 |
Twelve-year-old Mo and his two best friends consider themselves amateur detectives. They've solved a couple of little mysteries around the school, but that, paired with embarrassing videos of Mo as a child, dressed in a onesie and labeled "Muppet boy," doesn't help the friends' popularity. However, when a mysterious break-in closes their school, and the group tracks down hearing aid bandits who turn out to be extremely agile, chainsaw-wielding seniors, it becomes clear that something larger and more sinister is at play than a minor mystery. Still trying to avoid bullies and embarrassment, Mo and his friends soon find themselves tracking an evil scientist bent on world domination through the suffering of others. Not only that, but a secret branch of Homeland Security also becomes involved as Mo tries to figure out how to save not only his family and friends but also the entire world.
Bowler's outrageous adventure immediately shows how well he understands his target audience. There is a group of young boys, likely reluctant readers, with whom this book should really resonate. The writing is simple, clear, and concise, and it is evident that it has been well edited. Also, the pacing is quick, and the hijinks never let up from beginning to end. Although a plot centered on a conflict between nerds and bullies is typical of many books for this age group, the story will be relatable to many young people who are dealing with similar issues in their own lives. Bowler's Muppit Boy shenanigans should delight a large portion of the readers for whom he is writing.