mschlat's review against another edition
4.0
Yea! It's the latest installment of the graphic novel series most in need of a book stand to help read it! (It's a very floppy book.)
I really most be getting into this series, because I responded viscerally to the introduction of another male preteen. ("No! There are three boys and three girls! That's all!") As always, Allison mixes well the innocence and snarkiness of middle school youth, and it helps that the mystery in this volume is much more straightforward, putting a greater emphasis on characters. I do wish he would do more with the teachers, and his firetrucks are nothing more than boxes with wheels, but those are small quibbles compared to the humor in the book.
I really most be getting into this series, because I responded viscerally to the introduction of another male preteen. ("No! There are three boys and three girls! That's all!") As always, Allison mixes well the innocence and snarkiness of middle school youth, and it helps that the mystery in this volume is much more straightforward, putting a greater emphasis on characters. I do wish he would do more with the teachers, and his firetrucks are nothing more than boxes with wheels, but those are small quibbles compared to the humor in the book.
tabby2920's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pwbalto's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly, I would be perfectly happy reading nothing but Bad Machinery for the rest of my life. These books, half aimless British middle school banter and half ridiculous mystery, make me giggle out loud.
timbo001's review against another edition
5.0
John Allison's stories are clearly meant for children, but they are charming and slyly subversive in way that appeals to all ages.
literarystrawberry's review against another edition
4.0
Really more of a 3.5-- I enjoy these comics, and they are definitely entertaining, but I don't quite feel a LOVE LOVE LOVE EVERYONE MUST READ THESE kind of vibe. Still, a lot of fun. I'm not falling over myself to get the next book, but I'll definitely check it out whenever my library gets it.
also Sonny is my child
(Sonny: *casually makes flower crown for self*
Linton: "Sonny, take that off. Someone'll thump the dinner out of you."
Sonny: *totally ignores him and continues wearing flower crown*)
also Sonny is my child
(Sonny: *casually makes flower crown for self*
Linton: "Sonny, take that off. Someone'll thump the dinner out of you."
Sonny: *totally ignores him and continues wearing flower crown*)
rouver's review against another edition
4.0
Another fantastic case.
Also, Charlotte is BRUTAL and I LOVE IT.
Also, Charlotte is BRUTAL and I LOVE IT.
quietjenn's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite, thus far. In addition to being funny and weird, this one was genuinely sweet.