The BEDMAS Conspiracy

Gr 5—7—Adam knows that with his creativity and leadership skills, and the vocal talents of his cousin Daniela, a victory at his middle school's talent show is possible. All they have to do is find some band mates and come up with a great name. After auditions are held, their prospects look even brighter: joining them are drummer (and detention veteran) Sludge, twin guitarists Beena and Meena, and Eldrick, percussion-playing nerd-turned-nemesis. So what could go wrong? Well, Adam's academic difficulties and Daniela's stage fright are only two of the challenges thrown their way, but both are handled imaginatively and with humor. On the way to winning the regional talent show, Adam learns that people can surprise you, whether they are peers or adults. A genial read for fans of the author's The Triple Chocolate Brownie Genius (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2007).—Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Peachtree Montessori International, Ann Arbor, MI