5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Teacher's Grade: A-, July 25 2006
By N. Bilmes "bookaholic" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Curse of the Bologna Sandwich (Paperback)
I'm going into my 13th year teaching second grade, and I'm always on the lookout for new books that will appeal to my reluctant readers and get them excited to read. The Curse of the Bologna Sandwich is just that kind of book. With funny pictures, action-packed chapters, and lots of references to underwear and other silly things, the kids in my class will be fighting to get ahold of this book. If there were a Newbury Award given to books for drawing in new readers, this book would be a finalist.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Cure for Relunctant Readers!, Jun 6 2007
By K. L. Jones - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Curse of the Bologna Sandwich (Paperback)
I read to my 8-year-old son every night, and Melvin Beederman is the first character who has my child begging for more reading time. He loves these books! We've read the entire series now and enjoyed every minute - my child even wants to reread them all. If your son hates to read, or thinks most books are boring, you will be thrilled with the Melvin Beederman series. These books are funny, engaging and appealing to boys, but they are not crude. (Moms and dads will actually enjoy reading these books out loud.) Highly recommended for relunctant readers!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
New Superhero, July 8 2006
By Mel Odom - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Curse of the Bologna Sandwich (Hardcover)
Recently graduated from Superhero Academy, Melvin Beederman is assigned to Los Angeles by Headmaster Spinner. As an orphan who was left on the steps of the Academy, Melvin doesn't have a family to go home to -- or a house to live in. Since finding a headquarters to operate out of is one of the first things he's supposed to do according to the Superheroes' Code, he takes up residence in an abandoned tree house and goes out at once to fight crime. During that pursuit, he ends up getting his uniform dirty and has to take it to the cleaners. His cape gets mixed up with someone else's temporarily, but he ends up with a new partner to help him with his crime patrols. Unfortunately, he also ends up falling victim to the nefarious plans of the evil, all-around bad guy McNasty Brothers, who have learned Melvin's secret weakness from an unofficial Melvin Beederman website. Can Melvin overcome the bad guys? Will he save the day? Readers have to turn the pages to find out!
The Melvin Beederman series presents author Greg Trine's first books. Illustrator Rhode Montijo has also written and illustrated CLOUD BOY.
THE CURSE OF THE BOLOGNA sandwich sets up the Melvin Beederman series fabulously. From Melvin's humble background, the beliefs of the superhero school, to his superhero hideout, readers get to learn out this legend-in-the-making gets his start. The writing lends itself easily to reading aloud to youngers who may be reluctant readers, and funny enough that adults doing the reading may end up chuckling again and again at Melvin's actions and the author's witty commentary. The chapters are short and concise and provide plenty of stopping areas. However most readers won't want to stop, hooked on each development of the story.
This book is recommended to anyone who loves the idea of superheroes, and to parents who love to read fun books to their kids. Kids and parents who are looking for something slightly older than the Nate the Great books but just as fun will find the Melvin Beederman series a great experience.