Operation Fireball: Fish Finelli, Book 2
By Darienne Stewart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Clever underdog sparkles in winning adventure.
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What's the Story?
Fish Finelli desperately wants to win the Captain Kid Classic boat race -- for bragging rights, sure, but also to finally put sneering Bryce Billings in his place. He's sure he can skillfully handle the Fireball, an old whaler he and his friends have been fixing up, but his best effort might not be enough to win against Bryce's powerful (and expensive) Viper. But Fish has some solid advantages: ingenuity, know-how, and helpful friends. But he's so focused on going head to head with his rival, he's startled to discover on race day that there's a dark horse in the running.
Is It Any Good?
OPERATION FIREBALL, the second book starring the engaging Fish Finelli, has a slightly old-fashioned style but feels fresh and fun. Fish is easy to relate to, the kind of kid anyone would want as a friend. Given so many books centered on tween boys who chafe at school, it's refreshing to have a protagonist who's capable, smart, and very likable: His tendency to delve into facts and explanations is never show-offy, and his friends enjoy him. The only sour note is the use of a pudgy boy who snacks constantly as an easy comic target.
Jason Beene's full-page grayscale artwork and illustrated sidebars will help win over readers reluctant to dive into text-heavy chapter books. The story's ending sets up the next installment: Fish vows to enter a reputed haunted house to prove his bravery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Fish tries repeatedly to help his rivals, including Bryce and the mysterious racer. Would you do the same?
There are lots of books about tween boys who don't like or do well in school. How is Fish Finelli different?
Do you find Bryce a sympathetic character? What about Clementine?
Book Details
- Author: E.S. Farber
- Illustrator: Jason Beene
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Adventures , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chronicle Books
- Publication date: April 1, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 176
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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