Book details
Popular Clone (The Clone Chronicles Book 1)
Description
"Castle's debut, the first in a planned series, strikes just the right balance of humor and action and is sure to keep young readers turning the pages. Fisher's struggles to fit in, to relate to girls and to uncover and preserve his true self feel genuine, making him a misfit and unlikely hero worth rooting for."Kirkus ReviewsMeet Fisher Bas: a 12-year-old, growth-stunted, geeky science genius who is the son of Nobel Prize -winning parents. Despite his outsized IQ, Fisher is far from the most popular kid in his middle schoolhe's actually tormented daily by the beefy, overgrown goons he calls the Vikings. Holed up in his home lab over a long weekend, Fisher uses his mother's revolutionary Advanced Growth Hormone to clone himself. Now Fisher Two can go to school each day while the real Fisher stays at home playing video games, eating Cheetos, and working on his latest inventions. It's an ingenious plan that works brilliantly . . . until Fisher's clone turns out to be more popular than him and then gets clone-napped by the evil scientist Dr. Xander. As his simple plan to literally avoid the toilet bowl of middle school collapses, Fisher's life gets even more complicated, and he must set out on an epic adventure to rescue his genetic counterpart.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
320 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Plot: 'Popular Clone' offers a unique and captivating storyline where the protagonist, Fisher Bas, a 12-year-old genius, clones himself to avoid the daily torments of middle school. This plot provides a fresh take on the challenges of adolescence and the desire to fit in, making it a compelling read for both young readers and adults.
- Humor and Relatability: M.E. Castle infuses the narrative with humor and situations that readers can relate to, especially those who have experienced the trials of school life. The book's comedic elements keep the story light-hearted and enjoyable, while also addressing real issues that resonate with a younger audience.
- Themes of Self-Discovery and Acceptance: Throughout the book, themes of self-discovery and acceptance are explored as Fisher and his clone navigate the complexities of their existence. Readers are encouraged to consider the importance of being true to oneself and the value of embracing one's unique qualities.
- Introduction to Science Fiction for Young Readers: 'Popular Clone' serves as an excellent introduction to the science fiction genre for middle-grade readers. It presents scientific concepts and ethical dilemmas in an accessible way, sparking curiosity and interest in science and technology while promoting critical thinking about the implications of cloning.