Invisible in the third grade

Gr 3-4‘A Halloween story featuring magic bubble gum that renders the chewer invisible sounds like it ought to be a winner but this short chapter book fails to live up to its potential. The design of the book and the illustrations are attractive, but there isn't a single appealing character. The plot revolves around third grader Alex Parsells who, when he puts his quarters in the gum machine, gets ``Double Trouble Bubble Gum'' instead of his usual brand. When he chews it and gradually becomes invisible he realizes it's magic. He proceeds to use it to play tricks on his teachers, and to tag along with his older brother and ``the gang'' when they go trick or treating. When the gang's plan to steal an old lady's false teeth backfires, Alex uses the gum to help his brother escape. The characters are one dimensional and there is an overall mean-spirited feeling to the story from beginning to end.‘Sue Norris, Rye Free Reading Room, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Alex Parsells stops off at a vending machine to buy some of his favorite bubble gum and instead ends up with chewing gum that makes him invisible for two hours at a time. A formulaic plot and clichéd writing result in an average and uninteresting story, but the concept of invisibility will appeal to young readers. Cartoonlike artwork illustrates the chapter book. From HORN BOOK 1995, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.