Curse of the Werewolf Boy by author Chris Priestley is a comically, yet slightly absurd novel in the likes of Lemony Snicket and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Mildew and Sponge, the two main characters, set off to solve a mystery and are given the opportunity to time travel as well. As they try to solve the mystery, everyone at Maudlin Towers School is thrown under the light of suspicion, and the reader is introduced to a somewhat preposterous group of characters. Then, through the time travel comes the ridiculousness as they try to fix their mistakes and what happens when they see their doubles in other times. The two of them blunder and goof up big time, yet it all seems to work out…in a very roundabout way. And just how does the werewolf boy fit in? That is something you’ll have to discover as you read the book!

The Curse of the Werewolf Boy is a perfect novel for those younger readers ready to make the jump from graphic novels like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate. There are comical illustrations throughout and a cast of characters that will have them laughing as they try to get out of silly situations–all of which will seem familiar but comfortable as they work on reading more of a novel instead of a graphic novel.

Review is of an Advance Uncorrected Proof

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

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  2 religious exclamations; 1 mild obscenity.  Note:  1 mention of hell in a religious context by a priest not tallied. 

Violence/Gore:  Character ‘cuffed’ in the head which knocks him down; headmaster half-jokingly says he will burn a thief at the stake when he is discovered; character is tied up and led away; character is tied to a post as an offering to something; mention of someone who was a werewolf being shot dead by a silver bullet; Character grabbed and forced to go somewhere against his will.

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

None

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None