Once again Thomas is up to something at Pennybaker School, a place where everyone is a genius at something no matter how unique that something is. In Pennybaker School is Revolting, the second installment of the series by Jennifer Brown, Thomas is out to solve the mystery of their missing history teacher. It’s a case of “not knowing how good something was until it’s gone” for the kids at Pennybaker. While Mr. Faboo made them dress up and act out history, the tests, quizzes and essays the full-time sub Mr. Smith assigns them is much worse. So, the only thing for Thomas and his friends to do is find Mr. Faboo and convince him to return.

However, Thomas and his best friend Chip aren’t quite on the same page which leads to misunderstandings, a little trouble, a little embarrassment and a lot of resentment (mostly on Thomas’s side). Thomas has to decide if saving Mr. Faboo is worth it because he can’t do it unless they all work together and that includes Chip. Pennybaker School is Revolting has some good lessons on valuing friendship and working out differences.

Pennybaker School is Revolting is a hilarious novel with exaggerated characters (including a dare devil grandma) who get into interesting predicaments that keep you laughing as you’re reading. As said before, it’s second in the series, and while there are mentions of events from the first novel, it does stand alone and can easily be followed without having read the previous one. This novel would be perfect for those looking to branch out from Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate.

Review of an Advance Uncorrected Proof

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Mention of someone who likes to duct tape kids to the wall if he doesn’t like what they say; person kicks another person in the knee and causes them to fall down. 

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Death.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None