Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo: Frank Einstein, Book 3
By Darienne Stewart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fun sequel serves up science with a splash of philosophy.
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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
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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