CREATURE FROM THE SEVENTH GRADE: BOY OR BEAST

Poor, nerdy Charlie Drinkwater finds his problems multiplying one sad day when he turns green and scales appear as he sits in class. Luckily, his best friends, Lucille and Sam, hide him and his affliction as they spirit him away from school. Author Bob Balaban narrates this "horror" story as Charlie faces parents, teachers, and classmates. All are well rendered by Balaban, but his best creation is Mr. Arkady, a teacher who looks and sounds like Bela Lugosi but who's sympathetic and helpful to Charlie. The story highlights how quickly and fleetingly Charlie's popularity changes—he's now accepted by the popular kids. Fortunately, he comes to his senses when his less popular friends help him yet again. Balaban imparts good lessons under a humorous guise. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2012]