Hunter Moran Saves the Universe

Gr 3–6—Summer vacation has just begun, but there's no time for leisurely activities for Hunter and Zack. While plotting to bury Zack's less-than-stellar report card, the twins intercept a garbled phone call that, coupled with mysterious notes, causes them to conclude that the local dentist, Dr. Diglio, is plotting to blow up their small town. Hunter feels it is up to him and his brother to save it while simultaneously trying to avoid their ever-present, annoying little brother; stay out of trouble with their parents; and prepare for the annual festival, Tinwitty Day. High jinks ensue that include the boys becoming marooned on the roof of the church and getting trapped inside the giant iron soup kettle in the center of town, all the while trying to evade Sarah Yulefski, who has a crush on Hunter. Giff presents a zany tale with a multitude of characters, but many of them aren't well developed, and some of the incidents are not fully resolved, such as burying the report card. Some readers will find some mild chuckles here, but most will see through the transparent "bomb plot," leaving them disappointed.Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA