Like so many of us, 12-year-old Rob Burnside keeps all kinds of unwanted junk in his closet, including hundreds of unread books. He's surprised one morning when he hears knocking coming from inside. Suddenly the door pops open to reveal a small, strangely dressed man who appears to be two different people "smashed together." One half is greenish and grunting, while the other half babbles about candy and dances about. After a visit to the library, Rob deduces that this creature is made up of both Willy Wonka and Frankenstein, and dubs him "Wonkenstein." (It's probably no coincidence that Wonk seems inspired by books that have been living in Rob's closet.)
Hilarity and chaos ensue over the course of 16 short chapters featuring Skye's (the Leven Thumps series) own cartoon-like illustrations on every page. This excellent formula enhances some of the book's laugh-out-loud moments, including inopportune belching, embarrassing grown-ups and the antics of Rob's clueless friends. Keeping Wonk a secret proves to be a challenge. But when circumstances unfold to frame the town outcast for a crime he didn't commit, Rob finds the courage to tell the truth with Wonk's help in a comical and gratifying plot twist.
Filled with spot-on commentary and a wince-inducing supporting cast, middle grade guys won't be able to keep Wonkenstein to themselves. The story's ending promises more madcap adventures with another "Wonk." This pitch-perfect offering should appeal to reluctant readers, not to mention the legion Wimpy Kid fans. --Molly McLeod, middle school librarian.