Scan barcode
sassmistress's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.75
This book is an action-packed neighborhood adventure with some lightweight moralism. The MC is 10-12 years old, which is probably the sweet spot for appreciating this book, but the range could certainly be widened. As an adult... It's alright. First impressions were a little boring and most characters are one-dimensional, but it picked up speed as the book went on, with lots of imaginative ideas and some dramatic reveals. Personally, I would DEFINITELY get this from the library, it's probably going to be loved by middle grade kids, and it's well-written with no major content concerns, but I wouldn't necessarily call it the cream of the crop that needs to be kept for my personal library.
It also has also super cute artwork that creates an animation when you flip the pages. That'll be a hit!
It also has also super cute artwork that creates an animation when you flip the pages. That'll be a hit!
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Blood, and Death of parent
- A professor has collected rare rodents with unusual properties. These are fantastical (like shrinking people or making them forget things), but aren't read as "magic" but rather more "sciencey". Talking animals abound.- Early in the book, the rat presents an argument that it's better to be "bad" and have respect than have everyone ignore you. Emmy releases the rat though she knows she shouldn't, and skips an after-school activity she shouldn't and wanders down an alley. Several implied lies.
- People are called stupid, moron, brainiac (sarcastically) and other creative insults along those lines. "Shut up" makes a few appearances. One casual use of "G-d only knows" from her mother in a "not herself" / "values are flipped" state. One "drat you" to the cat.
- One mention of "we used to go to church" and one "I shall pray for it", and after the happy ending the family goes to church again that weekend. Otherwise, generic moralism, vague talk about character / values / morals, and some vague talk about the importance of rooting out resentment.
- Strong themes against emotionally neglectful parenting and overscheduling children's lives.
- An man is infatuated with the nanny antagonist and is described as being "in loooooove". He does whatever she wants to "make her happy".
- There are a few challenging vocabulary additions that are flawlessly natural in context.
- Rats bite and draw blood
- The nanny is a total Bad Guy.