My Explosive Diary

Gr 2–5—Eliza Boom is a quirky young inventor who spends her days constructing gadgets with her best friend and dog, Einstein. Eliza takes after her father, also an inventor, whom she believes is employed by spies. Her father flies into a panic when he realizes a strip of top-secret spy film is lost. Eliza, mistaking the film for a ribbon, gave it to the class bully, Zoe. Through a series of zany plans involving gadgets, Eliza attempts to recover her dad's missing film. The book contains lessons on dealing with bullying. Eliza first tries to extend kindness toward Zoe, but her efforts are rejected. Ultimately, Eliza befriends Amy, another of Zoe's victims. The two discover they have a lot in common and become close friends, demonstrating that there often is help available to those dealing with a bully. Written in diary form, each chapter represents a different entry. Pencil drawings enhance the story and add to the whimsical feel of the book. Eliza has a fun voice that will appeal to newly independent readers.—Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY