receive mysterious notes asking them to report to Lot 44, or else. They end up as reality-show contestants on Sci-Fi: Survivor, pitted against monstrous metal dinosaurs and superhuman robots. Funny and adventurous with a theatrical flair, this story will keep readers turning pages. A fun, fast-paced romp.—Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA