Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo: Frank Einstein, Book 3
Common Sense says
- Jon Scieszka
- Science
- 2015
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo does a surprisingly good job of illustrating how the brain serves as command central for the human body. This third book in the educational and entertaining Frank Einstein series by Jon Scieszka (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales) boasts plenty of serious science but does some philosophical musing as well. As a robot begins to experience human emotion, Scieszka marvels at the wonder and beauty of the world. A mob turns on a perceived threat, a young child steals from another, kids dodge responsibility for accidental property damage, and a character makes a tremendous sacrifice for the greater good.
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What's the story?
Frank Einstein and his best friend, Watson, want to help pal Janegoodall make the cut to pitch for the Midville Mud Hens. With help from his robots, Klink and Klank, Frank analyzes the key systems of the human body and decides to invent a BrainTurbo to boost her brain function and her overall power. But their rivals, T. Edison and Mr. Chimp, steal the BrainTurbo and Klank, who's delighted to feel human emotions thanks to the device. Edison finds a way to control other people's brains -- and it's up to Frank to try to stop him.
Is it any good?
Jon Scieszka celebrates science and the wonder of human existence in the third book of the smart, silly Frank Einstein series. This time he shows how the human body works via a goofy mind-control plot. Straightforward scientific illustrations by Brian Biggs (EllRay Jakes the Dragon Slayer!) distill complex ideas into easy-to-understand diagrams.
The cartoony plot of FRANK EINSTEIN AND THE BRAINTURBO certainly has some fun stretching the limits of scientific possibility -- such as a Brain Swirler to control other people's minds, and a chimpanzee with villainous aspirations -- but there's much to learn about brain waves, the senses, and human emotion. Simple writing, abundant illustrations, and a steady supply of jokes make this a very successful experiment. The six-part series already has covered matter and energy. Next up: life.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what separates humans from the high-tech creations that do so much of our thinking for us. What makes you distinct from artificial intelligence? What do you think the relationship between humans and technology will be like in the future?
How does Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo compare with the first two books in the series? Do you like that it asks questions that make you think?
Use Frank's methodical approach to improve something involving your own body -- your own pitching, perhaps, or another skill.
Book details
- Author: Jon Scieszka
- Illustrator: Brian Biggs
- Genre: Science
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Amulet Books
- Publication date: August 25, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 192
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
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