brandinh's review against another edition
3.0
I read another review for Popular Clone that indicated the hard part would be getting kids (or adults) to get to the good part of this book. I'd have to say I agree. I actually expected to really enjoy this book as I love all things geeky or nerdy and as a school counselor I enjoy finding new books that portray bullying. Yet it took me a while to get through this one, and at times I was forcing myself to read it rather than enjoying the story. It's not that Popular Clone is bad, in fact it's quite good and I'm sure it will appeal to a great many students out there. It was simply very slow for about the first half of the book. I was mildly surpised by who the real villian turned out to be (and also a little disappointed). Fisher's inventions (as well as his parents') seemed ludicrous, but I'm sure child readers will enjoy them. This book doesn't really teach kids how to deal with bullies, but it does send the message that running away is not the answer. It also gives the smart kid time to shine which is something kids really need to see. Overall I'd say 'meh' describes how much I enjoyed this book on a personal level, it's definitely aimed at the kiddos. But I'd happily put a copy on the school bookshelf.
More...